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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Avoid local Social Security offices and file for benefits online
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING APR 13, 2016
Avoid local Social Security offices and file for benefits online

As confusion over filing rules continues, some complaints about false information emerge.

When Social Security is a family affair
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 30, 2016
When Social Security is a family affair

Claiming benefits early may make sense when kids are involved.

When delayed retirement credits are delayed
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 30, 2016
When delayed retirement credits are delayed

Some Social Security beneficiaries must wait an additional year for full payment.

Majority of retirees roll funds out of 401(k) plans
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 22, 2016
Majority of retirees roll funds out of 401(k) plans

New survey finds the majority of boomers who work with advisers opt to move their money to an IRA in an attempt to improve their investment performance.

Mass confusion over new Social Security rules
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 17, 2016
Mass confusion over new Social Security rules

April 29 deadline applies only to file-and-suspend strategy, not spousal benefits.

Why Social Security can delay your retirement credits
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 14, 2016
Why Social Security can delay your retirement credits

Some Social Security beneficiaries must wait an additional year for full payment.

Why the Social Security file-and-suspend strategy isn't for everyone
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 04, 2016
Why the Social Security file-and-suspend strategy isn't for everyone

Just because you are eligible, doesn't mean this claiming strategy is right for you.

Where Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and the candidates stand on Social Security
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 04, 2016
Where Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and the candidates stand on Social Security

Next president should tackle retirement program reform.

For survivor benefits, timing is everything under new Social Security rules
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 03, 2016
For survivor benefits, timing is everything under new Social Security rules

The Social Security Administration's file-and-suspend guidance injects some confusion regarding the choice between survivor and retirement benefits.

Social Security issues new guidelines for popular file-and-suspend strategy
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING FEB 26, 2016
Social Security issues new guidelines for popular file-and-suspend strategy

Updated April 29 deadline looms for those who want to take advantage of current rules.