Many longtime users of older versions of Act CRM hesitate to upgrade because they’re nearing retirement and don’t want to commit to a subscription-based system. However, Tony Holowitz explains why the newer cloud-based Act Premium Cloud version is actually ideal for part-time or semi-retired professionals who want to stay lightly engaged or preserve the value of their business data.
Older versions of Act were one-time purchases that didn’t require updates. In contrast, Act is now a subscription-based platform with three options: Cloud ($360/year), Desktop (~$470/year), and a full-featured tier for more robust use. Although the subscription might seem unnecessary to someone retiring, it offers important conveniences and possibilities for maintaining access to your business history and potentially generating ongoing income.
One key concern for retiring users is data retention. When a subscription ends, you lose access to Act unless you’ve taken steps to export your information. Fortunately, Act allows you to export all field data—including custom fields—to Excel. However, detailed records like notes, histories, and activities can’t be exported in that same format. The workaround is to generate a comprehensive report for all contacts that includes this underlying information, then save that report as a searchable PDF.
Tony encourages users to consider the potential value of their Act data. If you’ve spent years building a contact-rich CRM, there may be business value in selling that information. The Act Premium Cloud subscription can be transitioned to a new owner by transferring billing and access, turning your data into a saleable asset.
For those who wish to stay active in retirement but with a lighter schedule, Act’s built-in email marketing tools offer a low-effort way to stay in touch with clients. Even a monthly reminder email can maintain customer relationships and generate occasional sales. Email campaigns can be scheduled to go out automatically each month, so users don’t have to lift a finger once setup is complete.
The Act Premium Cloud platform also includes an online calendar tool that can be used to let others book appointments based on your availability. This is ideal for those who want to scale back but remain open to limited client interaction without the hassle of daily scheduling.
Ultimately, Tony emphasizes that Act CRM can be a flexible, lightweight tool for semi-retirement—helping users stay productive, preserve their business legacy, or even transition ownership of their data. With the cloud version, Act follows you anywhere, requiring only a web browser. It’s a different way of thinking about retirement—not as an end, but as a chance to reframe how you work.
**Key Points:**
- (01:13) Act Premium Cloud is a low-cost, subscription-based CRM option ideal for part-time or semi-retired professionals at $360/year.
- (02:03) Contact data can be exported to Excel, and deeper information like notes and history can be saved as searchable PDF reports.
- (04:54) Built-in email marketing and scheduling tools make it easy to automate outreach and maintain a flexible, low-effort work schedule in retirement.