Retirement is supposed to be the honeymoon of life a time when you get to sit back, relax and do all those things you never had the time for before. Sadly for many people the honeymoon quickly turns bad simply because they are not prepared. Retirement can be a big transition and most people need a little help to get them on their way which is where “Good Times - Canada's Magazine for Successful Retirement” comes in to play.

Though the magazine is not very big it is jam packed full of helpful information to guide you through all aspects of retirement, making your life much less stressful. The magazines monthly topics cover everything from money issues, health, vacation, gardening, hobbies, and even beauty and apparel!

Let's face it even though you count down the days until your retirement begins going from a working income to a retirement income can use some getting use to. “Good Times” magazine helps you through your dilemmas by letting you in on many money saving tips, ways to score free cash, how to control those credit cards, and even great ways to inexpensively shop for unique gifts during the holidays. Their writers are truly talented in being able to take complicated subjects and money matters that confuse the best of us and explaining it in a completely comprehensible way that even I understand.

I also like how they dedicate a section for vacations because in reality most retirees want to go out and relax not spend the money on a get away only to discover its just one big spring break party. This section of the magazine finds amazing destinations in Canada and outside our boarders that would suite all types of retiree’s whether you still enjoy a little adventure or would simply like to get a little quite time they really do cover it all.
The magazine also covers medical issues both new and ongoing, different treatments, home remedies and more. They even help you get more out of your doctors trips and give you the information and resources you need to help pay for those large prescription bills.

For those of you with a green thumb (or those of you willing to learn) there is a section in each issue that completely covers gardening, it has everything including decor, how to create your perfect garden, information on countless plants and flowers, and other great ideas related to that particular season.

Now I found this magazine for the most part pretty neutral throughout except for the fashion and beauty section. This is clearly directed at women, but is still a great addition as most other magazines like Canadian Living for example show apparel for younger women. This magazine however does an amazing job to take new and exciting and let’s not forget fashionable styles and make them into something that this age group would feel more comfortable in and still look amazing. In other words there are no mini skirts here!

Each issue also has great interviews with interesting and famous seniors that sure to get your attention such as Stompin' Tom and even William Shatner.

The only thing I did not like is how some of their ads are laid out; I find some of them blend too much in with the articles leaving some to believe that they are an article themselves.

All in all I give this magazine a thumbs up, it covers many of the areas that people new to retirement have trouble with as well as plenty more useful information that even people who have been retired for years will enjoy. This magazine's main audience is for the 50 and over retiree's but even those of you who have gone into early retirement will find something’s of use inside. In fact even I myself found myself stopping to read every other page and I am many years away from retirement.

You can subscribe online at the Good Times official websitefor around $24.78 for one full year (11 issues in total as they combine months July and August together) or pick one up at your local grocery or magazine store.