Emily Flores
You’ve worked for decades, raised a family, built a business, and now the finish line is finally in sight. In seven years, you want to hang it up and enjoy freedom and the fun stuff you’ve been putting off.
But here’s the problem. You’ve played the long game with your money, while your spouse likes the finer things in life today. Now your retirement savings don’t look so secure, and it feels like all that hard work might not stretch as far as you hoped.
But there’s hope if you look at it this way:
You are two people bred in different money stories. Differences are inevitable, but make them work to your advantage. How? Begin by knowing everyone’s relationship with money.
Different Money Styles, One Household
The way you handle money often starts long before marriage—it begins with how you were raised. If you grew up hearing “save every penny,” you may feel safest building a cushion. If your spouse grew up in a household where money was spent as soon as it came in, they may value enjoying it while it lasts.
Those early lessons stick, and they shape whether you lean toward spending, saving, or playing it safe with investments. As retirement gets closer, those childhood money stories can clash in more obvious ways.
But here’s the bottom line: you and your spouse still share the same end goal—a retirement that feels steady and enjoyable. The challenge isn’t erasing your differences; it’s using them to find balance so both of you feel secure in the years ahead.
Give All Your Money Roles
Before you even assign where the money goes, who does what? Since one of you is the saver and the other the spender, each can take on a specific role. Perhaps the saver handles investments while the spender manages daily bills.
Then, as part of that system, create buckets for different needs—essentials, savings, future goals, and yes, fun money. Having a set amount for splurges means you both get freedom to enjoy little luxuries, but with rules and limits that keep retirement plans on track.
Why Sharing The Plan Matters
Now, here comes the disclaimer: Inasmuch as everyone has their role and the money is in buckets, communication on the nitty-gritty is a must. What does this mean?
It means you both agree on all the amounts and limits sent. For example, the spender can only splurge up to $200 on an item. Beyond that, even an extra dollar is to be discussed. Same to the saver, any savings or investment venture must be addressed and fully justified.
The Bigger Picture
Retirement planning is best experienced when you both find a rhythm that works for both of you. Different money habits can feel like obstacles, but they can also balance each other out if you’re willing to talk openly, share roles, and set clear rules together.
At the end of the day, the goal is stepping into retirement as a team, confident that your future is secure and your lifestyle reflects what matters to both of you.