Overview
It is worth considering some data points to define retirement for a couple with a wide age gap. Cash flows that should be adjusted include those expenses occuring during retirement as well as those cash flows that will fund retirement.
The above video illustrates one example of how to handle retirement funding for a couple that is 5 years apart. Note that the example has very few assets for clarity and focuses on the cash flows.
Define Retirement - Specify Cash Flow Dates
Start and End Date of spending desires on the What you want page
Step 1. Start Retirement
Explanation: Our retirement template defaults to the eldest member's retirement start age that is set in your Target-Map Preferences. Customize the age/date of desired retirement spending to the specific situation within the Target-Map.
Adjust What you want cash flows
On the What you want page define retirement expenses start timing:
Click the desired line item(s) to open its form.
Set the Date Reference and adjust the Start age or date accordingly for each spending cash flow.
Step 2. End Retirement
Explanation: Our retirement template defaults to the eldest member's retirement end age that is set in your Target-Map Preferences. In this situation, retirement could end with the spouse's passing instead.
Assuming retirement ends with the younger, consider following these steps:
Add Desired Cash Flow
Use the Add desired cash flow button to define the survivor's end of life timing.
On the form, use the Link to Member field to select the surviving member. Set the start age to the age of the surviving member at the age when the elder member passes away. Then, set the end age when the survivor dies.
In this way you are extending the retirement plan to include the years the spouse survives withouth the other.
Start and End Date of funding cash flows on the What you have page
Considerations for the What you have page:
What happens to funding resources when the eldest member becomes deceased?
Do certain cash flows end (e.g. elder member's pension)?
Are cash flows transferred (e.g. Social Security to the survivor)?
Click each applicable line item to adjust the start and end age/date to coordinate the cash flow with retirement timeframe expectations.
For example - Social Security transfer: The survivor begins to receive the edler's higher social security. End the younger's current social security upon year of decedent's death. Add a desired cash flow line item for Survivor Social Security for the amount and years the survivor recieves the spousal benefit.
Will the earned income of the younger member help fund retirement?
If the client works during retirement.
Align funding cash flows: Ensure the start year of the cash flow aligns with when retirement starts.
Retirement contributions: If the younger is contributing to a retirement account and you are applying their earned income from the year retirement starts, change the gross amount of the earned income line item to accomodate for the annual contributed amount so as not to double-count the earned income.
Adjust Earned Income years: Click younger member's earned income line item to adjust the start and end ages/date to coordinate the cash flow with retirement funding.
Adjust contributions years: Click the younger member's contribution line item to adjust the start and end ages/date to coordinate the cash flow with retirement funding.
Apply Funding Assets
On the What you have page, apply the assets that will be available to use during retirement. Also adjust the expected net rate of return to the blended growth rate of the selected assets.
Explanation: since cash flows typically aren't the only sources for retirement funding, the assets available for retirement should also be applied.
Of course, all of these considerations must be clarified with your client and fall within your guidelines for compliant and wholistic planning. Reach out to our Support Team if you'd like a case review.
3/2026