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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Scammers claim Social Security benefits will be halted
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 31, 2020
Scammers claim Social Security benefits will be halted

Meanwhile, the Social Security Administration is scaling back its hotline hours amid a flood of phone calls

Recession could hit Social Security financial outlook
NEWS OPINION MAR 25, 2020
Recession could hit Social Security financial outlook

The likelihood that people will file for benefits sooner amid a downturn and the possible decline in payroll tax revenue could put pressure on the Social Security trust fund

Dispatch from my bunker
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 23, 2020
Dispatch from my bunker

Here's how I'm coping during the pandemic. I'm asking InvestmentNews readers to share their stories of how they're coping

Social Security closes local offices nationwide
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 17, 2020
Social Security closes local offices nationwide

Critical services still available over the phone and online

Singles, survivors most affected by Medicare surcharges
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 13, 2020
Singles, survivors most affected by Medicare surcharges

Roth conversions can help reduce clients' health care costs and taxes, given the impact that required minimum distributions can have on Medicare premiums

Fears over market drop could cause some to postpone retirement
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 10, 2020
Fears over market drop could cause some to postpone retirement

Survey of those nearing retirement shows many would opt to work longer

Women and retirement preparedness
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 05, 2020
Women and retirement preparedness

As International Women's Day approaches this Sunday, female investors continue to face challenges related to longevity and lower lifetime earnings

Social Security and survivor benefits
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING FEB 27, 2020
Social Security and survivor benefits

Widows and widowers have multiple claiming options

Social Security claiming strategies for married couples
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING FEB 21, 2020
Social Security claiming strategies for married couples

The ages and individual earning histories of the spouses will determine the best approach

Valentine’s Day reminder: A man is not a plan
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING FEB 13, 2020
Valentine’s Day reminder: A man is not a plan

A new white paper offers women a guide to financial competency