Interview: Authors Patricia and Robert Gussin
Patricia and Robert Gussin are co-authors of the book What’s Next for You? This is a delightful memoir and guide on living life to the fullest after retirement. Or as Patricia calls it, graduation. If you haven’t already read my book review, it is located here.
I’m the type of person who reads a good non-fiction book, then wants to know the rest of the story. The Gussins were kind enough to indulge me.
Retirement and Debt
Eliza asked:
It is clear from your book that you looked before you leaped financially, but you still made purchases when you weren’t really sure you could afford them. What is your philosophy on money and debt at this stage of your life?
The Gussins answered:
Financial security is always a consideration when deciding how to approach retirement. Coming from very modest backgrounds, we knew that we had to take care and not stretch beyond our means. Having said that, we had had very successful careers, and even if we were to slip some financially, we felt comfortable going back to a less expensive life style. So we were willing to risk substantial amounts of money to live our dream, but we always kept in mind “the worst case scenario”. No matter how badly we might fail, we would not be left starving or without a roof over our heads. So there is some thought that goes into “thoughtful impulsiveness”.
As for debt, we don’t like it. And who does? But the reality is that in some financial circumstances, it’s sensible to take on low interest debt rather than to use higher yield savings or to sell assets.
Balancing individual interests
Eliza asked:
Robert, I chuckled out loud when I read your fears about Patricia deciding to write fiction. But it was very honest. Sometimes my husband comes up with a grand scheme and I think ‘Oh dear, what if he can’t pull that off?’ And Patricia, when Robert took over in the kitchen, instead of embracing it you could just as easily felt displaced. What underlying aspect of your relationship contributes to each other being able to change roles and encourage individual projects and challenges?
The Gussins answered:
Lots of love and trust and mutual respect underlies it all. We have tremendous confidence in each other’s abilities and we both are pretty flexible in what we are willing to try. So we each go along with the others “interesting” ideas with the prediction that they’ll be successful and fun. Pat is still celebrating her liberation from the cooking and Bob loves his status as the good impressionist, the Monet of the kitchen!
Becoming grandparents
Eliza asked:
Patricia, you mention that you would love to have all your children and grandchildren live within a ‘family compound’ where everyone moves freely in and out of each other’s homes. Robert might be inclined to add some locks. For us, actually, the opposite is true. My husband is trying to figure out how to buy each of our neighbours’ homes as they become available to house our children. Same city, different neighborhoods works just for me, thank you all the same.
The Gussins answered:
As far as the adult children and grandchildren, Bob is more like you, and Pat more like your husband. Pat loves kids and would love to have them all live in a compound. Bob enjoys them, but not all the time, every day. We’ve observed grandparenting among our friends and believe that like most things in life, a happy medium is the best. Our kids need to live their own lives and develop their own relationships with their children. As grandparents, we need to be available, but not meddlesome. Our job is supportive. Every family unit is different and we have to respect that. For us, our kids do keep wondering where we are going next and whatever we do, we know that they will be encouraging.
After all, do they really want us having so much free time that we start to micromanage them? We don’t think so.
What’s Next for You? is available for purchase through Amazon by clicking the Silver & Grace book recommendations.
Have your say:
Which side of financial fence do you sit on? Being debt free by retirement, or accepting debt?
If you are retired, did you find that roles changed between you and your partner?
What challenges do you face as a grandparent, either with your spouse, or your adult children?
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