One Recent Study Shows That 67 Percent of Married Couples Are Not on the Same Page About This Important Life Event

For better or for worse may not include retirement, according to a new study. That’s because Western & Southern Financial Group says that a shocking 67 percent of married couples can’t agree on their retirement plans.

The financial group made the discovery while surveying over 1,000 married Americans, checking in with them on everything from whether they’ve discussed their retirement to how they plan to support their adult children. Shockingly, many people are at odds with their partners over these major decisions, which is surprising given that many of these choices are made after spending a lifetime together.

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Only 43 Percent of Couples Agree on What Retirement Will Look Like

The Western & Southern Financial Group survey offers a unique look into the financial situation of the average American. That’s because the group surveyed 1,008 married couples about “their financial conversations, disagreements, and long-term plans.” According to the March 2026 report, many couples are at odds over whether they will support their adult children or aging parents (only 54 percent report being on the same page). Meanwhile, only 75 percent have even discussed their future retirement plans.

While it may seem hard to believe that so many couples want different things in retirement, it may make more sense when you consider that traditionally, women retire earlier than men. According to Investopedia, women tend to retire at an average age of 62.6, while men tend to wait until 64.6.

That means women may have started planning their own retirements, focusing on what they will do on their own in the years before their spouses join them.

Related: The Secret To Boosting Your Social Security Check by 30 Percent

Couples Tend to Wait to Have Hard Financial Conversations

Daydreaming about what you’ll do in your retirement may sound like a fun way to pass the time with your partner, but according to the survey, many couples shy away from having conversations that involve money, debt, and death:

• 48 percent of couples discuss salaries prior to getting engaged
• 47 percent of couples discuss debt before getting engaged
• 39 percent of couples discuss their last will and testament after having kids

Related: Here’s What You Should Spend Your May Social Security Check On, According to Experts

“Money conversations often start later than many expect,” the report says. “Nearly a quarter of married Americans said they have never discussed debt with their spouse, and 40 percent said they avoided discussing long-term financial goals early in their relationship.”

While I personally can understand wanting to avoid hard conversations like money and finances when you’re first getting to know someone, it clearly behooves you to have the talk earlier rather than later, if only so that you can ensure that you’re both aligned when it comes to your future. Otherwise, you could end up marrying someone whose dream retirement includes a secluded cabin in the woods, while you’re out there working towards buying a picturesque bungalow in a beach community.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.