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What Happens When One Spouse Retires First?
September 21, 2021
Rarely do couples retire one the exact same day. One of you will probably cut ties with their career first, and you might be surprised at how much this one change affects your entire lifestyle. Everything from your budget to your daily routine will shift, and the two of you must be proactive about dealing with these changes. Here’s what you need to know.
Communicate.
As with any other relationship issue, communication is key. As you plan for your retirement, discuss related issues with your financial planner. Consulting a marriage counselor is a good idea too! They can help you communicate openly and address any concerns you might have.
Plan your budget.
Yes, one of you will lose a salary, but perhaps begin drawing Social Security and/or distributions from a retirement account. You might expect that certain expenses, such as the cost of commuting, will decrease. But consider the other side of things, too. What will the retired spouse do all day? Will the cost of entertainment, hobbies, or something else increase?
Establish clear boundaries.
The retired spouse might feel tempted to drop by the workplace of the working spouse quite often. This could amount to a happy surprise or even a romantic planned lunch. But for some couples, the blurred boundaries could become an aggravation. The retired spouse must make a plan for their days, and the two of you should communicate about the degree to which the working spouse needs space.
Consider the division of labor.
If both of you have been working for many years, you might assume that the retired spouse will take up more of the household chores. But we all know that assumptions can be dangerous in marriages! Make sure to discuss this expectation honestly.
Remember that change will happen, and be flexible.
The retired spouse might develop a more active social life or change in some way. The working spouse should remember that they, too, will experience their own changes when their own retirement date arrives.
Share activities.
Remember to continue sharing activities that you enjoy together, so that one of you doesn’t feel isolated. Schedule regular date nights.
Stay fluid.
Most couples need to make some adjustments as their retirement years progress. Continue to communicate openly, and meet regularly with us to discuss the financial side of things. If your budget or lifestyle changes, we can help you adjust your retirement plan.
As a business owner, safeguarding your enterprise against unforeseen events is crucial for long-term success. Life insurance offers several strategies to protect your business, ensure continuity, and provide financial stability during challenging times. Two primary methods are buy-sell agreements and key person insurance. Buy-Sell Agreements A buy-sell agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the procedure for transferring ownership if an owner departs due to death, disability, or retirement. Funding this agreement with life insurance ensures a smooth transition and financial security for the remaining owners and the departing owner's beneficiaries. Types of Buy-Sell Agreements Cross-Purchase Agreement: Each owner purchases a life insurance policy on the other owners. Upon an owner's death, the surviving owners use the policy proceeds to buy the deceased owner's share. This method is often suitable for businesses with a few owners. Entity Purchase Agreement: The business itself owns life insurance policies on each owner. If an owner passes away, the business uses the proceeds to buy back the deceased owner's share, redistributing it among the remaining owners. This approach is typically preferred for businesses with multiple owners. Key Person Insurance Key person insurance is a policy that a business takes out on essential employees whose loss could significantly impact operations. The business owns the policy, pays the premiums, and is the beneficiary. If a key person dies or becomes disabled, the policy proceeds can be used to: Cover the costs of finding and training a replacement. Offset lost revenue resulting from the key person's absence. Reassure clients, creditors, and investors of the business's stability. This strategy is vital for businesses where certain individuals are integral to success, such as top executives, lead developers, or primary sales personnel. Additional Strategies Beyond buy-sell agreements and key person insurance, consider these life insurance strategies: Collateral Assignment: Use a life insurance policy as collateral for business loans. In the event of the owner's death, the lender is paid from the policy proceeds, preventing financial strain on the business. Executive Bonus Plans: Provide key employees with life insurance policies as part of their compensation package. This not only offers them personal financial protection but also serves as an incentive for retention. Deferred Compensation Plans: Promise to pay key employees a certain amount at retirement, funded through life insurance policies. This ensures the business can meet its obligations without affecting cash flow. Implementing life insurance strategies is essential for business owners aiming to protect their enterprises from unforeseen events. Work with us to explore your life insurance options and we can help your business remain resilient and continue to thrive.
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If you outlive your term policy, the coverage ends, and no death benefit is paid to your beneficiaries. As you approach the end of your term, it's essential to evaluate your current financial situation and consider options to maintain life insurance coverage if needed. Options to Consider Annual Renewable Term: Some term policies offer an option to renew annually after the initial term expires. While this allows you to extend coverage without a medical exam, premiums typically increase each year based on your age, making it a potentially costly option over time. PROGRESSIVE.COM Policy Conversion: Term-to-Permanent Conversion: Many term policies include a conversion feature, allowing you to convert your term policy into a permanent life insurance policy, such as whole or universal life, without undergoing a medical examination. This option can provide lifelong coverage and build cash value, but premiums will be higher than those of the original term policy. NEWYORKLIFE.COM Purchasing a New Policy New Term Policy: Applying for a new term life insurance policy can be an option, especially if you're still in good health. However, premiums will be higher due to increased age, and you may need to undergo a medical exam. Permanent Life Insurance: Alternatively, you might consider purchasing a permanent life insurance policy, which provides lifelong coverage and accumulates cash value. This option is generally more expensive but offers additional benefits. Exploring Alternative Coverage: Final Expense Insurance: Designed to cover end-of-life expenses, such as funeral costs and medical bills, final expense insurance offers a smaller death benefit with more affordable premiums and may not require a medical exam. Guaranteed Universal Life Insurance: This type of policy provides coverage for a specified age (e.g., up to age 90 or 100) with lower premiums compared to whole life insurance, focusing primarily on the death benefit without significant cash value accumulation. Take Action Now As your term life insurance policy nears its expiration, assess your current financial needs and health status to determine the most suitable course of action. Consulting with an insurance professional can help you navigate your options and select the best solution to ensure continued financial protection for your loved ones.
