Mary Beth Franklin

Mary Beth Franklin is a Contributing Editor at Investment News specializing in Social Security, Medicare and Retirement income. She has been a financial journalist for more than 40 years, covering everything from federal budget and tax policies as a Capitol Hill reporter for United Press International to consumer finances as a writer and editor at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Mary Beth became a Certified Financial Planner in 2015 and is an in-demand speaker at conferences for financial professionals as well as a frequent guest on numerous radio and television programs. She is the author of “Maximizing Your Social Security Retirement Benefits” and host of the Retirement Repair Shop podcast. In her free time, Mary Beth likes to read, garden, ski and play the piano. She received a BA in Communications from American University in 1975 where she continues to mentor journalism students.

Mary Beth Franklin
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INmail: Don’t wait beyond 70 to claim Social Security
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 07, 2020
INmail: Don’t wait beyond 70 to claim Social Security

There is no value to delaying Social Security beyond age 70 since delayed retirement credits end then.

Retirement savings for the suddenly self-employed
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 01, 2020
Retirement savings for the suddenly self-employed

Pandemic-induced gig work provides opportunities for tax savings

Social Security shortchanged some older workers, survivors
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING NOV 25, 2020
Social Security shortchanged some older workers, survivors

Two new audits reveal underpayments to certain groups of beneficiaries

INmail: Unusual rules regarding survivors benefits
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING NOV 16, 2020
INmail: Unusual rules regarding survivors benefits

Full retirement age for survivor benefits may be different than for retirement benefits depending on the birth year.

INmail: When to claim survivor benefits
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING NOV 09, 2020
INmail: When to claim survivor benefits

Survivor benefits are worth the maximum amount if they are collected at full retirement age.

Medicare premiums, surcharges to rise slightly in 2021
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING NOV 08, 2020
Medicare premiums, surcharges to rise slightly in 2021

Income brackets to be adjusted for inflation for high-income retirees next year

No escaping IRMAAs by switching to Medicare Advantage
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING NOV 04, 2020
No escaping IRMAAs by switching to Medicare Advantage

High-income surcharges apply regardless of how clients receive Medicare coverage

INmail: The best month to start Social Security benefits
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING NOV 02, 2020
INmail: The best month to start Social Security benefits

There is a different rule for people who claim Social Security benefits before full retirement age.

Collapse of three-legged stool threatens retirement security
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING OCT 27, 2020
Collapse of three-legged stool threatens retirement security

The worsening outlook will likely trigger 401(k), Social Security reform

INmail: Social Security do-over options
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING OCT 26, 2020
INmail: Social Security do-over options

Someone who has been collecting Social Security for more than a year can't stop her benefits now, but she might be able to in the future.