For Better, For Worse: Communicating About Retirement

A recent survey suggests that many couples are not communicating clearly about retirement goals and strategies, even as they approach retirement age. The couples surveyed were at least 46 years old with a minimum annual household income of $75,000 or at least $100,000 in investable assets.1

Only 41% said they handle decisions on retirement savings and investments together, and 73% disagreed on whether they had a detailed strategy for retirement income. Many couples also disagreed on when they would retire and whether they would continue to work in retirement.2

In general, wives expressed less confidence than husbands about handling retirement-related financial decisions (see chart). This trend is of special concern considering that women often have longer life expectancies than men and may eventually have to make financial decisions on their own.3

Talk It Over

Recognizing and working through these kinds of issues could help prevent unpleasant outcomes. Even if you and your spouse communicate well about retirement, it may be helpful to discuss these basic topics:

  • When each of you plans to retire. Where you would like to live. What kind of lifestyle you envision.
  • Whether either or both of you plan to continue with some type of work.
  • How much income you expect when you retire, your expected sources of income, and your confidence in the amounts they could provide.
  • How well you both understand your investments. Whether you both know where official documents are located and have all necessary account information.

Preparing for retirement can be a major challenge. Making sure you and your other half are in agreement and working toward common goals may help you avoid wasted effort and lost opportunities.

1–3) financial-planning.com, June 29, 2011

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2012 Emerald Connect, Inc.
BPC Investment Services
160 South Jefferson Avenue • Cookeville, TN • 38501
Phone: 931-525-2415
• judy.freeman@lpl.com

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Bank of Putnam County and BPC Investment Services are not registered broker/dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial.    Investment Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. 

The investment products sold through LPL Financial are not insured Bank of Putnam County deposits and are not FDIC insured. These products are not obligations of the Bank of Putnam County and are not endorsed, recommended or guaranteed by Bank of Putnam County or any government agency. The value of the investment may fluctuate, the return on the investment is not guaranteed, and loss of principal is possible.
 
 

Important Consumer Information: 

This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a solicitation or offering of any security and;

1. Representatives of a broker-dealer("BD") or investment advisor("IA") may only conduct business in a state if the representatives and the BD or IA they represent (a)satisfy the qualification requirments of, and are approved to do business by, the state; or (b)are excluded or exempted from the state's licensure requirements.

 

 

2. Representatives of a BD or IA are deemed to conduct business in a state to the extent that they provide individualized responses to investor inquiries that involve (a)effecting, or attempting to effect, transactions in securities; or (b) rendering personalized investment advice for compensation.

Privacy Policy