Let’s hope my Sunday column about a significant number of couples not talking to each other about retirement issues got a conversation going among partners.

One reason mates don’t discuss these issues is they assume their partners want the same thing that they do so there’s no reason to talk.

But Jim D. of Perry Hall says couples need to talk more than just finances, though. He writes:

“I enjoyed the article you wrote in the June 21st edition of the Sun, Disparate Dreams. The topic is very timely for my wife and me. We are looking at retirement in the next four or five years. While the thrust of the article revolves around financial planning, a critical component for a happy retirement, I’m convinced an equally critical component is having a realistic plan to stay busy. I’ve seen too many colleagues retire with the idea they will stay busy “taking care of all the things around the house they haven’t had time for over the working years.” Then, two months later they’re asking … “o.k., what now?” Watching for the mailman becomes the highlight of the day. Likewise, I’ve seen other colleagues who think travel can occupy their retirement years, until they figure out the costs involved. The financial plan is critical so you don’t have to make meatloaf out of dog food, but having a realistic plan to stay active and engaged is equally important. Emphasis on the realistic.”

What do you think?

UPDATE: read more about financial intimacy with your partner.