Married for 10 Years? Experts Say This Anniversary Matters Most for Retirement Planning

A 10th wedding anniversary is a major milestone, representing a decade of navigating shared goals, financial decisions, and life changes. A diamond ring or necklace can mark the occasion, but financial experts say that it’s also an important benchmark when it comes to retirement planning, Social Security benefits, and estate planning.

The Social Security Benefit Most Divorced Spouses Don’t Know About

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One of the biggest financial reasons the 10-year mark matters is Social Security. Under current rules, divorced individuals may be eligible to claim Social Security benefits based on a former spouse’s earnings record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and certain other requirements are met.

“Most people don’t realize that 10 years is the qualifying threshold for Social Security spousal and survivor benefits, including for divorced spouses,” Craig Parker, Assistant General Counsel at Trust & Will, told Parade. “A former spouse married at least a decade can claim benefits based on their ex’s earnings record.”

In addition to the 10-year marriage requirement, individuals generally must be at least 62, currently unmarried, and entitled to a retirement benefit that is lower than the benefit they would receive based on their ex-spouse’s record. In some cases, there is also a timing rule: if an ex-spouse has not yet claimed Social Security, the divorce must typically have been finalized for at least two years before benefits can be claimed on their record.

Why Year Ten Is the Right Time to Check In on Retirement

The 10-year milestone can also serve as a valuable reminder to review long-term financial goals. By this point, many couples have accumulated assets together through retirement plans, IRAs, pensions, brokerage accounts, and shared equity if they’re homeowners. Evaluating those assets can help determine whether both spouses are on track for the retirement they want. It’s also a good time to discuss retirement timelines, future living arrangements, healthcare costs, and other major financial priorities that can shape life after work.

The Estate Planning Check-In Your Future Self Will Thank You For

A decade of marriage is also a good time to check in with your spouse and revisit estate planning documents or beneficiaries. “When it comes to estate planning, reaching 10 years of marriage is a great time to review your overall plan,” Patrick Simasko, elder law attorney and financial advisor at Simasko Law, told Parade. “This includes taking a look at your beneficiary designations, retirement accounts, life insurance, and long-term care plans to ensure they all still align with your goals.”

Craig Parker notes that many estate plans become outdated after years of life changes. “Beneficiary designations, will and trust documents often still reflect the financial reality of year one or two,” he says. “Major life changes like a home purchase, children or career shifts should trigger an update.”

Diamonds may be the traditional 10th anniversary gift, but checking in on your finances could be even more valuable. After romantic dinner plans, reviewing your retirement strategy, Social Security options, and estate plan can help ensure your financial future is as strong as the relationship you’ve spent the last decade building.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.