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5 Things to Consider Before Tying the Knot in Your Senior Years
While you may have never expected to tie the knot in your golden years, love is not something one can plan for. While you’re looking forward to starting a new chapter in your life, there are a few important conversations you should have with your spouse before tying the knot. While some topics may seem difficult to discuss, these conversations will help create a strong foundation for the relationship.
Talk About Finances
Discussing current and future financial plans is an important conversation you’ll need to have as a couple. Prominent factors to discuss include retirement plans, investment portfolios, current savings, etc. Here are some questions you should consider asking:
- How much debt do they have?
- What’s their credit score?
- How much do they earn, and what will be the combined income?
- What are their future investment plans?
Learning about the state of your combined finances will provide clarity regarding all-important future decisions. The next step will be to create a monthly budget including combined expenses and how these will be covered.
Be Open About Health
Whether it be minor problems or conditions for which you require regular treatment, speak openly about health with your spouse. Similarly, encourage them to share details about health conditions that you should be aware of. While this may be a difficult conversation to have, it’ll help understand your partner better and support each other in times of need. If required, you’ll need to consider home modifications for catering to health needs. As reported by Aging in Place, this can involve shifting the bedroom to the first floor, installing grab bars, etc.
Additionally, take into consideration the cost of any treatments needed and include it as part of your budget. As reported by the Economic Times, when it comes to health insurance, you can opt to continue on separate policies or buy a new one as a couple.
Decide Where You’ll Live
Buying a home as a senior couple presents various advantages. Using your combined resources, paying a down payment becomes affordable. Additionally, homeownership experience will make you a better candidate than first-time buyers. Before moving to a new city or town, consider factors such as cost of living, connectivity, medical facilities, and a lifestyle change. If you expect frequent visits from grandkids, it’s best to have a home with an extra bedroom and plenty of outdoor space.
However, if the plan is to move in with your spouse or vice versa it’s best to make it a gradual process to ensure that it is a viable option.
Plan for the Future
If retirement is on the way for one or both of you, now is the perfect time to create a new retirement plan, which can include:
Relocating to a new city or town. This will involve finding a new home, working with a realtor, and creating a timeline for moving.
Planning a vacation to travel domestically or internationally. The trip can include locations both of you want to visit.
Starting a business is a great option if both of you still have a desire to work. As partners, you’ll maintain greater control over income and spend more time together. When the business launch is close, using this infographic template will help create a buzz among consumers online.
Talk About Family
Have a conversation about family commitments such as taking care of grandchildren, frequent dinners, etc. If you’re used to living close to your family, talk about the possibility of continuing it in the future. This may involve your spouse having to leave their family home and making a big change. While some individuals are open to making such changes, others may find it hard to do so. Before making any commitments on either side, fully understand how your spouse feels about the situation, their responsibilities, and what they feel is the best option.
Once a consensus has been reached on these topics, you can divert your full attention toward the wedding and the amazing experiences that lie ahead.
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