How to Navigate a New Marriage in Your Golden Years

Getting married in your golden years is exciting, but it can pose some challenges when you and your significant other need to build a life together after having separate lives for many decades. Presented by Webster & Co. Moving Services, use these five tips to make the adjustment to married life easier and enjoy your time with your new spouse.

 

Decide Where To Live

Deciding where to build your lives together is often one of the most stressful aspects of a new marriage. This is even more true when you both already have established homes. You must decide whether to sell one house and move into the other together or buy a home that is new for both of you. If you’re planning to sell, work with a realtor, price your home competitively, and stage it for buyers. On the buying end, you’ll want to see how hot the housing market is where you plan to move, and research current rates for loans. For example, 15 year fixed mortgage rates today range from 4.75 to 5.625 percent.

 

It may help to anticipate future challenges that may affect the type of home you need. For example, if you already have arthritis in your knees, you may prefer to have a house with no stairs.

 

Make a Financial Plan

Most married couples elect to combine finances, and after decades of living apart, discussing your financial situation is vital for retirees who are newly married. Be honest about how much debt you both brought into the marriage and make a plan to pay it off. Pay the maximum amount you can afford on credit cards or medical bills until you are debt-free.

 

Because retirees often live on a limited income, TIAA notes that it’s also a good idea to put money in savings each month to pay for medical expenses and long-term care should the need arise. This habit gives you a cushion so that you aren't stressed about finances while making important choices about your health.

 

Understand Family Dynamics

Learning how to juggle time with each of your families can be challenging. It's best to discuss where you will spend holidays and how you will uphold traditions while trying to spend equal time with both sides of your family. If you make a plan before the holidays arrive, you can both focus on enjoying time with family rather than arguing about where to go or worrying about leaving someone out of the celebration.

 

Spend Time Together

Spending quality time together is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy relationship. Retired couples can strengthen their relationships by taking up new hobbies or starting businesses together. Launching a startup as a senior gives you the opportunity to boost your monthly income while showcasing your skills and interests. One study cited on BerniePortal states that 2.5% of retirees go back to work in traditional job roles to make ends meet, but you have options if you want to make money and still enjoy your golden years.

 

Starting your own business gives you the freedom to set your own schedule, so you have plenty of time to engage in other activities you enjoy. However, if you select a business venture that you truly enjoy, you and your new spouse can be successful without feeling like you have to work. Avoid starting a business just for the sake of making money because it may start to cause problems with your marriage if you are too invested in your startup.

 

Update Important Information

Whenever there is a change in your marital status, you must update all of your important information. If your name has changed, you'll need a new driver's license and social security card. You'll need to update your will, insurance, and tax paperwork regardless of whether your name has changed.

 

Retirees can enjoy new marriages as much as people in any other age group. Use these tips – from deciding where to live and squaring away your financial situation to understanding how family comes in – to navigate your marriage.

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Special thanks to Michael Longsdon @ info@elderfreedom.net for this amazing piece for our blog!