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Couples often imagine retirement as a shared adventure — two people clocking out together, packing their bags, and heading off on a campervan trip around the country. But for many Kiwis, the reality looks a little different.
Maybe one of you is ready to leave work while the other wants to keep going. Or perhaps a health issue, redundancy, or simply the timing of superannuation eligibility puts you on different tracks. Whatever the reason, it turns out retiring at different times is far more common than we think. And the sudden change in dynamics can put unexpected stress on even the most solid relationships.
So, what can you expect if one of you is hanging up the boots while the other’s still in the 9-to-5? Here’s an article from Lifetime Incom on how to navigate this new season of life with less tension and more understanding.
You can read the original article here: Retiring at different times? Here's how to make it work Or you can read the article published in full below and tell us what you think in the comments section.
1. Give each other (and yourself) time to adjust
One of the trickiest parts of retiring solo is figuring out what your day looks like without work in the mix. It might sound blissful at first — slow mornings, gardening, lunch with friends — but it can also feel unsettling, especially when your partner is still clocking in.
You might find yourself tackling odd jobs around the house with military precision, or rearranging the linen cupboard just for something to do. Meanwhile, your partner might come home after a long day and wonder why the dog’s had two walks and the pantry’s been alphabetised.
The key? Expect some bumps, and talk — a lot. Your roles and routines are shifting, and that can stir up unspoken expectations. Will the retired partner take over more household chores? Will the working partner be home earlier now? There’s no right answer, but having these chats early on can save a lot of tension.
2. Rethink your finances together
Let’s be real: when one income stops, the household budget feels it. Power, groceries, rates — those bills don’t shrink just because one person retires. In fact, spending can increase at first, with one of you suddenly free to catch up with friends, take short trips, or pick up a new hobby.
Start by sitting down together and taking a good look at your cash flow. What’s coming in? What’s going out? What needs trimming — and what’s non-negotiable?
If you’ve got savings, it might be time to turn them into income. That’s where products like Lifetime Income come in — it’s a drawdown fund designed specifically to turn your retirement savings into regular fortnightly payments, so you’re not constantly guessing how much you can afford to spend.
In short, there are practical ways to bridge the income gap without eating into your retirement cushion too fast.
3. Find new purpose and connection
Without the structure and social side of work, it’s easy to feel a little adrift — and that can put pressure on your other half. When one person is desperate for a chat and the other just wants to flop on the couch, things can get snippy.
That’s why it’s so important to find activities, causes, or groups that give your day meaning. Whether it’s volunteering, taking up a creative hobby, joining a local club, or getting involved in community work — having something that’s yours can make all the difference.
It also gives your partner some breathing room (and a break from being your sole source of entertainment!).
4. Make Time for Each Other, Too
While it’s important to carve out your own space and identity in retirement, don’t forget what brought you here together in the first place. This new phase is a great chance to reconnect — even if one of you is still working.
Plan weekend adventures. Take a midweek lunch date when schedules allow. If the younger partner is still working, maybe they could reduce their hours or take a few extra holidays while you’re both healthy and energetic — the so-called "go-go" years won’t last forever.
Even small things like watching a favourite show together or heading to the supermarket on Saturday mornings can help you feel more in sync.
Final Thoughts
Retiring at different times isn’t always easy — but it just takes a bit of planning, a lot of communication, and the willingness to adjust as you go.
Whether it’s sorting your finances, redefining your roles, or simply figuring out how to enjoy your mornings while your partner is in work mode, the transition can be smoother than you think.
At the end of the day, retirement isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey — and that’s perfectly OK.
This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.
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