Retirement for One

For many couples, retirement  is a package deal, with both individuals leaving workday responsibilities behind. But there are those couples who find themselves at a crossroads when one is ready to retire, and the other wants to continue working.

As the first big generation of women who made careers outside the home reaches retirement age, many women don’t want to quit just yet. Some might have postponed beginning work until their children were grown; others are simply happiest when they have somewhere to go everyday (the same can probably be said of men on that front.)

While it may sound like a good deal to have one of you remain in the workforce to keep the nest egg flush with money, consider the fact that one of you will be on your own all day, and that the “balance of power” at home may shift. Someone who’s been working for 40 years may not realize their new responsibility to get dinner on the table and take care of the household. Make sure you communicate fully with your partner what your expectations are for this new stage of life so that your relationship remains strong! [New York Times]