RETIREMENT: FOUR CONSIDERATIONSFOR SAME-SEX COUPLES

PLANNING FOR

Making retirement plans with your partner can involve some unique considerations.

To ensure you’re prepared for your golden years, look into these four key points.

#1#2#3#4

Spousal Social Security BenefitsRetirement Account BeneficiariesWillsEstate Taxes

Spousal Social Security Benefits

#1Spousal Social Security BenefitsRetirement Account BeneficiariesWillsEstate Taxes

Social Security Check

Legally, only married couples are entitled to their spouses’ Social Security benefits.

Spousal Social Security Benefits

If you’re unmarried, you won’t be able to count on those funds in retirement.

FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES

Making retirement plans with your partner can involve some unique considerations.

Retirement Account Beneficiaries

#2

Retirement Account Beneficiaries

#1#2#3#4

Spousal Social Security BenefitsRetirement Account BeneficiariesWillsEstate Taxes

My

Beneficiary

My

Beneficiary

If you want to leave your retirement account savings to your partner

and you’re not married, you’ll need to name him or her as the

beneficiary.

If your employer-sponsored retirement plan only allows spouses

and children as beneficiaries, you might consider a more flexible

savings vehicle, such as an IRA.

IRA

IRA

Spousal Social Security BenefitsRetirement Account BeneficiariesWillsEstate Taxes

#3

Legally, only married couples are entitled to their spouses’ Social Security benefits.

Wills

Retirement and estate planning often go hand in hand.

Without a will or trust, state law will likely dictate that your assets go to your spouse or blood relatives.

WillIf you’re unmarried and want to leave assets to your partner, consider talking to an attorney about outlining your wishes in a will.

Estate Taxes #4

Estate Taxes

If you’re married, you and your spouse are probably eligible for

the marital deduction on estate taxes.

Wills

If you’re unmarried, a tax professional can help you find ways to minimize estate taxes.

With the right tools and preparation, you can help ensure your retirement is just as you and your spouse or partner intended.

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