Featured Post from Retire with Equity

The Retirement Games

From Sprint to Marathon, The New Retirement Reality.

May 22, 2025

9 min

Sue Pimento

Have you ever dreamed of being an Olympic athlete? Perhaps you have wondered what it would feel like to stand on that podium in front of the world as your national anthem plays. For most Olympic athletes, the journey begins very early in life. But imagine what it would be like if you started training for this event in your 60s? Read on if you want an edge to discover how to win the Retirement Games and still pass the drug test (let’s face it, peeing is not an issue for many at that age)! Here is your chance to get on the podium at the most crucial game of your life.


On Your Marks, Get Set, Ready, Go!


Retirement was more like a coffee break five decades ago—brief, predictable, and over before your muffin cooled. In 1975, the average Canadian could expect to live about 73.53 years. Fast forward to 2025; we're clocking in at nearly 83.26 years. Even juicier? The lastest research shows half of today's 20-year-olds in Canada are expected to live past 90. 


That’s why we need to think of retirement these days, not as a sprint; instead, it’s an ultramarathon with hills, potholes, and the occasional pulled hamstring. Most of us never expected to be training for it in our sixties, but here we are—so pull up your compression socks and move. The starter's pistol is about to fire, whether you're ready or not!


Surprise! You're Retired


While you may dream of selecting your retirement date like a fine wine, many face the reality of a boxed kind instead. Approximately 6 in 10 Americans retire earlier than they planned. Research from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies shows that many individuals experience unexpected early retirement due to personal health issues, employer discretion, or family-related circumstances. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/retirement-age-in-america-62-claiming-social-security-early/


Sometimes, it's a health scare, a loved one’s illness, or a harsh employer downsizing. Nobody whispers the term "ageism," but when companies replace senior employees with younger, more affordable talent (or AI bots), it’s not subtle—it’s math.As Morgan Housel reminds us in his bestseller, The Psychology of Money, "The most important part of every plan is planning for your plan, not going according to plan." Expect the unexpected. Train as if retirement could sneak up on you—because it just might.


Get Fit, Stay Sharp: Health is the First Leg of the Race

Physical and mental health are the fuel for your retirement. The rest doesn’t matter without them; we’re not just talking about lifting weights. (Though, yes, lift some weights.) Regular physical activity provides numerous benefits for older adults, including a reduced risk of dementia and enhanced cognitive function. Exercise can help maintain brain health, reduce mental decline, and even reverse some age-related brain shrinkage. Additionally, physical activity can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance balance and coordination, leading to a better quality of life.


• Strength training enhances bone density, metabolism, and mental health. (Source: Mayo Clinic)

• Flexibility and balance? Try yoga or tai chi. Harvard Health says they reduce pain and stiffness.

• Mental fitness? Cue up Wordle, Canuckle (the Canadian cousin), or Sudoku.

• Dancing? It's beneficial for your brain and your swagger 

• Listening to music or playing an instrument can reduce stress and boost memory.


Gold Medal Tip: Motivation is overrated; action is everything. Don’t be a couch potato. A new study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine shows that older adults who spend more time sedentary — such as sitting or lying down — may be at a higher risk for lower cognition and in areas linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, no matter how much they exercise! So make sure you show up, move, and the motivation will catch up.



Wealth Training: Stop Hoping, Start Budgeting

Here's a shocker: Retirement doesn't mean your expenses magically disappear. According to Steve Willems' podcast “10 Retirement Myths You May Not Want to Believe,” most retirees don’t spend less. Aside from the mortgage, spending remains surprisingly consistent, especially during the Go-Go years (ages 55-75)”.


We like what we like: groceries, entertainment, travel, and stylish or comfortable clothes are still on our shopping lists. That’s why many of us in retirement will need to pay more attention to spending and budgeting.


Check Obligation Spending


Retirement is the perfect time to reevaluate expenses from obligation rather than genuine need or joy. Here's a thoughtful way to frame that idea:


Retirement is the season of freedom, so why are you still paying for things that feel like a burden?

Now that you’re no longer earning a regular paycheck, every dollar matters more than ever. This means it’s time to take a closer look at obligatory expenses.


These might include:

• Helping adult children financially (even when it stretches your budget)

• Donating to every fundraiser or cause just because someone asked

• Hosting large family gatherings that leave you exhausted and over budget

• Maintaining memberships, subscriptions, or traditions that no longer bring you joy. (We talk a lot more about this in a previous post What’s your Retirement Plan B


While generosity is admirable, it shouldn’t jeopardize your financial security or peace of mind. Retirement should focus on investing in what truly matters to you now, rather than keeping up appearances or adhering to outdated expectations.


Here’s a gentle mantra to adopt: “I’ve earned the right to say no with love and confidence.” Freeing yourself from obligation spending doesn’t mean becoming stingy; it means becoming intentional. Give where your heart feels full, not where your guilt feels heavy. After all, you didn’t work all those years to keep writing checks out of habit.


Balance Beam- Budget


What’s your plan when overtime isn’t an option and the budget doesn’t balance? Start with a good old-fashioned reality check:

• Write down ALL expenses.

• Tally up your income.

• Look for a surplus (yay, trip!) or a shortfall (boo, time to pivot).


Look at Canadian Government Pensions

• Here's the math.  Old Age Security (OAS): Max is about $713/month or $8,556/year. And don’t forget the dreaded government clawback (formally known as the Old Age Security Pension Recovery Tax which starts at ~$90,997.

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP): The average monthly payment is $758, while the maximum is $1,364 per month or $16,368 per year.


So with these two programs combined, provided you meet requirements, as a senior, you're looking at somewhere between $17,000–$25,000/year before tax. If your lifestyle needs a bit more jazz hands, here’s how to bridge the gap:

 

DIY Income Builders:

• Slash debt. Every dollar you don't spend is one you keep.

• Downsize and bank the equity.

• Buy or build an ADU and rent it. I have written more about ADU's here.

• HELOC or Reverse mortgage (borrow strategically).

• Withdraw from investments (4% rule).

• Monetize your skills: consulting, tutoring, or writing that novel you started in 1993.


Gold Medal Tip: Track your joy per dollar. If you’re going to spend, make it worth it.



Rewire, Don’t Retire: Finding Purpose


The biggest myth of retirement? That doing nothing feels good forever. (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.)

Passion is your GPS. It guides you towards what fills your heart. Whether you write poetry, walk dogs, or paint birds wearing tiny hats, your joy matters. And legacy? That’s just purpose with staying power. There’s science to support the benefits of this lesson. A study in JAMA Psychiatry found that people with a sense of purpose had a lower risk of mortality and disability 


Purpose-Driven Paths:


• Volunteer: Look for a cause that fires you up.

• Get a part-time job: Perhaps you can fill in at a local bookstore, garden center or be a barista?

• Hobbies: Take up painting, pottery, or poetry.

• Go Back to School: Many Universities such as The University of Toronto offer free, non-credit courses through programs as part of their community outreach.  Seniors (over 60) enrolled at York University may have all or part of their academic fees waived at the domestic fee rate for York University degree credit courses as part of their mature student program. 

• Spend real time with people you love, maybe your grandkids or elderly parents.

• Reconnect with old friends – not just on Facebook, but in person

• Get out of your backyard and see the world


Gold Medal Tip: You're never too young (or too old) to chase what lights you up. Start a business, get that degree you always wanted, and write that book. Go. For. It.


Support: No One Trains Alone


Retirement can be lonely. As we age, friends pass, routines fade, and isolation creeps in. That’s why your squad matters more than ever.


Find Your Pod:

• Family & Friends: Set expectations. Ask for help. Host Sunday dinners. Stay connected.

• Fitness & Social Clubs: Join a walking group or participate in a gym class, followed by regular post-sweat coffee.

• Faith Communities: Spirituality and structure in one. Sing in the choir. Serve at events.

• Third Places: As sociologist Ray Oldenburg says, these are neutral hangouts like libraries, community centers, or your local café. They’re tied to lower loneliness and better mental health. Think of Cheers: “Where everyone knows your name!”


Gold Medal Tip: Your local pickleball court or knitting circle might just be your new training ground.

Attitude Training: Stop Acting Your Age

Here’s a radical thought: Maybe we feel old because we act old. Want to stay young? Stay curious, try new things. Try line dancing, pickleball, bird watching, improv, or learning to code. Yes, code.


What was the worst advice our mothers gave us? “Act your age.” Nonsense! Whoever said, “You’re only as old as you feel” was on to something – but let’s take it up a notch: How about you’re only as old as your playlist!


The Power of a Youthful Attitude in Retirement


A successful retirement isn’t just about savings accounts and spreadsheets — it’s about mindset. A positive, youthful attitude is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) assets you can carry into retirement.


Even if you don’t feel youthful or optimistic, “fake it ‘til you make it” is more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a strategy. The goal isn't to accurately describe your aches, fears, or fatigue but to set yourself up for success!


Science backs it up: a positive outlook boosts health, sharpens cognition, and increases longevity. From a practical perspective, optimism makes it easier to try new things, adapt to change, and enjoy the present—all essential in retirement.


So, if the voice in your head says, “I’m too old for that,” try responding with, “This is my time.”

You begin to build because what you tell yourself matters, as does what you believe.

Retirement is your reward. Approach it like the vibrant, capable, unstoppable human you are because attitude, not age, sets the tone.


Gold Medal Tip: You’re only as old as the last thing you tried for the first time. Try something ridiculous, I double dare you!


Final Stretch


The Retirement Games are here, and let me be crystal clear: this isn’t amateur hour. This is your Olympic moment, with medals awarded for stamina, strategy, and a solid sense of humour. Whether you're rounding the first turn at 45 or doing your victory lap at 75, now is the time to train.

You’ve built strength, stretched your budget, flexed your purpose muscle, assembled your dream team, and rebooted your mindset. Now it’s time to lace up, lean in, and live life to the fullest.

This isn’t about perfection; it’s about preparation. You won’t achieve a podium finish through wishful thinking; you’ll attain it through action, adaptation, and a great deal of repetition.

So, put on your metaphorical tracksuit (or actual tracksuit if it's laundry day) and begin training with determination. The gold medal retirement isn’t just possible—it’s within reach.

Cue the confetti cannon. You’re not just aging—you’re advancing. And champions, as we know, don’t retire… they rewire, recharge, and rewrite the playbook.


On Your Marks, Get Set, THRIVE!


Don’t Retire … Re-Wire!

Sue


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Sue Pimento

Sue Pimento

Founder | CEO

Focused on financial literacy and retirement strategies. Authoring new book on home equity strategies to help seniors find financial freedom

Pension ReformInterest RatesHome EquityMortgagesReverse Mortgages

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5 min

Reclaiming 'Spend': A Retirement Rebellion

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There were many boardrooms where I was not only the only woman but also the only gay person, and often the oldest person in the room. I didn’t just have a seat at the table; I had to earn, protect, and sometimes fight to keep it. I’ve learned that words can be weapons, but they can also be amour—if you know how to use them. Reflect on Your Boundaries Take a moment. Have you ever felt prejudged, marginalized, or dismissed? Perhaps it was due to your gender, sexuality, accent, skin colour, culture, or age. It leaves a mark. One way to preserve your dignity is by building a mental toolkit in advance. Prepare a few lines, questions, or quiet comebacks you can use when someone crosses the line—whether they intend to or not. Here are five strategies that helped me stand tall—even at five feet nothing: 1. Humour – A clever remark can defuse tension or highlight bias without confrontation. 2. Wit – A precisely timed comeback can silence a room more effectively than an argument. 3. Over-preparation – Know your stuff inside and out. Knowledge is power. 4. Grace under fire – Not everything deserves your energy. Rise above it when it matters. 5. Vulnerability – A simple “Ouch” or “Did you mean to hurt me?” can be quietly disarming—and deeply human. Let’s Talk About Microaggressions The term microaggression may sound small, but its effects are significant. These are the subtle, often unintentional slights: backhanded compliments, dismissive glances, and “jokes” that aren’t funny. They quietly chip away at your sense of belonging. Dr. Robin DiAngelo’s book White Fragility is a brilliant read on this topic. She explains how early socialization creates bias— “Good guys wear white hats. Bad guys wear black hats.” These unconscious associations become ingrained from an early age. Some people still say, “I’m not racist—I have a Black friend,” or “I’m not homophobic—my cousin is gay.” The truth? Knowing someone from a marginalized group doesn’t exempt you from unconscious bias. It might explain the behaviour, but it doesn’t excuse it. And no, there is no such thing as reverse discrimination. Discrimination operates within systems of power and history. When someone points out a biased comment or unconscious microaggression, they’re not discriminating against you—they’re holding up a mirror. That sting you feel? It’s not oppression. It’s shame—and it’s warranted. It signals that your intentions clashed with your impact. And that’s not a failure; it’s an invitation to grow. Calling it “reverse discrimination” is just a way to dodge discomfort. But real progress comes when we sit with that discomfort and ask: Why did this land the way it did? What am I missing? Because the truth is, being uncomfortable doesn’t mean you’re being attacked. It often means you’re being invited into a deeper understanding—and that’s something worth showing up for. Let’s Reclaim 'Spend' What if we flipped the script? What if spending in retirement was viewed as a badge of honour? Spending on your grandkids’ education, your bucket list adventures or even a high-end patio chair should not come with any shame. You’ve earned this. You’ve planned for this. It’s time to reclaim it. Let’s make “spend” the new “thrive.” Let’s make super-saver syndrome a thing of the past. Let the Parade Begin Imagine it: a Seniors’ Spend Parade. Golden confetti. Wheelchairs with spoilers. Luxury walkers with cupholders and chrome rims. T-shirts that say: - “Proud Spender. Zero Shame.” - “I’m not broke—I’m retired and woke.” - “My equity funds my gelato tour.” Dreams Aren’t Just for the Young What’s the point of spending decades building wealth if you never enjoy it? Reclaiming “spend” isn’t about being reckless—it’s about being intentional. So go ahead—book the trip. Upgrade the sofa. Take the wine tour. 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If this speaks to you, visit www.retirewithequity.ca and explore more: - From Saver to Spender: Navigating the Retirement Mindset - Money vs. Memories in Retirement - Fear Of Running Out (FORO) Each piece explores the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement—the parts no one talks about at your pension seminar.

6 min

Why Paying Cash Can Hurt Your Credit

Earlier this week, Rosa Marchitelli from CBC’s Marketplace recently profiled a Calgary man whose credit score shockingly dropped to zero—not because he was reckless with debt, but because he paid cash for everything. No missed payments. No defaults. Just a lifetime of financial caution that, ironically, made him invisible in the eyes of Canada’s credit system. It’s the kind of story that stops you in your tracks—because it turns everything we’ve been told about “good financial behaviour” on its head. In this post, we’ll break down the surprising logic behind Canadian credit scores, why living debt-free can actually hurt your financial profile, and how to play the credit game without compromising your values. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t need credit because I’m responsible,” this might just change your mind. Back when I taught the Mortgage Agents Licensing Course, offered by Mortgage Professionals Canada, I always looked forward to my session on credit. Why? Because most people don’t really understand how credit scores work—or how to protect and build a healthy one. So, you’ve always paid cash, avoided debt like the plague, and proudly told your kids you don’t even own a credit card. Congratulations! You’re a responsible citizen… but your credit score is probably dreadful. Wait—what? Yes, the wonderful world of Canadian credit scoring is one of life’s mysteries. It rewards behaviour that may seem risky to the debt-averse but is actually just good financial practice in disguise. So, let’s lift the curtain and decode the quirky logic behind your credit score. Credit Scores 101: It’s Not About Your Morals. It’s About Your Habits In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900—the higher, the better. Your score reflects your ability to manage borrowed money based on your past use of credit products such as credit cards, lines of credit, and loans. Here’s the twist: not using credit at all doesn’t make you look smart; it makes you look suspicious. Credit bureaus assume that if you don’t have credit, it’s because you can’t get it—not because you’re a thrifty minimalist growing kale and paying cash. Meet the Scorekeepers: Equifax vs. TransUnion Canada has two major credit bureaus: • Equifax – Favoured by banks and mortgage lenders. • TransUnion – Commonly used by credit card and auto lenders. Each bureau calculates your score slightly differently, so the numbers may vary, like having two referees at the same game. Expect some disagreement on the calls. Pro tip: check both reports annually (for free) to spot any errors early. The Government of Canada has more information for you here. 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Letter Codes: R – Revolving (e.g., credit cards) I – Instalment (e.g., auto loans) M – Mortgage O – Open (e.g., lines of credit) Number Ratings: 1 – Paid on time 2–5 – Late by 30 to 120+ days 6 – Not used 7 – Making regular payments via credit counseling 8 – Repossession 9 – Sent to collections or bankruptcy A trade line is a record of your credit account. Each shows the credit type, lender, balance, and payment history. Think of it as a financial resume—each tradeline is like a job entry listing your past and present “performance” with a particular creditor. How Long Does Negative Info Last: Bankruptcy (R9);  Equifax (7 Years) TransUnion (6 years) Late Payments: Equifax (6 Years) TransUnion (6 years) Collections: Equifax (6 Years) TransUnion (6 years) Consumer Proposal: Equifax (3 years post-payment) TransUnion (3 years post-payment) Credit Counselling (R7): Equifax  (7 years after the final payment)  TransUnion (6 years after the final payment) Pro Tip: Keep in mind that after falling off your credit report, bankruptcies may still appear in public records. Here's How Your Score Is Calculated Factor Weight and Why It Matters Payment History 35% Late payments are like bad breath—unforgettable. Credit Utilization 30% Use less than 30% of your limit. Length of Credit 15% Longer credit history is more trustworthy. Credit Mix 10% Variety of products = balanced borrower. New Credit Inquiries 10% Too many apps = desperation sniffed by lenders. Source: TransUnion Canada - Credit Score Factors Utilization: More Credit, Used Sparingly = Better Score Yes, it’s weird—but true: someone with five credit cards and a $50,000 limit who uses only $2,000 will likely have a better score than someone with a single $2,000 credit card which is nearly maxed out. Why? Utilization is calculated as a percentage. The more room you leave untouched, the more responsible you appear. Ghosts & Abstainers: No Credit is a Red Flag So, back to the Marketplace story we mentioned earlier. As we consider all the factors involved in credit scoring, is it surprising that this man in Calgary, who paid cash for everything, had his score drop to zero after a long period of inactivity? Not really. Credit bureaus don’t reward abstinence—they penalize it. If you haven’t borrowed in a while, you may be “credit invisible.” It’s like trying to get hired without a resume. No record? No offers. Building (or Rebuilding) Credit What if you need to fix a low score due to missed payments, bankruptcy, or simply a lack of credit history? Getting your credit score up is entirely possible—with patience, consistency, and the right strategy. Here’s a practical framework I use. 1. Get Credit – A secured card works just fine. 2. Use It – Buy groceries, gas, Netflix—whatever you usually pay for. 3. Pay on Time – Even the minimum. Set a reminder …or three. 4. Stay below 30% – Don’t max it out. Do this, and your score should rise like a perfectly baked soufflé. When Credit Counselling is the Better Option Struggling with debt? Credit counseling might be your best path forward. These services consolidate all unsecured debts into one monthly payment and negotiate with creditors to reduce or eliminate interest. It’s a couple-of-year commitment that avoids bankruptcy, and you pay something back. However, your credit will reflect an R7 status for 3 years after your final payment or 6 years after you sign the contract, whichever comes first. Pro Tip: Credit counseling is the more noble route, but remember that it still significantly affects your score.  (Source: Credit Counselling Canada) What If There’s an Error—or You’ve Been Hacked? If you spot a mistake on your report—or worse, see signs of identity theft—don’t panic. Here’s what to do: 1. Request a copy of your report from Equifax and TransUnion. 2. Highlight the error and contact the bureau to initiate a dispute. 3. Provide supporting documents. 4. Follow up regularly—bureaus must investigate within 30 days. If you’re a victim of identity theft: • Contact your bank and credit card issuers immediately. • File a police report. • Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file. Here are important links with more details on how to work with both <Equifax> and <TransUnion> The final statement (get it?) Your credit score doesn’t care if you’re a good person. It only cares if you’re a predictable borrower. So don’t take it personally—play the game smartly. Because in the wild world of credit, it’s not about morals. It’s about whether you paid your $9.99 Netflix bill on time. Now go forward and charge responsibly. Don’t Retire … Re-Wire! Sue

8 min

Retirement: For Better, For Worse, and for Much More Time Together

Retirement is supposed to be your golden reward—freedom from alarm clocks, endless Zoom meetings, and performance reviews. But no one warned you about the relationship performance review that arises when you and your partner suddenly find yourselves spending over 100 hours a week together. For some, it’s bliss; for others, it feels like a full-time job without an HR department. While grey divorce (divorce after age 50) is on the rise in Canada, separation isn’t inevitable. However, marital harmony is also not guaranteed. The truth lies somewhere in between—and that’s where things become interesting.  Retirement isn't merely a lifestyle change—it’s a complete identity shake-up, which can create stress even in the strongest relationships. Grey Divorce: An Increasing Trend Though Canada’s overall divorce rate reached a 50-year low in 2020, divorce among people over 50 is increasing—this trend is dubbed grey divorce. According to Statistics Canada, this demographic is increasingly re-evaluating their relationships as they retire (CBC News, 2024). The same pattern is unfolding south of the border, with the AARP reporting a steady rise in senior divorces in the U.S. Grey divorce isn’t just emotionally taxing—it can be financially devastating. Women, in particular, bear the brunt. A study by the National Center for Family & Marriage Research found that divorced women over 50 have 45% less wealth than their married peers. In Canada, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries has warned that divorce later in life can significantly erode retirement savings and delay or derail financial plans. Role Confusion One retired executive shared that after decades of being chauffeured to work, he assumed retirement meant his wife would now be his driver. “I thought she’d just take over that role, as he climbed into the back seat,” he said, genuinely confused. She had other plans that did not involve sitting behind a wheel, taking coffee orders, or navigating roundabouts. He had not yet made the emotional or physical shift from being served to becoming equal. That transition is more complicated than it sounds—and more common than you'd think. When one partner’s identity is career-driven and the other manages the home, retirement necessitates a complete recalibration. Power dynamics shift, control issues surface, and resentment simmers if left unacknowledged. Housework ≠ Heartwork If you're home full-time now, guess what? You’re not a guest anymore. The dishes, the vacuuming, the grocery runs—these are now shared responsibilities. Nothing breeds resentment faster than an unequal workload. Retirement doesn’t mean “relax”; rather, it signifies redistributing the work of life. Unspoken truths will find their voice. Let’s face it—decades of unexpressed frustrations don’t remain buried. They begin to comment on how someone folds laundry, stacks the dishwasher, or leaves the cap off the toothpaste. Retirement magnifies everything: the quirks you used to laugh off? Mansplaining! What habits did you ignore because life was busy? Now they’re front and center. And what bad habits did you have before? They don’t improve with age—they get worse. Emotional and Mental Health Insights Relationship difficulties can trigger anxiety, depression, and loneliness, especially among men who may have smaller support networks outside their marriages. A 2020 study in the Journal of Gerontology found that post-divorce social isolation is closely linked to declining physical and mental health in later life. Not all couples want to—or need to—divorce to find peace. Increasingly, older Canadians are exploring “Living Apart Together” (LAT) arrangements, where partners maintain separate residences while remaining in a committed relationship. Research by the Vanier Institute and AARP suggests that LAT relationships allow for autonomy while maintaining emotional connection—a potential middle ground for couples who struggle with full-time togetherness in retirement. For many, retirement means the loss of structure, identity, and purpose, particularly for those who have closely tied their sense of self to their professional roles. This loss can create irritability, aimlessness, and tension in a partnership. As Harvard Business Review put it, retirement can be especially tough for men because “so many men are bad at retirement” (HBR, 2021). This emotional void often spills over into the relationship, testing its resilience. Retirement often brings a sudden reshuffling of roles at home. Many men who may have spent decades focused on their careers struggle to adjust to a more balanced domestic lifestyle. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives notes that retirement can expose long-standing gendered inequalities in household labour, leading to friction, resentment, and, at times, relationship breakdown. How to Thrive—Together or Apart The goal isn’t perfection; it’s peace, fulfillment, and ample personal space to breathe. Here’s how to get there: creatively, practically, and honestly. 1. Have the Real Conversations Ask the questions you avoided when life was too busy: • “Are we happy?” • “What do you want out of the next ten years?” • “Are there things we’ve never talked about that matter now?” Unspoken expectations are relationship landmines. Bring them to light—gently and often. 2. Separate Bedrooms, United Front Don’t frown; they are more common than you might think and less scandalous than it sounds. Separate sleep equals better rest, less irritation, and sometimes a more intentional intimate life. Please don’t consider it a breakup; position it as a better mattress strategy. 3. The Basement Suite or In-Law Apartment Plan This represents the sweet spot between staying together and going entirely separate. Living in the same house with clearly defined zones provides each partner with breathing room and independence, especially when you’ve grown apart but don’t want to disrupt finances or family. Ground rules are essential: • Who is responsible for what costs? • Shared meals or separate? • New partners—yay or nay? It’s not perfect, but it can be practical. 4. A Second Space: Cottage, Trailer, or Tiny Cabin A humble trailer or rustic cabin might save your marriage. It’s not about luxury—it’s about space, autonomy, and silence when needed. Whether alternating weekends or solo sabbaticals, having a backup place to go can restore harmony at home. 5. Travel Separately (Sometimes) One of you wants to hike Machu Picchu, while the other prefers to nap in Muskoka. You don’t have to compromise; you can take turns. Alternate between solo trips, friend getaways, or short solo retreats. You’ll both return refreshed—and more engaged. 6. Discover New Purpose (or Income) A restless, lost, or bored partner can quietly sabotage the household. Encourage: • Volunteering • Consulting or part-time work • Mentoring • Taking courses or teaching others • Rediscovering old passions If Divorce Is the Best Option At times, the most honest act is to end a marriage with kindness. If this is the only option, there are important factors to consider: Financial Reality Check • Assets will be divided, including the house, pensions, RRSPs, etc. • Expenses double: two homes, two insurance policies, and two fridges to stock. • Retirement income may not be sufficient for both lives. • Legal costs and timing matter more than ever now—because the time to recover financially is limited.  There are no pensions in tears. Therefore, if you choose this route, plan ahead. Family Impact • Adult children might feel shocked—or even angry. • Grandchildren can pose challenging questions. • Long-term friendships may weaken. • Shared traditions may require reinvention. This process can be amicable. A new term has emerged among women caring for their ill or aging ex-husbands: “Wasbands.” These women step up with empathy rather than obligation. Vows no longer bind them; instead, they are guided by compassion. Honestly, humanity wins in these situations. There is still love, respect, and history—even if it’s no longer romantic. That is not failure; it is growth. Rewrite the Rules Retirement is not a dead end; it’s a creative reawakening—if you approach it that way. Retirement is a significant life transition—not just financially, but relationally. Like any other chapter in life, it requires renegotiation, mutual respect, and a willingness to evolve. Some couples find deeper intimacy, while others redefine their relationships entirely. The good news? Whether it's under one roof or two, retirement can still be a time of connection, discovery, and, yes, romance. But it also requires some good, old-fashioned adulting. Yes, *adulting*—that modern word we usually reserve for paying bills, booking dental appointments, and reading the fine print. It turns out it’s equally essential in retirement. Emotional maturity, communication, boundary-setting, and a shared approach to evolving roles are all keys. Think of it like the Sonnet Insurance commercials that cheekily remind us adulting is hard but worth it. Retirement is also a factor, especially when approached with intention and a sense of humour. This is your last chapter. Make it a good one. Whether you stay together, sleep apart, live separately under one roof, or consciously uncouple, do it with clarity, kindness, and courage. The goal isn’t a perfect love story; it’s a fulfilling life for both of you. When in doubt, take a walk (alone if necessary). Share a joke. Communicate like adults. And for the love of long-term care insurance, remember: resentment compounds faster than interest. If you enjoyed this article or thought, “Oh wow, this is exactly what my friend/parent/relative needs to read,” please share it. You can also subscribe to the Retirement Literacy newsletter for more smart, candid, and occasionally cheeky insights on navigating life after full-time work. Let’s make retirement not just the end of work, but the start of something meaningful, fulfilling, and a little fabulous. Don’t Retire…Rewire! p.s. Know someone who’s about to retire?— Why not share this worksheet?  It’s the best pre-retirement checklist they never knew they needed. 6 Questions to Ask Before Retiring Together Retirement reshapes your schedule, your identity—and your relationship. Before you hand in your keycard, ask these candid questions with your partner.  Because the toughest part of retirement isn’t money—it’s time. And you’ll be spending a lot more of it together. 1. What Do You Want This Chapter of Life to Look Like? Dreams misaligned can lead to daily friction. Do you crave adventure while your partner seeks peace and quiet? Map it out—together. 2. How Much Time Do We Really Want to Spend Together? “Always together” sounds sweet—until it feels stifling. Define your ideal balance between shared time and personal space. 3. What Roles Are We Playing Now—And Do They Need to Change? Retirement often means rebalancing housework, caregiving, and emotional labor. What’s fair now that you’re both at home? 4. Are There Any Long-Standing Frustrations We’ve Avoided Talking About? Retirement shines a spotlight on old resentments. It's better to talk than to silently stew over how the dishwasher is loaded. 5. How Will We Handle Money Decisions as a Team? With changing income and more shared expenses, financial transparency and joint planning are more crucial than ever. 6. What Will Give Each of Us a Sense of Purpose—Individually? A restless or bored partner can bring tension into the home. Talk about passions, volunteer work, or part-time pursuits that bring meaning. Want more smart, candid insights?  Visit www.retirementliteracy.com to start rewriting your next chapter with clarity and confidence.

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