On a recent trip to New York City, my son and I wandered through the vibrant streets of SoHo, eventually landing on the NYU campus. As we soaked in the sights of Washington Square Park amid the city’s hustle, my 13-year-old, with dreams of filmmaking and sound design, turned to me and said, “I might even end up here at NYU, Mom.” I looked at his lanky frame as he ducked in and out of trendy shops, and thought, “I have plenty of time to figure out how to pay for college.”
Curiosity got the better of me, and when I researched the cost of attending NYU, my jaw hit the floor. I quickly yanked my husband out of his TV trance and proclaimed, “Houston, we have a problem!” It dawned on me that I’d been blissfully ignorant of college expenses, and retirement was looming much closer than I’d realized.
We don’t have many years left to put off adulting! There are tuition bills to tackle, retirement celebrations to plan, and dream vacations to enjoy with fellow retirees who’ve saved up to tour Tuscany or visit the Blarney Stone. My fantasy of being a carefree beach bum, sipping margaritas without a care in the world, could be a reality sooner than I think.
So, I realized it’s time to devise a solid exit strategy because those margaritas won’t pour themselves. Thankfully, my husband has learned to handle my moments of panic and is more than willing to help me plan our financial future as he’s the serious one in our dynamic. Here’s what we’ve come up with so far:
1. Have an Open Dialogue About Retirement Goals
After the shock of college costs wore off, my husband and I engaged in a heart-to-heart about our retirement visions. Surprisingly, while our goals aligned on many fronts, they also had some differences. For instance, he envisions us working into our 70s (not necessarily in our current careers, but working nonetheless), while I dream of clocking out the day I turn 55. We realized we needed to bridge that gap, and having these conversations now will help us figure out how to make both our dreams a reality—so we can get those margaritas flowing sooner rather than later.
2. Assess Your Finances Honestly
With kids and a hectic work schedule, it’s easy to fall into the trap of convenience spending—dining out, dry cleaning, and other services that simplify life in the moment. But fast forward a decade, and you’ll wish you had funneled that money into your IRA or 401(k) plans instead. Reviewing your monthly spending habits can be a tough pill to swallow, but picture that dream beach house you’ve always wanted. Skipping a few dinners out and cutting back on cleaning services can yield significant returns, getting you beach-bound sooner.
3. Strengthen Your Relationship for Retirement
This might seem obvious, but as retirement approaches, you realize that the kids and daily distractions will no longer fill the background of your lives. Acknowledging that you both may have developed separate hobbies or haven’t spent enough quality time together can help you envision your relationship during those leisurely beach walks or world travels. Putting in the effort now means fewer surprises when it’s time to toast your newfound freedom.
4. Prioritize Estate Planning
Let’s face it, nobody enjoys discussing death, especially the thought of missing out on watching grandkids grow up. However, planning for the unexpected can help you regain control over your assets. Discussing who will care for your children or who inherits your cherished heirlooms doesn’t have to be set in stone; you can revise your plans as your family evolves.
Yes, college and retirement may still feel far off for many of us, but they’re approaching faster than we expect. When I think about how it feels like I’ve blinked and my kids are already heading to college, I know the next few years will zoom by just as quickly. On those chaotic days when the dog is barking, dinner is late, and a last-minute project pops up, it’s comforting to remember that I’m laying the groundwork now to enjoy those margaritas by the beach in retirement—because, darn it, I’ve earned it!
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Summary:
Retirement is approaching faster than many realize, especially alongside college expenses. To prepare, couples should communicate their retirement goals, honestly assess their finances, strengthen their relationship, and prioritize estate planning. Taking proactive steps now can lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement lifestyle.