Maurie Backman
Maurie Backman is a freelance contributor to Kiplinger. She has over a decade of experience writing about financial topics, including retirement, investing, Social Security, and real estate. She has written for USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, and Bankrate. She studied creative writing and finance at Binghamton University and merged the two disciplines to help empower consumers to make smart financial planning decisions.
Latest articles by Maurie Backman
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We've saved $5 million, but my husband still won't retire.
We are 66 and have reached our retirement savings goal. Our plan is to travel, but my husband can't seem to let go of work.
By Maurie Backman
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My wife wants to use our $6.1 million for charity — I want a lake house.
We are 62 and finally retired after decades of hard work. I see the lakehouse as an investment in our happiness.
By Maurie Backman
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We want our RMDs to fund a vacation with our kids and grandkids.
An extended family vacation can be a fun and bonding experience if planned well. Here are tips from travel experts.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 58 and dating again, but women just seem to care about the size of my bank account.
Does size matter? We ask experts in dating, financial planning and law for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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IRA Conversion to Roth: Rules to Convert an IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRA
An IRA conversion can give you a leg-up in retirement with tax-free income. But proceed with caution.
By Maurie Backman
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Dad Is a 68-Year-Old Widower, Forced to Retire. How Can I Help?
My dad is fun and handsome, but reeling after so much loss. Relationship experts give their advice.
By Maurie Backman
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Should I sell my silverware and gold jewelry now that prices are high?
My family silver and gold have sentimental value, but I hardly use them. Should I sell? We asked a professional metals dealer and investment adviser to weigh in.
By Maurie Backman
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I want to sell our beach house to retire now, but my wife wants to keep it.
I want to sell the $610K vacation home and retire now, but my wife envisions a beach retirement in 8 years. We asked financial advisers to weigh in.
By Maurie Backman
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We inherited $250K: Should we buy a second home or save for college?
He wants a vacation home, but she wants a 529 plan for the kids. Who's right? The experts weigh in.
By Maurie Backman
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This Versatile Account Should Be in Your Retirement Plan
The Swiss Army knife of accounts can help provide tax-free income in retirement. "Be Prepared."
By Maurie Backman
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Upsizing in Retirement: Why You Should (and Shouldn't) Do It
Upsizing, or buying a bigger home, can make your retirement feel more luxurious. There's room for grandkids and projects, but run the numbers carefully.
By Maurie Backman
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What Would $1.26M In Savings Do for Your Retirement Lifestyle?
Americans think $1.26 million is the ideal amount to have saved for retirement. What would that kind of money mean for your retirement?
By Maurie Backman
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My wife says our $4.3 million savings are 'our grandkids' inheritance.'
I want to travel while we are still healthy, but my wife wants to pass down our wealth. Who is right?
By Maurie Backman
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I Regret Moving to a 55+ Community, But My Wife Loves It
We asked real estate and psychotherapist professionals for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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Three Reasons to Skip the 401(k) Super Catch-Up
Older workers may want to forgo the 401(k) super catch-up and put their money to work elsewhere.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm retiring with $2.6 million. I'm worried about RMDs and taxes.
We asked professional wealth planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 61 and want a divorce. Should we live separately but stay married?
We asked Certified Divorce Financial Analysts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm feeling down since my grandkids left after the holidays.
We asked therapists for advice on how grandparents can handle the post-holiday blues.
By Maurie Backman
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We're retired and fight more than ever. Should we take a break?
Can taking a break save a marriage? We asked professional relationship therapists for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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We're retired and mortgage-free, but he wants to downsize.
We've paid off our mortgage, have $970K in savings and $5K each month from Social Security. Kiplinger asked wealth planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 61 with $1.6 million. What New Year's resolutions can help me retire in 2026?
Here are seven tips from professional financial planners to help you retire in the new year.
By Maurie Backman
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I retired at 75 with $1.4 million. Can I withdraw more than 4%?
We asked professional wealth advisers to weigh in.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 59 with $1.7 million saved and lost my job. Should I retire?
We asked professional wealth planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 73 and dread winter, but I can't afford to be a snowbird.
How can a snowbird wannabe warm up without the expense? We asked professional wealth planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
