I was recently asked this question by a couple I met. They have a long term relationship and are approaching retirement. This question came up when we started looking at their Social Security benefits. I found the question a bit funny because in the past I had advised couples not to get married as they would reduce their Social Security benefits.
My current couple is approaching full retirement age for Social Security purposes. Their incomes are not equal; the man makes quite a bit more than the woman does. The current rules state that you must be married for 1 year to receive spousal benefits through Social Security. In the case of this couple, getting married could make a major difference in their retirement income.
I hear wedding bells for the New Year!

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