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.
Hammortree Financial Services
145 S. Virginia Street • Crystal Lake, IL • 60014
Phone: 815-788-7420 • Fax: 815-788-7430
• ahammortree@hammortreefinancial.com

Links to other sites are for your convenience in locating related information and services.  This Agency, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) and Park Avenue Securities, LLC (PAS) do not maintain these other sites and have no control over the organizations that maintain the sites or the information, products or services these organizations provide.  Although this Agency, Guardian and PAS believe that the information from these organizations is reliable, we cannot guarantee its completeness or suitability for any purpose.  Accordingly, this Agency, Guardian and PAS expressly disclaim any responsibility for the content the accuracy of the information or the quality of products or services provided by the organizations that maintain these sites.  This Agency, Guardian and PAS do not recommend or endorse these organizations or their products or services in any way.

The information or opinions contained in this Internet site should not be constructed by any consumer and/or prospective client as an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any particular investment product.  The information contained herein is directed solely to those individuals who reside in jurisdictions in which the representative is registered in the state where the consumer and/or prospective client reside.  Any subsequent direct communication with a consumer and/or prospective client shall only be conducted by a representative that is registered in the state where the consumer and/or prospective client reside.

Annette Hammortree is insurance licensed and registered to offer products and services in: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

 Annette Hammortree is securities licensed in: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington,  Wisconsin, and Wyoming and is strictly intended for individuals residing in those states.  No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these specified states

Annette Hammortree is an IAR (Investment Advisor Representative) licensed in: Florida, Illinois,Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Wisconsin and is strictly intended for individuals residing in those states.  No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these specified states.

Annette Hammortree, Registered Representative & Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), 8010 Excelsior Dr, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53717 (608)828-9800. Securities products/services and advisory services offered through PAS a Registered Broker-Dealer and Investment Advisor.  Annette Hammortree, Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY.  PAS is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian.  Hammortree Financial Services is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.

Neither Park Avenue Securities, Guardian, nor their representatives render legal or tax advice.  Please consult with your attorney, accountant, and/or tax advisor for advice concerning your particular circumstances.

 PAS a member of FINRA,SIPC

www.finra.org

www.sipc.org