I suppose it’s normal for husbands to give some extra thought to getting something for their wives around Valentine’s Day. And if my emails are any indication, these guys weren’t just thinking of getting them some flowers or candy. They were thinking about giving them spousal benefits from Social Security.
(And before I go on, let me be politically correct. I was just trying to be cute with those opening lines. I totally understand that a husband doesn’t “give” spousal benefits to his wife. The law says she is due those benefits, and the guy really has no say-so in the matter. Still, all the questions in today’s column come from husbands who are asking questions about benefits for their wives.)