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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We inherited $250K: Should we buy a second home or save for college?
He wants a vacation home, but she wants a 529 plan for the kids. Who's right? The experts weigh in.
By Maurie Backman
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This Versatile Account Should Be in Your Retirement Plan
The Swiss Army knife of accounts can help provide tax-free income in retirement. "Be Prepared."
By Maurie Backman
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Upsizing in Retirement: Why You Should (and Shouldn't) Do It
Upsizing, or buying a bigger home, can make your retirement feel more luxurious. There's room for grandkids and projects, but run the numbers carefully.
By Maurie Backman
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What Would $1.26M In Savings Do for Your Retirement Lifestyle?
Americans think $1.26 million is the ideal amount to have saved for retirement. What would that kind of money mean for your retirement?
By Maurie Backman
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My wife says our $4.3 million savings are 'our grandkids' inheritance.'
I want to travel while we are still healthy, but my wife wants to pass down our wealth. Who is right?
By Maurie Backman
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I Regret Moving to a 55+ Community, But My Wife Loves It
We asked real estate and psychotherapist professionals for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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Three Reasons to Skip the 401(k) Super Catch-Up
Older workers may want to forgo the 401(k) super catch-up and put their money to work elsewhere.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm retiring with $2.6 million. I'm worried about RMDs and taxes.
We asked professional wealth planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 61 and want a divorce. Should we live separately but stay married?
We asked Certified Divorce Financial Analysts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm feeling down since my grandkids left after the holidays.
We asked therapists for advice on how grandparents can handle the post-holiday blues.
By Maurie Backman
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We're retired and fight more than ever. Should we take a break?
Can taking a break save a marriage? We asked professional relationship therapists for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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We're retired and mortgage-free, but he wants to downsize.
We've paid off our mortgage, have $970K in savings and $5K each month from Social Security. Kiplinger asked wealth planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 61 with $1.6 million. What New Year's resolutions can help me retire in 2026?
Here are seven tips from professional financial planners to help you retire in the new year.
By Maurie Backman
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I retired at 75 with $1.4 million. Can I withdraw more than 4%?
We asked professional wealth advisers to weigh in.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 59 with $1.7 million saved and lost my job. Should I retire?
We asked professional wealth planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I'm 73 and dread winter, but I can't afford to be a snowbird.
How can a snowbird wannabe warm up without the expense? We asked professional wealth planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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I want to give my 3 grandkids $5K each for Christmas.
You're comfortably retired and want to give your grandkids a big Christmas check, but their parents are worried they might spend it all. We ask the pros for help.
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
