Getting married is a huge step, especially when you’re older. You’ve probably been through a lot in your life, and you want this marriage to be great. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you navigate the seas of senior matrimony.
First and Foremost, Enjoy Your Wedding Ceremony!
It allows When it comes to tying the knot in later life, there are a few things senior couples should keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to have a frank discussion about finances and what each person is comfortable with spending on the wedding. Secondly, while it’s nice to include children and grandchildren in the wedding party, it’s not necessary to go overboard – a simple ceremony with close family and friends is often more meaningful. And finally, don’t forget to have fun!
Your New Home and Mortgage Options
Creating a new home together can be a rewarding experience. You may decide to move into one of your existing homes, or, as A Place For Mom notes, you may decide to find a brand-new nest. Buying a new house together could be a great way to set yourselves up for a happy future. First, you’ll need to decide how you want to combine your housing finances. Then make a list of all the features you’ll need for work if that’s still relevant, and play. Once you find your perfect home, it will be crucial to put in an offer quickly, possibly before you can sell your old home.
This involves checking into home loan options that are available to you. In addition to a conventional mortgage, you can look into an FHA loan or, if you or your spouse is a military veteran, a VA loan. Non-conventional options like FHA and VA come with lower interest rates and don’t require a 20-percent down payment as with a traditional loan. In fact, 30 year VA mortgage rates stand at 6.00%, compared to 6.125% for a conventional loan. A VA mortgage can save you a lot of money if you’re eligible for it.
Before selling a home, it’s a good idea to enlist plumbing repair services to inspect your home’s plumbing and address any issues. This allows you to feel confident about your home’s quality when you put it on the market. Search online for well-reviewed local plumbers to find a company to fulfill your needs.
If your current house is already on the market or sold, consider requesting an extended closing, giving yourself more time to purchase your dream home. Another choice to consider is senior living communities. These offer independent and assisted living options, helping you to age in place together.
Plan for Medicare and Taxes
If you’re over 65, you’re eligible for Medicare. This can be a great help in offsetting the costs of healthcare, but it’s important to understand how it works. You can also expect your taxes to change once you’re married. Be sure to sit down with a financial planner to understand how your new status will affect your taxes and overall financial picture. Understanding the tax implications of living in a retirement community is essential to making the most of your golden years.
Consider Starting a Business Together
HowStuffWorks points out that one of the great things about being a senior couple is that you have the time and experience to start a business together.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider a home-based consulting business. This can be a fun way to create a little extra income. It also may also help you stay active and learn new skills, such as marketing and social media.
To kick off your social media marketing, design a Facebook ad online. Marketing via social media is a great way to target your specific audience and stretch your marketing budget. Once you customize your ad design to your liking, simply download it to use as needed.
If modern marketing techniques are new to you, remember that a well-designed business card can still go a long way in getting your name out there. There are plenty of resources available to help you design a beautiful and professional card. Online design tools offer easy-to-use templates that require no design experience.
You can customize the colors, fonts, and images to create a card that represents your business perfectly.
Starting a New Life Together
Making the decision to get married later in life is a big step. But with a little planning, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Keep these things in mind as you start your new life together.
Now that you’ve read this guide—with pointers on purchasing a home with available mortgage options like a VA loan, planning for Medicare, and possibly even launching a business— Ready for the next step in your marriage journey?
Visit the simple marriage services page to pick the ideal ceremony, fulfill your legal obligations, and make your wedding day less stressful. Perfect for you and your future spouse.
