Divorce rates in Sweden have generally decreased in recent years. However, figures from Statistics Sweden (SCB) show that separations among those aged 60 or older have gone in the opposite direction.
"I think one of the big reasons why divorce rates are increasing among older people is precisely because women have gained a stronger financial position. This means that you are not as dependent on the other person's finances and can actually make the choices you want instead of living in a relationship because of the money," says Magnus Hjelmér.
Can compensate
A separation after many years together can significantly change financial circumstances, not least if working life is nearing its end. Double incomes become one - and salary becomes pension. Overall, women are still a little behind men when it comes to retirement.
Keeping track of your pension is the number one priority, says Hjelmér.
What does it mean for me if I end up alone? What will my pension look like? What will my housing situation be like? If one partner has worked part-time or had a lower income for many years, the financial blow can be greater, says Hjelmér.
Although it may feel a little strange to set up a framework in advance for what would happen in the event of a divorce, you can compensate for each other in different ways.
Occupational pensions and the state pension are not divided in a divorce. But you can give away premium pension rights and save for the person who has taken on greater responsibility at home, he says, adding:
If you compensate each other in this area, you also create the conditions to actually be able to move forward together based on desire rather than living in a position of dependence.
Stress test the economy
However, private pension savings are included in the division of property unless otherwise agreed.
But you can actually sign a property division agreement before you separate.
Separation or not - keeping a close eye on your finances is always important.
We economists often talk about stress testing our finances. It's easy to test the finances if interest rates go up or if I go on sick leave, but what happens if we break up and what do we need to think about then?
