Welcome to I Just Retired…Now What?, a space dedicated to navigating the emotional and personal journey of retirement.
This blog was the heart and soul of our founder, Janice Sanders, whose passion for helping others through this life transition continues to inspire us every day.
Janice launched I Just Retired…Now What? after a remarkable 35-year career in the financial industry. She dedicated herself to helping others prepare for retirement, not just financially, but emotionally and mentally as well. Having gone through her own journey of transitioning to retirement, Janice understood that this major life change can be daunting.
Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Janice moved to the New York area after marrying her husband, Tom. Over the course of 37 years together, they raised two children and spent countless happy days with their beloved golden retrievers at their summer home in Cape May, New Jersey.
Janice was so much more than her career accomplishments—she was a devoted wife, mother, and community volunteer. Her love for learning led her to volunteer with organizations like iMentor and to serve on the board of trustees for her alma mater, the University of Mount Union.
Sadly, Janice passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024, after a courageous 3-year battle with ALS. While we all feel the deep loss of her presence, her spirit lives on through this website and the community she built and loved so much.
In the final years of her life, we (Vickie Velasquez and Larissa Galenes) worked closely with Janice to ensure that I Just Retired…Now What? would continue to thrive. Even as her illness progressed, Janice’s passion for this project never waned. She remained deeply committed to her readers and wanted to keep supporting those navigating the uncertainties of retirement.
At Janice’s request, we are honored to continue her work and carry on her vision. We are dedicated to maintaining this blog as a place of guidance, inspiration, and community for retirees and those approaching this new chapter in life.
SEO Copywriter
I had the honor of working with Janice for about three years, and her unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on me.
Before transitioning into entrepreneurship, I spent 20 years as a Project Office Manager for a top mutual fund company. Today, I co-own First to Final Digital Marketing. My areas of expertise include SEO, copywriting, and podcast hosting.
Additionally, I work as an intuitive coach, helping clients align with their true purpose. Janice’s mission of helping others adjust to retirement deeply resonated with me, and I am committed to continuing her legacy.
Copyeditor
My journey to I Just Retired…Now What? began in a rather unconventional way—I began my career as an archaeologist. However, my passion for writing and editing eventually led me to co-found First to Final Digital Marketing.
I serve as copy editor-in-chief and also freelance as an editor in both academic and business settings. Like Vickie, I was deeply inspired by Janice’s resilience and her dedication to this community. I am proud to help carry forward the work that meant so much to her.
Thank you for being a part of the community that meant so much to Janice. Through this blog, we will continue to honor her vision, share her wisdom, and support each other as we navigate the many questions that arise in retirement.
Together, we are stronger as we tackle the question Janice always asked: “Now what?”