Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

money and divorce

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Social-Security-benefitsToday’s top story: With the holidays comes identity theft. Also in the news: What divorcees need to know about Social Security, a different way to budget, and how money can wreck your marriage (but it doesn’t have to).

The 12 Scams of Christmas
‘Tis the season to protect your identity.

What Older Divorcees Need to Know About Social Security
Understanding the complexities.

Focus on Cash Flows, Rather than Expenses, to Spend Without a Budget
Static expenses vs itemizing everything.

Yours, Mine, Or Ours? How Money Wrecks Your Marriage
But it doesn’t have to!

10 Things You Need to Know If Your Kid’s Applying for College
Besides kissing your wallet goodbye.

Q&A: Social Security spousal benefits and divorce

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Dear Liz: My fiancé was married to a wealthy woman for over 10 years. Will he lose his opportunity to use her earnings record as the basis for his Social Security retirement benefits if we get married?

Answer: The short answer is yes. Spousal benefits for divorced people are available only to those who remain unmarried. Many people confuse spousal benefits with survivors benefits. Survivors benefits for widows, widowers and divorced spouses of the deceased can continue after the recipient remarries, but only if the remarriage occurs after age 60.
You shouldn’t assume that your fiancé’s spousal benefits necessarily will be larger than his own benefit. His ex could have been wealthy without being a high earner. Even if she did, 100% of his own benefit could be worth more than 50% of hers. To find out for sure, he needs to contact the Social Security Administration.