Latest articles by Maurie Backman
-
I'm 60 with a $4.2 million nest egg. Can I stop saving and start spending until I retire at 65?
Should I continue contributing to my 401(k) or treat myself now?
-
Your Estate Plan Needs an Advance Directive for Dementia
Here are free tools to add an advance directive for dementia to your estate plan. These directives detail your preferred medical care for each stage of dementia.
-
Will RMDs Ruin the 4% Rule for You?
Don't let required minimum distributions (RMDs) rain on your retirement parade.
-
Monetizing a Hobby in Retirement: The Benefits and Pitfalls
Get extra cash in retirement to do what you love.
-
'The Best Is Yet to Come' — Four Things You Gain in Retirement
Retirement should be a time of exploration, expansion and delight. So if you've done your planning well, enjoy these four retirement perks.
-
Four Financial Shocks Retirees Face and How to Avoid Them
Turn these financial shocks into mere "bothers" with a little foresight and preparation.
-
I'm 65, with $1.2 million saved and a paid-off $1.3 million rental property. Should I sell, or keep it for income?
Should I be a landlord in retirement?
-
The Odd Couple: Is Renting Out a Room in Retirement for You?
Whether you're more Golden Girls or Felix Unger, renting out a room in retirement might make financial sense. You might even have fun.
-
I'm 60 with $4 million — can I have a luxury retirement?
With inflation and volatility, how careful should I be?
-
Americans to Trump: Help Us Save for Retirement
With a Social Security shortfall looming and many workers struggling to save for retirement, most Americans agree: It's time for the government to step in.
-
I'm 68 with $3.1 million and I want to keep working, but my spouse says it's time to call it quits.
I love my job and I love my wife. Can't I have both?
-
Tapping Your 401(k) at 55 Isn't the Great Plan You Think it Is. Here's Why
It's tempting to dip into your 401(k) at 55. But beware — you may rue that decision later. Here's what to do instead.
-
Don't Let Chronic Illness Costs Drain Your Retirement Savings: Here's How
If you have a chronic illness, you know that the proper care can be expensive and, in many cases, lifelong. Here's how to get the healthcare you need in retirement.
-
Popes Live Longer: Four Ways You Can Too
With all eyes on the conclave, it's hard to miss that popes live longer and are able to work into their 80s. Here are four of their strategies you can try.
-
Holding Wealth: Why Retirees Shouldn't Focus on Leaving an Inheritance
From funding a college education to paying for long-term care or simply treating your family, there are plenty of reasons to use your hard-earned wealth now.
-
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.
-
I'm 65 with $3 million saved: should I buy a vacation home?
I have my eye on a small but beautiful cottage. Will I regret tying up my money?
-
Should You Give up a Car in Retirement?
If you own two cars, shedding one might be easier than you think. The freedom from rising vehicle expenses can bring relief to retirees.
-
Trump's Immigration Policies and the Price of Home Healthcare: First 100 Days
President Trump's immigration policies may wallop your pocketbook if you rely on a home healthcare aide.
-
Should You Donate Money to the Social Security Trust Funds?
You can make charitable donations to Social Security, the safety net for older Americans. But will it make a lasting impact?
-
I'm 50 and my home is worth $5 million. Can I retire now?
It may be oh-so tempting to cash out your upscale home and leave work for good. But should you? We ask the experts.
-
When Should You Hand Over the Keys — to Your Investments?
The secret to retirement planning? "The best time to hand over the keys is before you’ve realized you need to hand over the keys."
-
Tariffs Are Paused: Here's What Retirees Should Stock up on Now
The massive China tariff is still in place, but others have been paused for 90 days. That gives retirees a window to stock up on some goods.
-
Retired and Worried About a Recession? Six Ways to Prepare
Retirees can plan for a near-term recession with a range of strategies, from small investment changes to significant lifestyle hacks.
