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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RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 23, 2015
Retirement readiness improves, but most Americans' savings still fall short

More than half of Americans are still at risk of being unprepared to completely cover essential living expenses in retirement.

Rethinking retirement income replacement rules
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 18, 2015
Rethinking retirement income replacement rules

Current 80% savings target may be too high — unless you get sick.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 15, 2015
New resolution: Create and review your Social Security statement online

If your earnings information is wrong, you may not receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.

Loss of Social Security file-and-suspend strategy may be overblown
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 15, 2015
Loss of Social Security file-and-suspend strategy may be overblown

Restricted application for spousal benefits is still key for married couples.

Loss of file-and-suspend strategy may be overblown
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 15, 2015
Loss of file-and-suspend strategy may be overblown

Restricted application for spousal benefits is still key for married couples.

Medicare surcharge letters dampen holiday spirits
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 07, 2015
Medicare surcharge letters dampen holiday spirits

Income-related premium hikes for 2016 confuse retirees.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 03, 2015
Social Security changes present opportunities

Once you recover from the shock of learning that the most valuable Social Security claiming strategies are being phased out, take steps to turn this game-changing event into an opportunity by connecting with clients.

Don't delay on file and suspend Social Security claims
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING NOV 27, 2015
Don't delay on file and suspend Social Security claims

As the Social Security Administration's appointment backlog builds, consider filing online.

Top questions about new Social Security claiming rules
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING NOV 27, 2015
Top questions about new Social Security claiming rules

Mary Beth Franklin's virtual mailbag is bursting at the seams with questions from <i>InvestmentNews</i> readers about how new regulation will affect Social Security claiming strategies for current and future retirees. Here she offers some answers.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING NOV 23, 2015
Social Security changes sting women retirees

New rules limiting Social Security strategies in 2016 and beyond could make it more difficult for many women to maximize their benefits.