Couples often imagine retirement as a shared adventure — two people clocking out together, packing their bags, and heading off on a campervan trip around the country. But for many Kiwis, the reality looks a little different.

Maybe one of you is ready to leave work while the other wants to keep going. Or perhaps a health issue, redundancy, or simply the timing of superannuation eligibility puts you on different tracks. Whatever the reason, it turns out retiring at different times is far more common than we think. And the sudden change in dynamics can put unexpected stress on even the most solid relationships.

So, what can you expect if one of you is hanging up the boots while the other’s still in the 9-to-5? Here’s how to navigate this new season of life with less tension and more understanding.

1. Give each other (and yourself) time to adjust

One of the trickiest parts of retiring solo is figuring out what your day looks like without work in the mix. It might sound blissful at first — slow mornings, gardening, lunch with friends — but it can also feel unsettling, especially when your partner is still clocking in.

You might find yourself tackling odd jobs around the house with military precision, or rearranging the linen cupboard just for something to do. Meanwhile, your partner might come home after a long day and wonder why the dog’s had two walks and the pantry’s been alphabetised.

The key? Expect some bumps, and talk — a lot. Your roles and routines are shifting, and that can stir up unspoken expectations. Will the retired partner take over more household chores? Will the working partner be home earlier now? There’s no right answer, but having these chats early on can save a lot of tension.

Calculate what you could draw in retirement.

2. Rethink your finances together

Let’s be real: when one income stops, the household budget feels it. Power, groceries, rates — those bills don’t shrink just because one person retires. In fact, spending can increase at first, with one of you suddenly free to catch up with friends, take short trips, or pick up a new hobby.

Start by sitting down together and taking a good look at your cash flow. What’s coming in? What’s going out? What needs trimming — and what’s non-negotiable?

If you’ve got savings, it might be time to turn them into income. That’s where products like Lifetime Income come in — it’s a drawdown fund designed specifically to turn your retirement savings into regular fortnightly payments, so you’re not constantly guessing how much you can afford to spend.

In short, there are smart ways to bridge the income gap without eating into your retirement cushion too fast.