Spousal Social Security benefits are a financial boon to married couples, but they're more precarious than benefits a worker earns by paying Social Security taxes throughout their career. There are a number of moves that could cost you some or all of your spousal benefit. If any of the four things below happen to you, you'll need to draw up a new retirement income strategy quickly.

Spousal benefits are only available to current spouses or exes who were married to a qualifying worker for at least 10 years. Divorcing sooner than this renders you ineligible for spousal benefits on your ex's work record. However, if you qualify for a Social Security benefit in your own right, you would still be able to claim it.

Image source: Getty Images.

Continue reading

Source Fool.com