Can I Retire Now?

Marriage and Money: What Every Couple Needs to Know (Ep. 28)

Nick J. Russell, CRPC® & Becky Wagoner

Marriage isn’t just about romance. It’s also one of the most impactful financial partnerships you can form.

In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner mix humor and practical advice as they explore the financial pros and cons of tying the knot. 

From tax breaks to Social Security benefits, they cover how marriage can boost your finances and where it can cause headaches. The conversation also touches on statistics about money habits, financial infidelity, and why open conversations about money matter at every stage of life.

Key Points:

  • Financial benefits of marriage, which may include potential tax advantages, the ability to contribute to a spousal IRA, and eligibility for Social Security spousal and survivor benefits.
  • Inheritance rights for spouses and how marriage can simplify asset transfer and beneficiary claims.
  • Potential drawbacks such as higher combined tax bills, shared debt responsibility, and complications for later-life marriages.
  • Statistics on couples’ financial habits, including separate vs. joint accounts and the prevalence of financial infidelity.
  • The importance of regular financial conversations to strengthen relationships and align goals.

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