Spouses have crucial impact when planning retirement

Spouses tend to a have profound impact on one another’s retirement planning according to recent research from the University of Missouri (UM).

Angela Curl, an assistant professor with UM’s School of Social Work had this finding published in Clinical Gerontologist.

In the article, “Anticipatory Socialization for Retirement: A Multilevel Dyadic Model,” Curl culled and analyzed data and concluded that among married couples who were 45 years of age and older who worked full or part-time, when planning took place by one spouse, there was a direct correlation with an increase in planning activity on the other.

Curl determined that white men with higher incomes were the most likely to comprehensively prepare for a retirement that facilitates a smooth transition from the workforce. The impact that this group potentially has on their spouses could portend healthier retirement planning for individuals outside the affluent, white male demographic.