Written by Alessandra Malito for MarketWatch
Last Updated: Feb. 10, 2022 at 10:54 a.m. ET
First Published: Feb. 8, 2022 at 1:26 p.m. ET
Try these conversation starters to light the spark
Retirement planning may not sound like the most romantic topic to discuss at the table on Valentine’s Day, but it can be.
Retirement Tip of the Week: Make a plan to talk about money – financial goals, monetary obligations, future hopes and dreams – with your partner, and listen to what the other person has to say.
Communication is key in all relationships, especially when it comes to money since it can be the main source of tension. This topic deserves more than one conversation (as it should) and plans will probably change through the years depending on how far away you are from retirement. Still, sharing thoughts and hopes about how you spend and save your money until retirement, and in retirement, will make a huge difference in the long run.
Remember to be open to your partner’s ideas as well, and understand you may not be on the same page initially. As with many aspects of a relationship, there will most likely need to be some compromise.
Not sure what to talk about, or how to start the conversation? Try these questions.
- What do you want to do in retirement?
- Do you envision your plans changing – such as traveling for the first few years and then settling down in a new town after?
- Where do I fit intothe goals you have for retirement? Do you expect us to do all of the same activities together? Couples may find they want to do different things in retirement, such as one volunteering and another taking a break on the beach. Just like in the preretirement days, it’s healthy to have separate interests.
- When do you think we should retire? Will we retire at the same time?
- Where do you want to live in retirement?
- If we move away from family, how often do you think we’ll visit our children or grandchildren?
- How much money do you think we need for retirement, and do you think we’re on track?
- If we’re not on track, is there anything we can do now to save more?
- How do you feel about working part time in retirement?
- Can we sit down and strategize one day about when we’ll both claim Social Security to maximize our benefits?
- What kind of healthcaredo you think we’ll need in retirement? Are we properly insured or saving for that care? And will we need some sort of private insurance if we retire before Medicare eligibility at 65?
- Do we expect anyone to take care of us, physically or financially?
- If we don’t have a financial adviser, do you think we should try working with one?
If you have questions or comments, and we can help, don’t hesitate to reach out! That’s why we’re here.
Invest Well. Manage Well. Live Well.
Gary is a Financial Associate at Gleba & Associates, Inc., joining our team in June 2020. After graduating from Walsh College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance in 2013, he began his career at Raymond James Financial Services. He then moved to the world of banking, working as a banker with Chase Private Client and then as an Assistant Vice President, Financial Advisor with PNC Investments. Gary has expertise in all aspects of financial planning including investment management, higher education planning, life insurance, and long-term care insurance needs analysis. When he gets away from the office, he loves to spend time with his wife, Lauren, and two daughters, Hadley and Harper. He enjoys woodworking, boating, summer weekends at the family cottage, spending time outdoors and traveling.
Conor is a Financial Associate at Gleba & Associates, Inc., where he started in 2018. Conor has prior experience in the financial planning industry, as well as in the insurance industry. His high level of understanding insurance and financial products helps him in assessing the needs of our clients. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Detroit Mercy. You can often find Conor playing soccer or walking with his two dogs Milo, and Ellie. He is also an avid follower of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and his alma mater, the University of Detroit Mercy Titans.
Lorie Heitzer is our Financial Associate at Gleba & Associates, Inc., where she has been a valuable employee for more than a decade! In her current role, Lorie assists with client reviews, implements client financial planning, and handles preparation of investment paperwork. During her time with Gleba & Associates, Lorie has earned her Series 6 (Investment Company Variable Contracts Representative), 63 (Uniform Securities Agent) and Life Insurance Licenses, allowing her to move into her current role where she assists clients in both of these areas. Lorie and her husband Bill, along with their daughters Lauren and Alexandria, and sons-in-law, Andrew & Joe, enjoy golf and make it a family event whenever possible. Her tenure at Gleba & Associates speaks volumes to her passion for the firm’s family atmosphere and her dedication to our clients and their financial and insurance needs.
Terri is the Service Manager at Gleba & Associates, Inc., Joining the team in April, 2015. In her role, she handles client service requests and underwriting. Terri’s previous experience in 401(k) Retirement Plans, Payroll and Human Resource Administration is invaluable, allowing Gleba & Associates to grow and run efficiently. This is knowledge that can also assist our small business clients as they grow their businesses. Terri enjoys spending time with family, which includes her husband, Gerry and her two children, Vincent and Genna. She loves the outdoors and camping with family in their RV. Terri looks forward to continuing the high level of customer service you have come to expect from Gleba & Associates!
Michael is the Marketing Manager at Gleba & Associates, Inc., where he began in August 2017. In his position, Michael creates and develops marketing strategies to enhance the image of Gleba & Associates, and helps maximize the Client-Advisor relationship. He is also in charge of company events, seminars, and educational workshops. Michael has a Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree in Integrative Public Relations from Central Michigan University. When he is not in the office, Michael can most likely be found playing billiards, playing poker, on the tennis court, or rooting on the Utica Unicorns baseball team. Michael stays active by going to the gym and going to the dog park with his Labrador-mix, Milton. His approachable attitude, along with experience in marketing, communications, and social media, makes him a valuable asset to the Gleba & Associates team.
Moiz is our Financial Associate at Gleba & Associates, Inc., where he began in 2013 after working for Bank of America and Thomson Reuters in various financial roles. In his position, Moiz assists in the research of financial solutions in order to meet client’s needs, conducts client reviews, provides insurance quotes, offers detailed financial plans, and delivers follow-up services to our clients. Before moving to the United States in 2004, Moiz grew up in rural India, where he was raised in a family of entrepreneurs. This allowed him to quickly learn the value of financial investment. Moiz holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Accounting from Gujrat University and a B.B.A. in Management and an MBA from Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration, where he was elected as a member of Delta Mu Delta, the International Honor Society in Business Administration in recognition of high scholastic attainment. Moiz enjoys spending time with his wife, Tasneem, son, Taha, and family. He also loves playing tennis and rebuilding computers. His expertise in the areas of banking, mortgage and taxation helps to provide our clients with distinct portfolio advice as well as overall financial direction and growth.