# Retirement Questions for Spouses

> Ask your spouse these three questions before retiring.
- Title: Retirement Questions for Spouses · Kiplinger | Shortify
- Summary: Ask your spouse these three questions before retiring. Retirees should discuss financial decisions, household roles, and daily routines with their partners…
- Keywords: retirement, spouse, financial decisions, household roles, daily routines, retirement planning, Questions, Spouses, Kiplinger
- Source: Kiplinger — https://kiplinger.com/retirement/happy-retirement/ready-to-retire-ask-your-spouse-these-3-questions-first
- Published: 2026-10-03T12:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: retirement, spouse, financial decisions, household roles, daily routines, retirement planning
## Are you ready to make all our financial decisions as one?
Ask your partner if they are ready to make all financial decisions as one after retirement.

> If you're used to looking at things separately, now you have to look at them as one
## Are you ready for me to be around the house all the time?
Ask your partner if they are ready for you to be around the house all the time after retirement.

> From my perspective, it took him about two years to transition from work to this new 'house husband' life structure
## What does an average Tuesday in retirement look like?
Ask your partner what an average Tuesday in retirement looks like to plan daily routines.

> One of the things people don't think about is what happens on a random Tuesday
## Gray divorces are rising
Gray divorces (age 50 and over) account for close to 40% of all U.S. divorces.

> gray divorces (age 50 and over) are on the rise, accounting for close to 40% of all divorces in the U.S.
## Kyle Moore advises on retirement readiness
Kyle Moore, founder of Quarry Hill Advisors, says retirement readiness starts with 'am i ready' and 'is my spouse ready'.

> It should always start with 'am i ready,' and the follow-up question should be 'is my spouse ready'
## Ellen Kennedy and Kent Marcoux example
Ellen Kennedy and Kent Marcoux, married 26 years, have Kent as a 'house husband' after retirement.

> Ellen is still working full-time as an editor at Kiplinger, while Kent busies himself kayaking
## Retirement planning requires open dialogue
Retirement planning requires open dialogue to address financial, boredom, and personal space concerns.

> If it's financial, devise a strategy to shore up extra cash or commit to work an extra few months
## Retirement readiness is a shared process
Retirement readiness involves designing a next chapter for both partners, not just a retirement date.

> Remember, at the end of the day, you're not just planning your retirement date; you're designing a next chapter for both of you
## What happens next?
Continue open conversations about retirement readiness to ensure mutual satisfaction.
## Key takeaway

Retirees should discuss financial decisions, household roles, and daily routines with their partners to avoid conflicts.