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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Solving the mystery of unexpectedly reduced Social Security benefits
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING JUL 29, 2016
Solving the mystery of unexpectedly reduced Social Security benefits

It turns out that the explanation, which advisers need to watch out for, was rather simple.

Social Security reform awaits next president
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING JUL 29, 2016
Social Security reform awaits next president

Most proposed solutions call for higher taxes on high earners.

Market volatility raises the bar for how much you will need to save for retirement
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING JUL 26, 2016
Market volatility raises the bar for how much you will need to save for retirement

A 55-year-old would need $17.64 saved today to generate each dollar of annual retirement income starting at age 65.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING JUL 21, 2016
Debt dims boomers' retirement prospects

New study shows ongoing bills impede savings and boost baby boomers' retirement income needs.

How to correct Social Security earnings records
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING JUL 18, 2016
How to correct Social Security earnings records

Mistakes in reported earnings can reduce future benefits.

Debt dims boomers' retirement prospects
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING JUL 12, 2016
Debt dims boomers' retirement prospects

New study shows ongoing bills impede savings and boost baby boomers' retirement income needs.

Market volatility raises the bar for retirement income savers
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING JUL 06, 2016
Market volatility raises the bar for retirement income savers

Lower interest rates also affect Social Security trust fund cushion.

Social Security out of step with many modern families
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING JUL 06, 2016
Social Security out of step with many modern families

Family benefits account for a much smaller percentage of Social Security outlays today than they did in the past.

This simple retirement spending strategy takes on the 4% rule
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING JUL 06, 2016
This simple retirement spending strategy takes on the 4% rule

Divide your age by 20 to ensure you won't outlive your savings.

Social Security cost-of-living adjustment unlikely for 2017
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING JUN 29, 2016
Social Security cost-of-living adjustment unlikely for 2017

High-income retirees could see net benefits decline next year if Medicare premiums rise.