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 Heard Tariffs Will Cost Families $2,800 This Year. I'm a Retiree on a Fixed Income. How Can I Prepare?We ask retirement planning experts what to do.
By Maurie Backman
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I Planned to Travel in Retirement, but the Weak Dollar is Making a European Vacation Harder to Afford. What Can I Do?Travel pros explain how you can afford a European vacation in retirement despite a weak dollar.
By Maurie Backman
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I thought I'd be set, but my $3 million isn't buying the retirement I imagined. What should I do?He played by the rules and won the savings game. Now, financial planners have to help him break a 40-year habit so he can actually enjoy his money.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm retired and want to save money, but my adult son wants to move back home after his divorce. What should I do?We asked expert financial advisers for advice and perspective.
By Maurie Backman
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High Mortgage Rates Are Holding My Retirement Hostage: Can I Still Downsize and Retire?We ask retirement wealth advisers what to do.
By Maurie Backman
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I own 2 homes, but have 3 kids. Can my estate plan make it fair?We ask estate planning attorneys for guidance.
By Maurie Backman
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'You Can't Take It With You.' Five Things You Lose in RetirementThere will inevitably be things you lose in retirement. But it's not all gloom and doom. Most people find happiness in retirement: here's how.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 58 and unexpectedly inherited $650K. Does this change my retirement timeline?We asked an expert financial adviser to weigh in.
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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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!
By Maurie Backman
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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?
By Maurie Backman
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Over 50 and Still Paying Student Loans? Here's Some HelpIt'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.
By Maurie Backman
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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?
By Maurie Backman
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Your Estate Plan Needs an Advance Directive for DementiaHere 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.
By Maurie Backman
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Will RMDs Ruin the 4% Rule for You?Don't let required minimum distributions (RMDs) rain on your retirement parade.
By Maurie Backman
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Four Financial Shocks Retirees Face and How to Avoid ThemTurn these financial shocks into mere "bothers" with a little foresight and preparation.
By Maurie Backman
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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?
By Maurie Backman
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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.
By Maurie Backman
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Americans to Trump: Help Us Save for RetirementWith 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.
By Maurie Backman
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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?
By Maurie Backman
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Tapping Your 401(k) at 55 Isn't the Great Plan You Think it Is. Here's WhyIt's tempting to dip into your 401(k) at 55. But beware — you may rue that decision later. Here's what to do instead.
By Maurie Backman
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Don't Let Chronic Illness Costs Drain Your Retirement Savings: Here's HowIf 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.
By Maurie Backman
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Popes Live Longer: Four Ways You Can TooWith 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.
By Maurie Backman
