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
Displaying 1064 results
Inaccurate info from Social Security Administration a challenge for widows
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING SEP 12, 2018
Inaccurate info from Social Security Administration a challenge for widows

Stresses of losing spouse include steep decline in household income for many, according to a survey.

Claiming Social Security early has lasting impact on survivors
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING SEP 07, 2018
Claiming Social Security early has lasting impact on survivors

Rushing to take benefits in response to illness may not be the best move.

Boost Social Security Benefits: 8 Effective Strategies Revealed
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING AUG 30, 2018
Boost Social Security Benefits: 8 Effective Strategies Revealed

As Social Security celebrates its 83rd anniversary, here are steps individuals can take to increase their benefits.

Nudging Congress toward Social Security reform
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING AUG 30, 2018
Nudging Congress toward Social Security reform

Grassroots coalition encourages the public to demand improved retirement security.

Estimating the impact of early retirement on Social Security benefits
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING AUG 29, 2018
Estimating the impact of early retirement on Social Security benefits

Just use the government's online tool for a really eye-opening experience

Some public employees face Social Security hurdles
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING AUG 27, 2018
Some public employees face Social Security hurdles

Pension offsets reduce Social Security benefits, but some qualify for exceptions.

Retroactive Social Security benefits: Everything you need to know
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING AUG 23, 2018
Retroactive Social Security benefits: Everything you need to know

Rules specify who qualifies for back benefits based on age and filing status.

Retroactive Social Security benefits: Everything you need to know
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING AUG 20, 2018
Retroactive Social Security benefits: Everything you need to know

Rules specify who qualifies for back benefits based on age and filing status.

Claiming Social Security early has lasting impact on survivors
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING AUG 17, 2018
Claiming Social Security early has lasting impact on survivors

Rush to take benefits due to illness may not be the best move.

Maximize Your Social Security: 8 Ways to Boost Benefits
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING AUG 16, 2018
Maximize Your Social Security: 8 Ways to Boost Benefits

On the 83rd anniversary of Social Security, retirees are increasingly dependent on the program.