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 OCT 15, 2013
Age differences can muddle Social Security-claiming strategies

Married couples should focus on maximizing survivor benefits.

Decoding Social Security's family maximum-benefit rules
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING OCT 14, 2013
Decoding Social Security's family maximum-benefit rules

Couples aren't affected if no minor children are collecting benefits.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING OCT 09, 2013
Social Security and common-law marriage: Oil and water?

In some cases, spousal benefits available without a marriage certificate

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING OCT 02, 2013
Found: lost Social Security funds

How one woman stumbled on retroactive benefits she didn't know she was owed

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING OCT 02, 2013
Social Security: Making up for lost time

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING OCT 02, 2013
Resist the urge to grab Social Security benefits early

Don't fear, retirement benefits won't disappear in the future.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING SEP 26, 2013
A real life case of confused claiming strategies

When to use 'file and suspend' vs. a restricted claim for spousal benefits.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING SEP 25, 2013
Two options to 'super-size' Social Security benefits

How financial advisers can help their clients who claim reduced Social Security benefits early and regret it later take steps to reset and maximize their benefits.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING SEP 20, 2013
A timely reminder: Sign up for online Social Security account

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING SEP 20, 2013
Social Security earnings limits apply to gross wages

Deductions for 401(k) contributions don't affect income subject to cap.