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
-
'Subsidized Adulting': Can You Afford to Help Your Kids?Supporting your adult kids shouldn’t mean risking your retirement. Our Wealth Wise columnist explains how to help them when times are tough.
By Maurie Backman
-
Business Owners Can Balance AI, Employee Loyalty and RetirementScaling your business for an exit doesn’t mean shedding your soul. Here is how to leverage AI to elevate your people and maximize your final payout.
By Maurie Backman
-
Regret Claiming Social Security Early?Don't beat yourself up; it's a common mistake to claim Social Security too early. Here are ways to fix it and get bigger checks.
By Maurie Backman
-
Should Fully Funded Retirees Invest Like 30-Year-Olds?When your savings are meant for the next generation, your investment timeline isn't yours anymore. Our Wealth Wise columnist explains how to adjust.
By Maurie Backman
-
How to Stay in Your Beloved Neighborhood as You AgeYour neighbors are your friends and support system. Aging in place means you'll need to account for more than just maintenance and rising property taxes.
By Maurie Backman
-
Mom Needs Medicaid for Nursing. Should I Spend Down Her Assets?Medicaid has undergone massive budget cuts and restructuring. Here's how your loved one can still qualify.
By Maurie Backman
-
Blindsided by Medicare’s 2-Year IRMAA Rule? Now What?A sudden spike in your income can trigger costly Medicare surcharges two years down the road. Here is how affluent retirees can protect their wealth.
By Maurie Backman
-
The 'Florida Flip' for Roth Conversions and Lower RMDsStaring down a massive RMD tax bill at age 75? Relocating to a zero-tax state for a few years could slash your Roth conversion costs. Just beware of the pitfalls.
By Maurie Backman
-
How Do I Protect My $5 Million From My Freely Spending Partner?"I'm a wealthy saver, he's a lavish spender with a mortgage. Am I crazy to consider marriage?" Kiplinger's Wealth Wise team answers a reader's financial dilemma.
By Maurie Backman
-
I'm 60 With $4 million — Can I Have a Luxury Retirement?With inflation and volatility, how careful should I be?
By Maurie Backman
-
I Retired at 63 and My Grown Kids Want Help With ChildcareI love my grandkids, but It's too much. What should I do? We asked therapists and relationship experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
-
She's 63 and a Veteran, He's 62. How Should They Manage Healthcare?In our retirement advice column, Wealth Wise, our reader turns 65 a year before a spouse. Here's how to seamlessly bridge the age gap using veteran benefits.
By Maurie Backman
-
Is a 'Lost Decade' Threatening Your Retirement Savings?High market valuations are triggering dot-com-era flashbacks, but panic isn't a financial strategy for retirement savers.
By Maurie Backman
-
Shopping for Long-Term Care Insurance at Age 50, 55, 60 and 65Long-term care insurance can help offset one of the biggest financial blind spots in retirement. But timing and strategy are everything.
By Maurie Backman
-
6 Fun (and Cheap) Ways to Stay Busy in RetirementIt's not all about the big trips and special occasions. There are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself day-to-day in retirement without breaking the bank.
By Maurie Backman
-
How to Fire Your Financial Adviser (Who Is Also a Friend)If your portfolio has been underperforming, you might need to fire your adviser. That gets tricky if you share a friend group.
By Maurie Backman
-
You’ve Mastered Asset Allocation — Now It’s Time for Asset LocationIn our retirement advice column, Wealth Wise, a 66-year-old retiree learns how strategically placing your stocks, bonds, and cash can save you thousands.
By Maurie Backman
-
Whole Life Insurance: Stealth Retirement Tool or Waste of Money?It may seem like everyone wants to sell you a whole life insurance policy. Is it worth it as a retirement savings hack?
By Maurie Backman
-
'The Best Is Yet to Come' — Five Things You Gain in RetirementRetirement should be a time of exploration, expansion and delight. So if you've done your planning well, enjoy these five retirement perks.
By Maurie Backman
-
You May Not Want to Downsize in Retirement: Here's WhyYour financial planner may urge you to downsize in retirement. Your kids may even pressure you. But be sure it's right for you before you make a move.
By Maurie Backman
-
Lost Your Spark? 6 Ways to Break Out of a Retirement FunkIt's common for retirees to struggle with mental health and the "blahs." Here are six ways you can break free, according to the experts.
By Maurie Backman
-
Wealth Wise: Should We Bankroll Our Son's Law School Tuition?In our retirement advice column, Wealth Wise, we help a couple weigh whether to lend their son $180K for his tuition or protect their savings.
By Maurie Backman
-
The Short-Term Rental Crackdown: Should You Sell?We consider the case of a retired couple relying on summer rental income from a $1.1 million beach house. Local zoning changes are forcing a hard choice between lifestyle and portfolio stability.
By Maurie Backman
-
Wealth Wise: Should We Sell Our Rental or Keep the Income?An out-of-state property is a great inflation hedge, but the hidden tax hits and landlord headaches might not be worth it. Our retirement advice column answers your questions.
By Maurie Backman
