Does Marriage Lead to a Happy and Healthy Life?

Do you date for fun or date to marry?

Before entering a relationship, you should have a clear goal in mind.

If your goal is to get married, congratulations! You’re about to live a happy life.

Married life not only entails spending the rest of your life with someone you love, but it will also allow you to enjoy legal benefits!

Benefits that you can’t enjoy if you’re single.

What are those? Let’s find out.

Health Benefits

Studies have found that married couples are happier and healthier than single people. Take a look at these findings.

• Based on the medical records of 25,000 people, it was discovered that married people were 14% less likely to die from a heart attack than their single counterparts. In addition, they have lower levels of stress and stronger immune systems.
• Married people tend to smoke less, drink less alcohol, and eat more healthily.
• Marriage promotes social support, which single people lack, leading to loneliness, depression, and isolation.

Financial Benefits

Marriage has financial benefits too. This includes the following.

• Taxes — Since you are qualified to join taxes with your spouse, you’ll have an increased income threshold, potentially allowing you to be eligible for more tax breaks. Moreover, you can transfer assets to your spouse at any time, tax-free. This includes real property transfers free from estate or gift tax subjection.
• IRA — Initially, only working individuals can file for IRA. But, spousal IRAs allow a working spouse to contribute to their non-working partner’s account — provided they have enough taxable income to cover both contributions.

Another benefit of marriage with your IRA is that you can save money for your retirement with tax-free or tax-deferred growth.

Lastly, if your spouse dies, you can roll over their IRA into your own IRA without paying additional taxes. However, there are special conditions for distributions, loans, inheritance, etc. It’s best to talk to a financial advisor or to your account for a better explanation of your benefits.

• Social Security — There’s no problem if you don’t qualify for your own SS benefits. If you’re married, you can receive up to one-half of your spouse’s benefits in case he or she were to pass away.

On top of that, you may also be eligible for veterans, disability, and pension plan benefits through your spouse.

Other Legal Benefits

Aside from the above, there are more privileges that married couples can enjoy. These include inheritance, health insurance, and leave benefits.

• Inheritance — You can inherit a share of your spouse’s inheritance. When you’re married, all your assets are owned jointly between you and your spouse — provided, you don’t have a prenuptial agreement. In case one dies, the other is entitled to a share in the marital assets.
• Health insurance — You will be automatically included as your spouse’s beneficiary under their health insurance. In most cases, married couples also have lower health insurance premiums than two single individuals combined. Another great news for you and your spouse!
• Leave — You are usually entitled to take time off to care for your spouse if they’re sick. Since leave allowance may differ in states, you need to check your company’s leave policies first.

Should You Get Married?

Yes, you should! However, don’t get married solely for the benefits. Get married because you’re in love with your partner and want to spend the rest of your life with them.