(Posted 482 days ago)

Do's and Don'ts:

You have every right to want to relocate when you retire. But remember, your spouse is under no obligation to feel the same way.

List what you gain and lose from relocating. Be specific. Example: We gain warmer weather in winter. We lose a tolerable summer up north. We gain new friends. We lose close connections with old friends.

Take your time with this decision. Visit possible relocation spots in their off-seasons. Florida, for instance, is lovely in winter and spring. But it's horribly hot in summer, which ends with hurricane season. Look at the big picture.

Rent before you relocate. Sample different places for a few months at different times of year. See how you like them.

Consider renting year after year. If a spouse doesn't want to relocate permanently, you might still spend December through March in Florida in a rental.

Say This:

I'm so tired of cold winters. I want to move South. But I know you don't. I respect that. But I'm hoping you'll be willing to spend a month or two down South this winter. I'm very interested in Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona. What do you think?