Before you retire, what does your family think?

How to navigate different expectations for retirement

You’re starting to think it’s time to retire and launch your next adventure. To celebrate, you’re buying a sailboat — one the whole family can enjoy on weekends and vacations. They’ll love it, right?

In reality, your family members (i.e. your grown children) might have different ideas about both your retirement and their free time. And until you communicate your plans with them, you’ll likely end up adjusting your expectations.

You might be thinking: Shouldn’t I do what I want to do? Since it’s my retirement, why consult my children about it?

The fact is, when your plans could affect their lives and time, it’s important to share with them what you’re thinking. Your adult children might have a different idea about how they want to spend their free time — which is in short supply.

 

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