By: Lucille Rosetti (l_rosetti@thebereaved.org)

Many couples have separate bank accounts, with a shared or communal account to pay household needs and expenses. Both may contribute equally to the account, but still maintain individual checking and saving accounts. With a second marriage or both working outside the home, an arrangement like this is common. But when it comes to retirement, how does having separate accounts affect your retirement?

A new study funded by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that women spend less of their lives married. Looking at households from the Depression Era to Mid Baby Boomers, the study found the percentage of years women spend married has dropped from 70% to 50%. Three factors contributed to this drop.

A mistake many inexperienced sailors make is not having a plan at all. They embark without a clear sense of their destination. And once they do decide, they often find themselves lost at sea in the wrong boat with inadequate provisions.

Kim Curtis, CEO of Wealth Legacy Institute was interviewed on Cruisin’ KEZW 1430 AM for No Copay Radio by legendary radio host, Murphy Huston, and Jayla Sanchez-Warren, representing Denver Regional Council on Governments (DRCOG). Curtis discussed retirement planning concerns and health care issues that exist today.

There are a lot of factors to consider in determining where to retire. It can be exciting and overwhelming. Luckily, WalletHub compared all 50 states on 41 different qualities they felt related to “retirement-friendliness”. The analysis considered factors like affordability, health-related factors and overall quality of life.

Kim Curtis, the CEO of Wealth Legacy Institute participated in a radio interview about the benefits of AARP and how to retire with a better sense of security.

According to new research by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, US households are claiming their Social Security much later than they did ten years ago. In 1995-1999 over 50% of eligible 62-year-olds claimed Social Security as soon as they could. Ten years later, less than one third did.

You will spend over 50% of your life working. Which is why we get anxious when retirement finally comes around, excited to finally start living on our terms. You may be looking forward to the extra time with your family and spouse. While retiring at the same time as your spouse may seem appealing, it’s important to consider what makes the most sense financially and emotionally.

Every New Year is an opportunity to start fresh. Here are 12 steps you can take throughout the year to help ensure a prosperous year.