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 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
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Probate: The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Side of Estate PlanningWe ask estate planning experts how to avoid probate. Because trust us, you don't want your assets to end up there.
By Maurie Backman
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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?
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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I was laid off in my 40s and took a lower-paying job. I 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.
By Maurie Backman
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Retirees, Make These Financial Moves Before the Fed Cuts RatesThe Fed will likely reduce interest rates in mid-September. Financial experts explain where retirees should invest now to boost retirement funds.
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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We bought a vacation home for retirement, but we never use it. Should we sell, or rent it out and wait for mortgage rates to come down?We ask financial planning experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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The 401(k) Shake-Up: Private Equity's Role and RisksA new investment frontier is coming to your 401(k). We asked financial experts to break down what private equity means for your retirement.
By Maurie Backman
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I’m 57, with $1.8 million saved, and want a low-stress job for the next decade. My wife says keep cranking and retire at 62 instead. Who’s right?We asked expert wealth planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I missed the 2-Year IRMAA Rule. Now, my Medicare costs are skyrocketing. What are my options?A spike in income could result in costly IRMAA charges on your Medicare premiums. We ask financial planning experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I got laid off at 52 with $620,000 in savings, and I'm only being offered lower-paying jobsWe ask a financial planner how to handle sudden unemployment when you're older.
By Maurie Backman
