Welcome to Redefining Retirement—My Version of a Retirement Plan

Yep, this is my retirement plan.

Not a 401k. Not golf. Not waiting until I’m 65.

I’ve been self-employed since 2013, and while I don’t plan to stop anytime soon, I am building something that works for me—with or without me.

I want to stay sharp. Stay useful. Stay relevant.

This isn’t about quitting—it’s about building an offensive retirement portfolio. One that grows while you sleep, speaks to your purpose, and gives you freedom now, not decades from now.

Redefining Retirement is a weekly newsletter where I show fellow Gen Xers how to build the same kind of job-free, asset-based income streams I’ve built using email newsletters, freelancing, coaching, consulting, AI tools, and a bit of old-school latchkey attitude.

This is especially for peeps in their 40s or 50s who still want to make an impact—but also want more freedom, stability, and control.

I’ve tested the platforms. I’ve built the systems. I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to.

If you’re ready to stop depending on employers, start thinking like an entrepreneur, and build something that lasts—you’re in the right place. You In?

Who Is Redefining Retirement For?

Redefining Retirement is for Gen Xers who are:

• Too Young To Retire: You're not ready to quit working quite yet, but you're done with the corporate rat race.

• Too Experienced For BS: You're tired of watching less qualified people become your boss or take your job just because they're younger.

• Too Smart To Wait: You know there's a better way than grinding it out for the next 15-20 years hoping your 401k holds up.

Inside Redefining Retirement, I don't just give you theory. I'll show you exactly how I went from being that cubicle guy making $40K to pulling in $10K months doing stuff I actually care about. And the best part? You can do it too, using skills you already have.

Uh, Ok?! Who the hell are you?

I'm Corey Koehler (sounds like KAY-ler), and man, have I been where you are.

I'm a guy who:

• Got fed up as a mechanical draftsman watching my designs save the company thousands (while I got a measly raise and the old "pat on the back")

• Turned my frustration into a six-figure one-person business managing Googles Ads and Digital Marketing for clients in a crap ton of niches.

• Started making and marketing music in my late 30s (yeah, really - two albums and 100+ shows later)

• Built multiple income streams by just writing about stuff I actually cared about (from fantasy football to music to digital marketing)

Most importantly, I'm the guy who figured out how to turn decades of experience and stuff I love learning about into income without the typical entrepreneurship cringe (something I suffered through in my network marketing/MLM days). No fancy MBA needed, no complicated business plans - just taking what I already knew and adding some digital tools to make it work.

And now, with AI making everything faster and easier, the possibilities are even bigger.

Best Issues And Stories

Still not sure if Redefining Retirement is your thing? Here are some reader favorites that'll give you a taste of what we're about:

• Gen X: The Unexpected Winners of the AI Revolution: Everyone's freaking out about AI, but here's the thing - we're the original internet adapters. I show you how the OGs of internet adaptation are perfectly positioned to profit from artificial intelligence.

• How I Built a One-Person Business at 50 with Blogs and Newsletters: Starting with a couple of blogs about fantasy football and music, I'll show you how I went from a $40K desk job to running a one-person business I love (for over ten years now).

• Ageism in the Workplace: Why Gen X Needs to Choose Yourself: How Gen X could use digital skills to build their 'choose yourself' portfolio (instead of begging for jobs or promotions)

• Mindset Matters: The Simple Shift That Changed Everything: I used to think hard work was enough. Turns out, I was playing the wrong game. In this issue, I break down the mindset shift that took me from stuck in a cubicle to building a business that runs on my terms. If you're still waiting for permission to make your move—read this first.

• Gen X Retirement Crisis? How an AI Partnership Changes Everything: Traditional retirement plans are broken—and Gen X is caught in the middle. In this issue, I unpack why our generation needs a new strategy, how AI gives us a second wind, and the mindset shift that turns uncertainty into opportunity. It’s not just about money—it’s about staying relevant and in control.

And yeah, when you subscribe, you get access to every story, strategy, and AI shortcut in the archive. It's all there for you to dig into.

Redefining Retirement (My) Guarantee

Bottom line, I see a lot of 40 and 50-year-olds out there who are stuck in jobs they don’t like, getting passed up because of their age and looking for more out of life.

I was stuck in jobs I hated too. I am constantly trying different things to do make my work more meaningful and connect with people interested in doing the same.

Here's my promise:

• Weekly Value: Every Sunday, you get something you can actually use.

• Real Talk Only: No corporate buzzwords, no "hustle culture" cringe, just practical strategies that work (and if you hear any cringe, please call me out).

• Continuous Learning: As AI and digital tools evolve, I'm constantly testing what works (and what doesn't) and sharing it all with you.

• Complete Transparency: I share everything - the wins, the face-plants, and all the shortcuts I discover along the way.

Plus, you can always hit reply and let me know what specific challenges you're facing - I read and respond to every email.

I do not have all the answers, but what I do have and find, I will share with you.

Ready to join us?

OH and in the spirit of full disclosure…

I do have many affiliate links ($) and sponsored ads present throughout the site. Why? Because it would be stupid not to. And besides, why shouldn't we be able to earn a few bucks for our work/talent?

You can earn money through affiliate links too. Want to know how? just sign up, introduce yourself, and reply to the welcome email to let me know. I’ll show you.