There comes a point when more income stops making your retirement better. Instead, it only brings problems, namely, a heavier tax burden. But that doesn’t have to be the case.

Over decades of focusing on abstract goals, retirement savings often becomes more about hitting certain numbers than staying open to the dynamic, ever-changing rhythms of life. But life is never as certain as math, and neither is retirement.

Saving for retirement is a little like sailing: when the sun is out and the sea calm, everything seems great, but when the wind comes up and the sea’s volatile, it becomes downright frightening. And there have been some volatile markets recently, which may have made you feel like opting out entirely and jumping overboard. But, as with sailing, so with investing—you’re better off in the boat.

One of the most effective ways to lower your tax burden is to split your income with your spouse.