Strength in numbers tends to be true of most pursuits, but according to new research from Fidelity, couples are, well ... awful at joint financial planning. So pros, you're definitely on the right track with offering financial education and retirement planning resources to spouses as well as employees.
Among the somewhat startling findings:
* Less than half of couples (45%) make decisions jointly regarding day-to-day financial decisions such as budgeting and bill payment.
* Even fewer couples (38%) jointly discuss investment decisions for retirement savings
* 60% of couples dont agree on their respective retirement ages.
* 44% are not in agreement on whether they will work in retirement.
* 42% have different ideas regarding their expected lifestyle in retirement.
Many couples told us that they have fewer assets, will need to delay retirement and work longer, and are worried about the impact of inflation and rising healthcare costs on their retirement savings, yet they arent talking, planning or managing their finances jointly to address these very important issues, says Kathleen A. Murphy, Fidelitys president of personal investing.
Yikes. I know the for richer, for poorer part of wedding vows doesnt get specific, but Id think at least basic budget discussions would go without saying. At any rate, keep the financial couples therapy coming, pros. Your workers and spouses clearly need it!