7 Surprising (Yet True) Marriage Financial Benefits You Should Know

Introduction to Marriage Financial Benefits

Marriage is a significant life event that comes with a wealth of emotional and financial transformations. While the emotional aspects are frequently explored, it's equally crucial to acknowledge the financial implications of tying the knot. Beyond the immediate costs, like the wedding ceremony and honeymoon, marriage presents an array of long-term financial benefits. Herein, we'll unveil seven surprising, yet true, marriage financial benefits that are often overlooked.

Benefit #1: Marital Tax Advantages

The tax code in many countries, including the United States, has been structured to offer certain benefits to married couples. This 'marriage bonus' allows couples to pool their incomes, which could potentially push them into a lower tax bracket. Consequently, their overall tax liability decreases.

Furthermore, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides additional tax benefits for couples filing jointly. These include increased standard deductions and eligibility for certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Research published by the National Bureau of Economic Research supports these claims. The study indicates that the U.S tax system, with its progressive structure, tends to benefit married couples, especially when there's a substantial income disparity between the two partners.

However, it's essential to seek professional financial advice to navigate the complexity of tax laws and optimize these benefits.

Benefit #2: Health and Insurance Benefits

Health insurance often becomes more affordable when you're married. Employers usually offer family health insurance plans that cover the employee's spouse at a lower rate compared to individual policies. This can result in significant savings on premium costs over the years.

Moreover, life insurance policies tend to offer discounts for married couples. This is primarily because insurance companies view married individuals as lower-risk clients, based on various behavioral and longevity statistics.

As indicated in a study by the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, married individuals generally have better health outcomes than their unmarried counterparts. Hence, the financial benefits extend beyond mere savings, contributing to improved health and wellbeing over time.

Benefit #3: Social Security Benefits

For couples in the United States, there are certain Social Security benefits exclusive to marriage. If one spouse has a higher earning history than the other, the lower-earning spouse can receive up to 50% of the higher-earning spouse's benefit at full retirement age.

In the unfortunate event of a spouse's passing, the surviving spouse may be eligible for 100% of the deceased spouse's benefit, assuming they reach full retirement age. These benefits can provide a critical financial safety net in retirement, and particularly in the case of an untimely loss.

Benefit #4: Estate Planning Advantages

Marriage grants couples the ability to transfer an unlimited amount of assets to each other without incurring federal estate or gift taxes. This can be particularly advantageous when it comes to planning and managing your estate.

Moreover, when a spouse passes away, the surviving spouse often has the right to inherit an entire estate without facing any estate taxes. In contrast, a non-married person would potentially have to pay significant taxes on a similar inheritance.

The Harvard Law Review emphasizes the importance of these marital estate planning advantages, particularly in ensuring that assets are transferred to the surviving spouse without unnecessary tax burdens. Thus, estate planning becomes a cornerstone of understanding the financial benefits of marriage.

Benefit #5: Greater Borrowing Power

When two individuals join their lives through marriage, they also combine their financial power. This, in turn, can enhance their borrowing capacity significantly. Whether it's for a home loan, auto loan, or a business loan, the combined incomes, credit scores, and financial stability can help married couples qualify for higher loan amounts at better interest rates.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau highlights the importance of combining incomes when applying for large loans. The agency notes that this can help meet lender requirements and increase the chances of loan approval, thereby opening up a world of opportunities for financial growth and stability.

Benefit #6: Retirement Benefit Enhancements

Marriage often brings with it opportunities to maximize retirement savings. For instance, a non-working spouse can contribute to an individual retirement account (IRA), thanks to the 'spousal IRA' rule. This allows the couple to double their retirement savings, even if only one person is working.

Additionally, some pension plans offer 'joint and survivor' options, which provide a lifetime income for the surviving spouse upon the death of the pensioner. This can ensure financial security in the latter stages of life when it's most needed.

Research from the National Institute on Aging underscores these findings. The study shows that married couples tend to have more resources to use for retirement planning and therefore, tend to enter retirement more financially secure than their single counterparts.

Benefit #7: The Power of Shared Financial Goals

Last, but certainly not least, is the power of shared financial goals. With two people committed to a common objective, the chances of achieving financial stability and wealth increase exponentially. This combined effort can help accelerate debt repayment, increase savings rates, and boost investment returns.

Furthermore, sharing financial goals promotes financial communication, an essential factor in avoiding monetary conflicts. A study by the American Psychological Association found that financial disagreements were a strong predictor of divorce, so open financial communication may not only bolster your bank account but could potentially fortify your marriage itself.

Conclusion: The Financial Power of Marriage

Marriage is more than a romantic commitment. It's a financial partnership that, when navigated wisely, can offer a multitude of benefits. From tax advantages to enhanced retirement savings, understanding and maximizing these seven surprising marriage financial benefits can help couples not just survive, but thrive financially.

Remember, every marriage is different, and so are its financial implications. Therefore, seeking professional advice and maintaining open communication is crucial to reaping the financial benefits of marriage fully.

Resources for Further Reading

1. Alon, S., & Haberfeld, Y. (2007). Labor Force Attachment and the Evolving Wage Gap Between White, Black, and Hispanic Young Women. Work and Occupations, 34(4), 369–398.

2. Zhang, Z., & Hayward, M. D. (2006). Gender, the Marital Life Course, and Cardiovascular Disease in Late Midlife. Journal of Marriage and Family, 68(3), 639–657.

3. National Bureau of Economic Research. (2008). The Effect of Marriage on Health: A Synthesis of Recent Research Evidence. Retrieved from https://www.nber.org/