
Many couples spend decades working hard, raising families, and paying off debts—only to find themselves financially insecure when retirement arrives. The harsh truth is that financial missteps made early or mid-life can snowball into serious problems later on. Even well-meaning decisions, when compounded over time, can reduce savings and increase vulnerability in old age. The good news is that awareness is the first step to prevention. Here are ten common ways couples accidentally set themselves up for elder poverty and how to avoid repeating those mistakes.