The Golden Bachelorette: Skipping Marriage for Love and Financial Independence

When love blooms later in life, so do important money questions. In this episode of If Money Were Easy, Mary Beth and Neela discuss the financial realities of dating, cohabiting, and marrying after 40.

Inspired by the idea of the "Golden Bachelorette," they explore how second (or third) chapters can bring new challenges and new opportunities for building strong financial foundations. From prenups and estate plans to blending families, tune in for thoughtful insights and real-world examples you might use to open your heart while also protecting your finances. 

Whether you’re entering a new relationship, planning a second marriage, or supporting a parent stepping into a new chapter, this episode offers practical strategies to help navigate the intersection of love and money with confidence and clarity.

For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Why traditional financial “rules” don’t always apply later in life.
• How to protect your financial independence while building a relationship.
• The importance of prenups, estate planning, and updated beneficiaries.
• Managing money when blending families and raising kids from previous relationships.
• How to have clear, empowering conversations about money, love, and boundaries.
• How assembling a strong team (CPA, financial planner, attorney) can help.

Resources:

• The Big Shift: For Older Women With Money, It’s “Yes” to Love and “I Don’t” to Marriage – The Washington Post | January 16, 2024 https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/01/16/women-separate-money-love-second-marriages/

• More couples are divorcing after age 50 than ever before. Psychologists are helping them navigate the big changes – American Psychological Association | November 1, 2023 https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/11/navigating-late-in-life-divorce 

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