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 Will Inherit $3 Million: Can We Retire Now?
We're 60 with $550K saved. We know we'll inherit when my elderly father passes away. Can we retire now, even though we can't technically afford it?
By Maurie Backman
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My Husband Wants Half Our Retirement Portfolio in Stocks
We just retired at 67 with $4.1 million. My husband wants to keep 50% of our investments in stocks. I say it's not worth the risk. Who's right?
By Maurie Backman
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We Have $5.7 million. My Wife Wants Long-Term Care Insurance.
Even with our solid nest egg, it's not clear if we should self-insure or buy long-term care insurance.
By Maurie Backman
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Our Son Can't Come on the Family Cruise. Should I Send Him a Check?
I'm disappointed my son can't go to Greece with us, but we can't reschedule. I want him to feel we are treating him fairly.
By Maurie Backman
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Our children want us to take care of the grandkids this summer. How do we say no?
We love our grandkids, but we're not a summer camp.
By Maurie Backman
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I’m Ready to Retire in Europe Now. My Wife Thinks It’s Too Risky.
She thinks we should reconsider because of the political and economic situation. I want to go now. Who's right?
By Maurie Backman
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We've saved $3.1 million, but my husband still works. I want to travel!
We retired last year at 67. My husband works two days a week, but it's interfering with the dream vacations I want to plan. Help!
By Maurie Backman
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I want to travel, my wife wants to donate 10% of our income.
We asked wealth planners if "tithing" (donating 10%) makes sense in retirement.
By Maurie Backman
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We're 62 and Want to Sell our $1.2 Million Home, but Our Grandkids Live With Us.
My wife wants our daughter and grandkids to stay, but I'm eager to sell the house and retire. We asked financial planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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Should we fund our grandchild's 529 or our retirement?
We're 54 with $1.8 million saved. My wife wants to start a college fund for our grandchild, but I think we should keep funding our retirement. Who is right?
By Maurie Backman
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We're 65. Should we give our kids their inheritance now?
We have $3.9 million saved. Our adult children are struggling to pay for daycare and buy a home. Should we give them an advance on their inheritance?
By Maurie Backman
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We're 64 with $4.3 million and can't agree on when to retire.
I want to retire now and pay for health insurance until we get Medicare. My wife says we should work 10 more months. Who's right?
By Maurie Backman
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My grandkids want me to donate to their fundraisers, but I'm on a budget.
When your heart says "yes" but your wallet says "no," there is still a way forward. Here's what financial pros say.
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
