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Maurie Backman

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Maurie Backman is a contributing Motley Fool retirement and Social Security expert with more than a decade of experience writing about personal finance, investing, and retirement planning. Maurie previously worked in finance analyzing distressed companies. She studied finance at Binghamton University.

Articles by Maurie Backman — Page 251

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Jul 21, 2020 by Maurie Backman

5.4 Million Americans Have Lost Health Insurance During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Americans are desperate for health coverage, and while they do have options for getting it, they're not necessarily affordable. It's for this reason that so many jobless folks may be itching to get back to work.

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Jul 21, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Why S&P 500 Index Funds Are a Great Retirement Investing Strategy

Following this major index could pave the way to retirement wealth.

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Jul 21, 2020 by Maurie Backman

More Americans Plan to Delay Social Security Due to COVID-19

The pandemic has caused a lot of people to rethink their Social Security strategy.

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Jul 20, 2020 by Maurie Backman

This Could Be the Week We Learn About a Second Stimulus Package

Lawmakers have reconvened in the Senate -- and there's a good chance a coronavirus relief package will take top priority.

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Jul 20, 2020 by Maurie Backman

3 Investing Mistakes to Avoid During a Recession

If you're planning to invest during an economic downturn, here are a few dangerous pitfalls you'll want to stay away from.

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Jul 20, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Are Dividend Stocks Really a Solid Bet? Recent Data Might Say Otherwise

The second quarter of 2020 saw a lot of cuts to dividends. But does that mean you should write off dividend stocks?

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Jul 20, 2020 by Maurie Backman

3 Social Security Mistakes That Could Cost You a Fortune

Steer clear of these errors that could result in a world of income loss during retirement.

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Jul 19, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Nearly Half of Older Americans Need to Get Schooled on Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care is, for most seniors, an inevitable expense. And long-term care insurance is an important means of defraying it.

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Jul 19, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Retirement Plan Matches Have Declined for Small Businesses, Data Shows

Many companies are cutting corners -- but that's not the only reason employer contributions have been reduced.

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Jul 19, 2020 by Maurie Backman

72% of Americans Think Our Current Recession Will Last Into 2021. Here's How to Prepare for That

Talk about a less-than-encouraging outlook.

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Jul 19, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Missed the Tax-Filing Deadline? Here's What You Need to Know.

Taxes were due on July 15 this year. Take these steps if you didn't file your return on time.

4 Reasons Americans Might Get a Second Stimulus Check After All

Jul 19, 2020 by Maurie Backman

4 Reasons Americans Might Get a Second Stimulus Check After All

At one point, it seemed like a second stimulus check was unlikely to happen. Here's what changed.

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Jul 18, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Even If Boosted Unemployment Benefits Are Extended, Recipients Could Face Delays in Getting That Extra Cash

Lawmakers are fighting to keep the weekly $600 boost in play. But if that doesn't happen quickly, there could be a gap in getting that money into the hands of the people who need it.

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Jul 18, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Only 58% of Workers Are Making What They Were Prior to COVID-19 -- and That Alone Fuels the Argument for a Second Stimulus Check

It's one thing to have gotten a job back, but many Americans in that boat are still grappling with lost income.

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Jul 18, 2020 by Maurie Backman

I'm Out of Work Due to COVID-19. Should I Claim Social Security Early and (Maybe) Undo It Later?

Filing for your federal retirement benefits early means locking in lower monthly payments for life -- but there is a loophole.

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Jul 18, 2020 by Maurie Backman

4 Reasons Why August Could Be the Bleakest Month of This Recession Yet

It's time to accept the strong possibility that things are about to take a turn for the much worse.

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Jul 17, 2020 by Maurie Backman

The IRS Is Reopening Offices -- and Playing Catch-Up on Paper Tax Returns

After extended closures, the IRS is bringing back staff. That's good news for filers who are waiting for their paper returns to be processed.

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Jul 17, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Need Extended Unemployment? You May Have to Reapply

The CARES Act allows jobless workers to receive an extra 13 weeks of unemployment benefits -- but that may not happen automatically.

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Jul 17, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Small Businesses Are Rehiring Staff -- but Cutting Hours and Wages

Though small business head counts are now comparable to pre-pandemic levels, employee earnings have taken a turn for the worse.

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Jul 17, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Roughly Half of Americans Say a Second Stimulus Check Is Badly Needed. But Will There Be One?

As countless Americans continue to struggle, the question of a follow-up stimulus check lingers.

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