Planning Retirement with a 15-Year Age Gap: Real-Life Decisions from a Second Marriage

Hi, I’m Anja — co-creator of Jamoke Homestead, and the voice behind our lifestyle series, Second Bloom.

At Jamoke, we don’t just sell products — we share a way of life. And today, I want to open up about something deeply personal: navigating retirement in a second marriage, with a 15-year age gap, while building a legacy that reflects who we are.

Our Story

My husband Rob is 65. He’s planning to retire in two years. I’m 50, and I’m planning to retire in three to five. We’re in a second marriage, and while we don’t have children together, Rob has two adult sons from his first marriage.

Our journey into retirement planning made us realize: this stage of life isn’t just about finances. It’s about timing, healthcare, family, and how to create a future that honors both our roots and our dreams — including everything we’re building with Jamoke Homestead.

When Timelines Don’t Match

That 15-year age gap? It never felt like a big deal — until now. Rob is nearly ready to retire. I’m holding off, mainly because of one major factor: health insurance. For us, retirement isn’t a finish line. It’s a layered, unfolding path we’re walking side by side.

Estate Planning: The Unglamorous Truth

This was one of the first big things we had to face together. Not just the legal part — but the emotional part too. Rob’s sons will inherit from their grandparents’ estate. As for us, we’ve designed things so the surviving spouse inherits everything, with a clear plan for when the second passes.

We talked it through with his sons. They understand. There was no drama, just love and clarity. If you’re part of a blended family, I hope this reminds you that legacy and love don’t have to conflict. You just have to talk about it — and write it down.

Why I’m Still Working

People often ask, “If you’ve hit your financial goals, why not retire now?” The answer is simple: healthcare. Staying employed means we keep access to trusted insurance. Early retirement has real gaps — financially and medically — and for me, this is a strategic choice, not an emotional one.

Strategy Over Milestones

We’re close to hitting our financial goals — but that doesn’t mean we’re done. That’s just the beginning of living intentionally off what we’ve built. We’ve created different “money pots” — emergency savings, monthly income streams, long-term investments, and a legacy fund.

We’re still working out questions like: Should I work part-time? Should we downsize? Or should we invest more into the self-sufficiency of Jamoke Homestead?

The Life We Never Expected

We didn’t grow up dreaming about second marriages, homesteads, or hybrid retirement plans. But here we are. And while the timing doesn’t always align, our values do: peace, simplicity, legacy, and authenticity. That’s what we share through Jamoke Homestead. That’s what Second Bloom stands for.

Final Thoughts

If you’re navigating this season with a big age gap, in a second marriage, or on very different timelines — you’re not alone. This is real life. It’s not always neat. But it’s beautiful when done with intention.

Here’s my advice: Start the hard conversations early. Don’t wait for life to make them unavoidable. Plan with heart — and clarity.

Drop a comment, and stay connected. You can follow our journey — from the soil of Jamoke Homestead to the reflections of Second Bloom — right here. Make sure to head over to our Youtube Channel and check out or latest video on this topic.