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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A Tech Worker Got Laid Off at 52 With $620,000 in SavingsFinding a job after 50 can mean taking a pay cut. Here are strategies to preserve your retirement savings and pivot your career without going broke.
By Maurie Backman
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Can a 64-Year-Old Retire and Count on 'Shaky' Social Security?In this week's Wealth Wise advice column, financial experts run the numbers to see if a frustrated worker can safely trade their job for a $90,000-a-year retirement.
By Maurie Backman
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Roth IRAs: Convert an IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRAAn 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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How to Fairly Compensate the Child Who Steps Up to Care for YouFrom caregiver contracts to unequal inheritances, estate planning experts explain how to reward your most dedicated child without fracturing the family.
By Maurie Backman
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Use the 'Newton Rule' to Grow Your 401(k) Retirement SavingsHarnessing Sir Isaac Newton's rule in retirement can boost your 401(k) savings while you chill.
By Christy Bieber
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Should You Convert Your Traditional 401(k) to a Roth?Too rich for a Roth IRA? If your company offers a Roth 401(k), you can convert your traditional 401(k) to pay lower taxes in retirement.
By Tom Taulli
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Our Parents Lived 'Forever.' How Do We Plan for Long-Term Care?Even if you're very wealthy, you may need to plan for long-term care through age 100. Our Wealth Wise columnist asks the experts what to do.
By Maurie Backman
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Will You Regret Retiring Early? 8 Warning SignsRetiring early sounds like a dream, but it can quickly turn into a financial or emotional nightmare. Here are eight signs you might be quitting too soon.
By Maurie Backman
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Is It Wrong to Ask My Retired Mom for Financial Help?You're stretched thin, and she has millions. This week's Wealth Wise advice column asks experts how to handle the financial and emotional rules of taking money from your parents.
By Maurie Backman
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Why You Might Want to Keep Your Mortgage in RetirementIf your interest rate is around 3%, keeping your loan could give you greater financial flexibility, tax perks, and peace of mind.
By Maurie Backman
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The Expert Guide to a Tax-Free InheritancePassing down assets can leave kids with a massive tax bill. This week's Wealth Wise advice column explores the strategies advisers use to leave an inheritance tax-free.
By Maurie Backman
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The 'Ultra-Low-Risk Portfolio' for RetireesShifting away from stocks reduces risk, but as this week's Wealth Wise column explains, you still need to beat inflation. Here's how to balance safety and peace of mind.
By Maurie Backman
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4 Urgent Questions About 529 Plans and College SavingsIn this week's Wealth Wise advice column, financial experts answer four critical questions about rising tuition, shifting job markets, and navigating the new 529 plan rules.
By Maurie Backman
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Should Sell Your Second Car in Retirement?Shedding an extra vehicle is easier than you think — and it could save you thousands.
By Maurie Backman
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Are We On Track for Retirement Despite a Late Start?You don't need to cut the cable to retire comfortably. In this week's Wealth Wise advice column, advisers tell a couple with $300K saved how to catch up.
By Maurie Backman
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How Friends Can Co-Own a Vacation HomeSet it up correctly from the start, and you can share a dream getaway with friends all the way into retirement — without risking your nest egg.
By Maurie Backman
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Is Your Will 'Fair'? Estate Planning Is About More Than MoneyDividing assets equally can still trigger family drama. Here’s how to navigate tax traps, emotional heirlooms, and blended families so your heirs feel loved — not cheated.
By Maurie Backman
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6 Innovative Ways to Earn Extra Income in RetirementFrom monetizing garage space to selling niche expertise, retirees are boosting cash flow on their own terms.
By Maurie Backman
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Should You Upsize When College and Retirement Collide?With $4 million saved, a couple wants a bigger home for their teens before retiring in eight years. In this week's Wealth Wise advice column, advisers reveal why it’s risky — and smart alternatives.
By Maurie Backman
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Five Roth IRA Pitfalls Your Adviser May Not Tell You AboutThere's a lot to love about Roth IRAs, but their downsides are very real. They could put a dent in your retirement savings if you're unaware of them.
By Maurie Backman
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Roth Conversion Strategy for High Earners Approaching RMDsDiscover how a 69-year-old engineer can successfully convert a $1.2 million IRA to a Roth before RMDs begin. Learn about IRMAA, tax issues and legacy planning.
By Maurie Backman
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Is a 60/40 Portfolio Too Aggressive in Your Seventies?Generous pensions can act as a safety net, but concentration risk and healthcare gaps still loom large for retirees. This week's Wealth Wise advice column breaks it down.
By Maurie Backman
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3 Signs Medicare Advantage is Wrong for YouWhile Medicare Advantage offers great perks, it isn't perfect. Here are three signs you should stick with original Medicare.
By Maurie Backman
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Can You Actually Get Paid to Care for an Aging Parent?Learn how to tap Medicaid or other programs for income in this week's Wealth Wise advice column. You may be able to balance caregiving with your career.
By Maurie Backman
