Dear Eric: I’m a man in my 60s who has spent decades juggling multiple physically demanding jobs.late last year, I received a substantial family inheritance, which has finally allowed me to retire and focus on my health—managing arthritis and preparing for joint replacements.
My wife, who I married eight months ago, is full of energy and has never worked a paid job. She envisions our retirement as an “active seniors” lifestyle, inspired by those vibrant couples in AARP ads—mountain climbing, volunteering, marathons, and even kite-skiing.
My ideal day is much simpler: a two-mile walk or a 10-mile bike ride, swimming laps at the YMCA, a nap, and then indulging in reading, writing, and catching up on all the movies and TV shows I missed during my 70-hour workweeks.
What should I do?
– Peaceful Retirement
dear Retirement: Congratulations on reaching this milestone.On the surface, it truly seems you can both have what you want. In an active retirement community,your wife could pursue her adventurous dreams while you enjoy a quiet day wiht a book.
However, the timing of your inheritance and the relatively new marriage raises questions. Is this a difference in retirement goals, or does it hint at deeper financial misalignment?
The inheritance represents the fruits of your lifelong labor—a chance to fulfill dreams that once seemed out of reach.Ignoring those dreams could lead to disappointment or resentment.
Have an open conversation with your wife about your financial values. Do you share the same dreams for retirement? Do you view money similarly? What’s her plan for financial stability? If the inheritance is the primary resource, does that align with your expectations?
Building a strong financial foundation will not onyl help you make the best retirement decision but also strengthen the long-term health of your marriage.
Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.
