Here are some questions related to retirement that if discussed now, before retirement, will minimize surprises (and begin the collaborative process to a successful outcome if you have a partner):
• When will you retire?
• Where will you retire to, if you move? (Where Will You Retire?: A Retirement Guide And Exercises For Deciding Where To Retire, Buy A Second Home, Or Relocate* will help you answer that question)
• How would you make adjustments to having less income each month?
• How do you value money, and how does this affect your relationship?
• What amenities and services are on your “must-have” list?
• What will give you and your retirement lifestyle purpose?
• Will you pursue a new career, go back to school, volunteer or travel in retirement?
• What are your retirement dreams and are they compatible with your partner’s?
• What new things would you like to experience?
• How much time do you want for solo activities and personal growth? For joint activities?
• How will you navigate your relationships with friends and family as you strive to stay connected yet maintain your autonomy during this transition?
• How will your roles change in the relationship when one or both of you are no longer working?
• What are your plans if one of you becomes ill, and the other partner is still working or unable to take care of you?
• Who will you entrust with power of attorney and medical decisions for each of you?
• What is the legacy that each if you would like to leave your families, both individually and as a couple?
Remember that change in life and in relationships is inevitable. We cannot avoid change but we can protect the integrity of relationships as we move forward in planning this next life stage. Having these important conversations now will hopefully ensure that you’ll make the very best of your life for the rest of your life.
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