Latest articles 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Probate: The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Side of Estate Planning
We ask estate planning experts how to avoid probate. Because trust us, you don't want your assets to end up there.
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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.
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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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My husband and I retired this year at 67 with $3.2 million. He's very frugal whenever we travel, which makes me resentful. How can I convince him to loosen up?
Sponsored by Savant Wealth Management
We asked financial planning experts for advice.
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I'm a 76-year-old widow and my son is pushing me into assisted living. How do I convince him I'm fine living on my own?
We asked financial experts and therapists for advice.
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I'm 63 with an aging house that needs repairs, but I might eventually move to a retirement community. Is it worth making those fixes?
We ask financial experts for advice.
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I'm 51 and my portfolio is up. I'm planning to retire at 60 and want to start moving out of stocks. Is that smart?
We ask financial experts for advice.
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I'm 57 with $4.1 million and looking to retire abroad in a few years. I no longer see the point in contributing to my 401(k). Am I wrong?
We ask financial experts for advice.
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I'm 65 and My Property Taxes and Insurance Keep Going Up. How Can I Afford My House in Five Years?
The costs of homeownership may continue to rise in retirement. Here's how to manage that.
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I waited to claim Social Security and never got around to filing by my 70th birthday. Did I goof?
We ask financial experts for advice.
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I'm 58 and just sold some stock to lock in gains. I made a killing, but I'll have a big tax bill. What's My Next Move?
We ask financial planning experts for advice.
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I was laid off in my 40s and took a lower-paying job. I'm can't contribute to my retirement savings until my income rises, and I only have $200,000. Help!
The pain of underemployment is real. We ask financial experts for advice.
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Retirees, Make These Financial Moves Before the Fed Cuts Rates
The Fed will likely reduce interest rates in mid-September. Financial experts explain where retirees should invest now to boost retirement funds.
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I'm 60 with $2.8 million saved. I'm miserable working, but I need health insurance until Medicare kicks in. What are my options?
The 'health care desert' is real. We ask financial experts for advice.
