When you’re part of a couple heading toward retirement there are the individual dreams and the together dreams to be sorted. Couples counsellor Paul Bogacs talks about the kinds of negotiations needed to help make good decisions.
In the pre- and post-retirement years, remarriage can be complicated as it deals not only with developing a new relationship but also with the expectations any adult children may have. This is the third and final of a three-part series looking at issues couples may face approaching retirement from an interview with family therapist and author of Searching for Intimacy in Marriage, Dr Bryan Craig.
Here’s the scene. We’re almost eavesdropping on a therapy session with marriage therapist and author of Searching for Intimacy in Marriage, Dr Bryan Craig. This is the second of a three-part series looking at issues couples may face when approaching retirement. Hopefully, this ‘session’ is helpful for those who are contemplating divorce.
One of the problems couples often face on approaching retirement is the lack of thought they give to how it can impact on their relationship. And this may cause serious issues in the relationship, says marriage therapist and author of Searching for Intimacy in Marriage, Dr Bryan Craig.
‘I am convinced that marital counselling is an important part of the investment that people can make to get the most out of retirement.’ This comes from Michael Finke in a paper he wrote concerning finances. That’s probably why the word ‘investing’ is used.
We applaud couples who stay married for 40 and 50 and more years, but very few marriages fulfil the fairy-tale dream they may have started out with. Couples counsellor Paul Bogacs talks about complications that can come as couples age.
Transitioning into retirement isn’t always easy and for couples it can be even harder. Couples counsellor Paul Bogacs talks about how couples can best work through the issues they may face. As you’ll discover, working together can make a big difference.
I retired more than four years ago. I was well-prepared (having completed the first draft of my book, Retirement Ready? helped). But there were still surprises and issues to address.
Being part of a couple adds complexity to retirement planning. And this complexity needs to be worked through. I was reminded of that recently when John and Beverley were in my office for their regular review.
Almost a quarter of Australians are forced to retire. There are three main reasons: loss of work, and not being able to find another job; personal health issues; or becoming a personal carer—usually for a family member. So, if this is you, what can you do? Here are 5 strategies that will help you take charge of your situation.