If you’re married—or were at one point—you could be leaving hundreds of dollars a month on the table without realizing it. Social Security spousal benefits are one of the most misunderstood parts of retirement planning, and one overlooked rule trips up retirees every year. Many assume they’ll automatically receive the highest possible benefit based on their spouse’s earnings, but that’s not how it works. In reality, timing, age, and filing strategy can dramatically change what you receive. Here’s what you need to know about Social Security spousal benefits—and the costly mistake many retirees make.
