Retirement as a Couple: Two People, One Strategy

Retirement as a Couple: Two People, One Strategy

Planning for retirement is one of the most important things to do and making sure you and your spouse are on the same page with your retirement plan is crucial. Couples who began saving and investing for retirement before their partner came into the picture are often faced with merging two individual plans for retirement, with different objectives, into one.

Recent data shows that sexes are not exactly aligned on their retirement views. For example, 66 percent of affluent women are concerned about their retirement assets lasting throughout their lifetime, compared with 54 percent of men. Women are also more concerned about the future of Social Security benefits than men (76% women; 59% men), and about their financial security if tasked with caring for an aging parent (37% women; 25% men).[1]

Early planning for your retirement together will ease the challenge. Here are some key issues to consider:

1. When will we retire?The longer you both work, the more you may save and the fewer years you’ll be living off retirement savings. Ask, “Can we afford a longer retirement?”
2. How will we spend our days? Decisions about travel, family time, volunteer work, and other retirement pursuits are as individual as the couples who make them. Different choices carry different price tags. Having at least an outline of your retirement activities together will help.
3. Where will we live?Your choice of where to live could have a major impact on your retirement finances. Downsizing to a condominium could free up cash to bolster your savings or reduce outlays for property taxes and upkeep.
4. Whose investment style will we follow?While working, you both may have managed your own 401(k)s and IRAs in line with your own risk tolerances and investment preferences. That doesn’t have to change as you move into retirement, but consider working with a financial professional to help coordinate an overall portfolio that serves your mutual goals.
5. Leave assets to the kids or to charity?This question may inspire passionate conversation. How will your estate be divided and settled? Look into options to balance both of your wishes, such as creating a family trust, a family foundation, or establishing a Health and Education Trust.

Start the conversation early to determine what your retirement goals are as individuals and how you plan to retire together.

For more information, contact The Menashe Morley Group in the Rancho Santa Fe office at 858-381-8113.

The Menashe Morley Group, serving the community for over 30 years: David Menashe is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor, and Bruce Morley is a First Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor and John Naviaux is a Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.

The investments or strategies presented do not take into account the investment objectives or financial needs of particular investors. It is important that you consider this information in the context of your personal risk tolerance and investment goals. .Always consult with your independent attorney, tax advisor, investment manager, and insurance agent for final recommendations and before changing or implementing any financial, tax, or estate planning strategy.

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[1] Merrill Lynch Affluent Insights Survey