Ep 74: Is Your Marriage Ready for Retirement?

by Financial Design Studio, Inc. / May 14, 2026

Retirement is not just a financial transition, it’s also relational. In this episode, Michelle interviews Dave and Diane about how they are preparing their marriage for retirement. They share the financial milestones they’ve struggled through, and the ways they are building towards the future, together.

Take a listen right here, or watch the video on YouTube!

Related Links for Marriage in Retirement

Dave and Diane recommended:

FDS Resources on Family Finances:

FDS Resources on Retirement Planning:

Timestamps

1:03 Meet Dave and Diane!

7:19 What did your finances look like when you got married?

13:38 How did you get started and set up systems?

19:31 What milestones have you encountered?

25:04 How did you start the retirement conversation?

35:12 Why does your marriage matter for your retirement?

46:21 What is your advice to build a solid foundation?

52:52 Closing Thoughts

Credits for Episode 74

Host: Michelle Smalenberger, CFP®

Guest: Dave and Diane

Executive Producer: Anna Lewis

Stay Connected!

If you want to hear even more episodes, like this one, be sure to subscribe to the Behind the Designs podcast on your favorite streaming platform! The Behind the Designs podcast shares with you an inside perspective at how financial advisors think about money. You can always reach out with questions to podcast@financialdesignstudio.com!

If you want a team like us to share our expertise on your retirement plan, schedule a free consultation to see if we are a fit for you! You can read more about our process here to get started.

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule a quick call with our financial advisors.

Recommended Reading

Financial Advisors in Deer Park, IL on Moving into a Retirement Community

Ep 75: How to Decide When to Move into a Retirement Community

In this episode, Michelle interviews Royce on the process of downsizing, picking the community, and what her family's experience has been.

Financial Advisors on Raising Teens and College Students Who Understand Money

Ep 73: Raising Kids Who Understand Money: Teens + College Students

In this episode, we cover helping your teen find a job and eventually a career, banking and credit cards, and how plan for big savings goals.

Financial Design Studio, Inc.

We are financial advisors in Deer Park and Barrington, IL. A team with a passion for helping others design a path to financial success — whatever success means for you. Each of our unique insights fit together to create broad expertise, complete roadmaps, and creative solutions. We have seen the power of having a financial plan, and adjusting that plan to life. The result? Freedom from worrying about the future so you can enjoy today.