A Guide to a Happy Marriage as a Senior Couple
Congratulations on your recent nuptials. While it's a time to celebrate, your senior years are likely to introduce new obstacles that you'll have to overcome together. Fortunately, you can find resources in Waukesha County to assist.
Looking for a Home
As you decide your future together, you'll need to figure out where you're going to live. Specifically, think about what will make life easier and more manageable as you both age. For instance, you'll want to look for a house that you and your significant other can navigate easily, such as a one-story home with an open floor plan.
Additionally, consider the size of the yard and house. You and your spouse might want to enjoy your time traveling or being active in the community rather than doing chores. When you choose a home with a small yard and limited indoor space, you'll have more time to do what you both love.
Consider Amenities in the Area
During the home buying process, be mindful to purchase a home close to the amenities you need, such as a grocery store or pharmacy. If you or your significant other still work, you may want a location close to your workplace. Having a green space nearby to relax and get fresh air is beneficial as well. It could be advantageous to look for areas near a senior center like the Brookfield Senior Center, which offers games, quilting, and more. Fortunately, all Regency Senior Communities are conveniently located near shopping, parks, dining and health care in Brookfield, New Berlin or Muskego.
Think About a Senior Living Community
Having an extensive to-do list can prevent newlyweds from enjoying marriage to the fullest. Think about living in a senior living community, such as Regency Senior Communities. You'll have fewer responsibilities, as well as assistance nearby in the event of an emergency. Plus, each complex has an on-site gym, salon, chapel, nearby walking trails, library, outdoor courtyard, restaurant-style dining and more!
Combining Your Incomes
Putting your money together as a senior couple could be in your best interest. You'll have both incomes to put toward household expenses, including utility bills and hiring any help needed to maintain the home. Make sure you both talk about this in-depth to ensure it's what both of you want, though.
To successfully combine incomes, determine how much your regular expenses will be and decide on how much you should save each month. You'll have the rest to spend on non-necessities.
Updating your Tax Information
Prioritize changing one spouse's last name with the Social Security Administration. In addition, when you first file taxes, think about filing as a married couple to receive the highest level of tax benefits.
Tackling Maintenance Problems
Your home needs maintenance, even if neither of you can complete the tasks. Therefore, you may need an HVAC specialist, plumber or other technician that you can rely on. For example, you can find local chimney sweeps by searching for a “chimney service near me” and reading reviews from the people they’ve serviced before. The professional will remove any debris and evaluate it for structural problems. Keep in mind that this service usually costs between $100 and $300. If you prefer maintenance-free living, consider the benefits of senior living at Regency Senior Communities.
Enjoy Your Senior Years Together
When you take steps to make life easier, you and your spouse will reap the reward. You'll have peace of mind and more time to spend together.
Take a look at Regency Senior Communities and see if it could be an option for you and your partner.