Latest articles by Maurie Backman
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Five Roth IRA Pitfalls Your Adviser May Not Tell You About
Heffalump traps may be imaginary, but Roth IRA pitfalls are very real. They could upend your retirement if you're unaware of them.
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I'm 52 with $2.1 million in retirement savings: Can I afford a second home?
Buy a second home now, or wait until retirement? It depends.
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I’m burned out at work, but I dread retirement boredom and loneliness. Now what?
We asked the experts what to do when you're stuck on the fence.
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RV Living or Vacation Home? What's Best for Your Retirement?
You may fantasize about RV living or owning a cabin in the mountains or by the beach. Both options can be affordable and fun, but kick the tires first!
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I Don't Need Social Security. Should I Skip Benefits and Save Them for People Who Do?
What happens when you forgo Social Security benefits?
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Is Your Will 'Fair'? Estate Planning Is About More Than Money
Your will and estate plan should leave your heirs feeling loved. An expert weighs in on how to avoid family feuds after you're gone.
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Over 50 and Still Paying Student Loans? Here's Some Help
It's the club no one wants to join. But if you are over 50 and still paying student loans, there are ways to tackle both debt and retirement savings.
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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?
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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.
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Will RMDs Ruin the 4% Rule for You?
Don't let required minimum distributions (RMDs) rain on your retirement parade.
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Monetizing a Hobby in Retirement: The Benefits and Pitfalls
Get extra cash in retirement to do what you love.
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'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.
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Four Financial Shocks Retirees Face and How to Avoid Them
Turn these financial shocks into mere "bothers" with a little foresight and preparation.
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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?
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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.
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I'm 60 with $4 million — can I have a luxury retirement?
With inflation and volatility, how careful should I be?
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
