Disposable income. Boating is supposed to be fun. Are you and wife retired?
I agree with others, tell us about the boat and where you want to travel.
Ideally you will try to buy a 'turn-key' boat. DO NOT buy a project boat, it will break your heart.
You can update, making the boat 'yours', as and when you are ready.
Charter a similarly equipped boat for a couple of days, with a licensed Captain. Learn some docking skills and basic line handling and some anchoring skills.
You two can hone these skills over time. Bring your wife along to gain the same skills as you. If you and wife are comfortable working together, as a team, you two are almost 'there'.
I would suggest, you two spend at least one night on the boat anchored out. Prepare a couple of 'real' meals. Don't think the wife will always cook and clean. Yes, you two should have well defined responsibilities but, both should be be able to swap off if one gets sick or injured.
Okay, IMO, you two are ready to buy a boat. I think if you two are willing to work hard, this will take about a week maybe 2. You two can always bring the Captain back as necessary.
THEN, buy the boat, put it in a slip. How often you take the boat out, that depends on your schedule. Stay close to home, expanding you area of operation little by little.
Dont buy your 'last boat' (big boat) first. You may never find a real need to buy a bigger boat.
When you buy the boat, take courses together via Power Boat Association and Coast Guard Aux.
First learn how to steer the boat, docking and anchoring. Classes will teach you and your wife how to navigate with and without electronics. You will want RADAR and AIS and a couple of VHF radios. IMO, get comfortable with paper charts too. Consider a hand held SAT phone, in the future.
Onward to basic maintenance skills..... This will take time, effort and money. Watch and learn.
Buy membership in a couple two services. SMIRK Tires go flat on a car and things happen on a boat.
Listen to the advice of other boater but, it is you who must make the decision "IF" and how much of their advice you wish to incorporate.
We had a warning statement in the Navy. Dont let your alligator mouth overload your humming bird ass. IF you are going to single hand, step back and buy a shorter boat.
Remember, neutral is a gear, use it, especially when docking and in close quarters. And of course just fast enough to maintain steerage.
Okay, I'm done and I shall listen to others, with far greater experience and skills than myself.