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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I'm retired with $2.2 million. Should I give my shifts to a young coworker?
Should she quit her job so a struggling young colleague can take her shifts? We asked certified financial planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I retired at 63 and my grown kids want help with child care
We asked therapists and relationship experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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My adult child was laid off. Can we discuss it without ruining the holidays?
We asked mental health and financial experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm retiring with $3.3 million at age 65 and don't want to touch my portfolio's principal. Is this possible?
We ask financial professionals for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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My $1.2 million vacation home has a $360K mortgage. I don't need my upcoming $45K RMD. Should I use it to pay down the mortgage?
We asked wealth planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I’m 64, retired, and want to invest $400,000 of my $2.4 million portfolio in a winery startup. Am I crazy?
We ask wealth advisers to weigh in on the wine business and how to finance a retirement startup.
By Maurie Backman
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Time to Stop Driving? When Older Drivers Need to Hang up the Car Keys
Does your older parent or spouse need to stop driving? It's one of the hardest transitions in aging, and there's no simple fix.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 57 with a great remote job, but my company wants me in the office full-time. I don't have the energy for a daily commute. Help!
We asked career planning and human resources experts for advice on how to handle return-to-work orders.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 54 with a $320,000 IRA and will soon be self-employed, earning about $120,000 per year. How much should I be saving for retirement?
We asked financial experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 58, divorced, 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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I'm 61 and need $50,000 for home repairs. Should I borrow, given today's rates, or take a withdrawal from my $950,000 401(k)?
We asked financial experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 62 and want to work a few more years, but AI makes me feel like a dinosaur. Can't I just do my job without technology complicating things?
We asked professional career coaches for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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Living Solely on Investment Income in Retirement: Just a Fantasy?
Relying only on investment income from your portfolio is achievable for high-net-worth individuals and those with the right mix of investments. Is it for you?
By Maurie Backman
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Turn Your Retirement Hobby into Income: The Pros and Cons
Earn extra cash from a retirement hobby or passion project. Here's what you need to know before making a commitment.
By Maurie Backman
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I want to help pay for my grandkids' college. Should I make a lump-sum 529 plan contribution or spread funds out evenly through the years?
We asked a college savings professional and a financial planning expert for their advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I Retired at 60 Two Years Ago With $3.1 Million. My 62-Year-Old Wife Still Works Because She Wants to, but She Resents My Free Time. Help!
We asked a psychologist and a mediation expert for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I retired at 65 with $7.8 million and feel like I over-saved. My 40-something son is on the same path. Should I tell him to reconsider?
We ask financial experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 52, make $210K a year and heard I may lose a 401(k) tax break in 2026. Should I max out my 401(k) anyway?
We asked financial experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I have to take a $22,000 RMD by the end of the year, and I don't need the money. What should I do with it?
We ask financial experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm in my 50s and thinking about prepaying my own funeral. Is it worth it?
We asked financial experts to weigh in.
By Maurie Backman
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I Got Laid Off at 59 with an $800,000 401(k). What Are My Options?
If you've also recently been laid off, don't panic! Here's expert advice on what to do.
By Maurie Backman
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I claimed Social Security six months ago at 62, but my checks are too small. What are my options?
We asked financial experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I want to retire, but I have to keep working so my adult kids have insurance. Help!
It's a tricky period when your adult child is under 26 but needs health insurance. We ask financial experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 68 and health issues forced me to retire. Should I claim Social Security or use my savings until I'm 70?
We asked financial planning experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
