Absolutely.
I haven't modeled in a while; but everything I do takes spouse into consideration. And since I'm the financial overseer, I explained to DH what he needed to do, and he has been agreeable.
We are postponing DH's SS until age 70 as he has the better earning history. I have repeatedly told DH if I pass, to take his widower's benefit right away, and let his benefit grow.
DH took a hit on his pension to get the 100% joint & survivor for me. Had I signed a waiver of his pension, I would have also lost health insurance in the event he passed first.
I have a small variable annunity (with a death benefit) it used to be Vanguard, and is now Transamerica. When I trigger it, I will buy the rider for a guaranteed minimum payout, and will also do a 100 percent joint and survivor.
DH has a lifetime income fund through his job. The plan is to trigger a lifetime payout, with 100 percent joint and survivor around age 70.
We are looking at Roth conversions on my IRA between now and age 70 to reduce RMD. This would benefit us either as a couple, or the surviving spouse.
To the extent that I am buying any additional funds in taxable accounts, I am looking at funds that generate less tax.
One thing to be considered, is the financial prowess of each spouse, as well as potentially, an inability to handle a complicated portfolio due to advancing age. I would like our base income streams to be on auto-pilot by age 70 -72.
I do not see much of a reduction in expenses, (less food, and a reduction on health insurance vs. higher taxes) and we would want to contribute to grandchildren's education. With regard to vacations a single might want to travel first class, as we become less able to travel, we might want to rent a vacation home and have the kids come to us. DH has always done a lot around the home, and I would have to hire somewhat to do that. Conversely, buying into a good assisted care facility would not be cheap.