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Maurie Backman

TMFBookNerd

Maurie Backman is a personal finance writer who's passionate about educating others. Her goal is to make financial topics interesting (because they often aren't) and she believes that a healthy dose of sarcasm never hurt anyone. In her somewhat limited spare time, she enjoys playing in nature, watching hockey, and curling up with a good book.

Recent Articles by Maurie Backman

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Jul 6, 2020 by Maurie Backman

The IRS Is Holding $1.5 Billion in Unclaimed Tax Refunds, but You Need to Act Quickly to Get Your Share

You may be owed money from the IRS that could really come in handy right about now.

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Jul 6, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Does It Really Matter When You Claim Social Security?

You'll supposedly get the same lifetime payout regardless of when you file. So does the age you choose really make a difference?

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Jul 5, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Are You on Track With Your Retirement Plan Contributions? 3 Things to Do if Not

Data reveals that Americans of all ages are behind on long-term savings. If that sounds like you, here are some steps to take immediately.

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Jul 5, 2020 by Maurie Backman

3 Reasons You Can't Count on Social Security Alone for Retirement

If you're planning to live solely on Social Security, you're making a big mistake.

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Jul 5, 2020 by Maurie Backman

4 Reasons You Shouldn't Fear a Tax Audit

Worried about an audit this year? There's probably no need.

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Jul 5, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Unemployment Numbers Have Fallen 2 Months in a Row. Will That Mean No Second Stimulus Check?

Despite double-digit unemployment, lawmakers may use lower numbers as a reason to hit pause on a follow-up stimulus check.

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Jul 4, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Need More Time to File Your Taxes This Year? Here's What You Need to Know

An extension can buy you a few extra months to get your return in order -- but that's about it.

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Jul 4, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Collecting Unemployment? You May Be in for This Financial Shock

If you're on unemployment but also get a health insurance subsidy, you could end up with a big problem on your hands.

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Jul 4, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Your 3-Point Midyear Financial Checklist

Here's how to set yourself up for a successful 2020.

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Jul 4, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Gearing Up to Invest During Our Current Recession? Ask Yourself These 3 Questions First

Now's a great time to invest -- if you go about it the right way.

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Jul 3, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Worried About a Tax Audit? Your Income Could Raise -- or Lower -- Your Chances

Here's how likely you are to get audited based on the earnings you report.

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Jul 3, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Will a Surge in COVID-19 Make a Second Stimulus Check More Likely?

Read the news, and it's clear that the outbreak has gotten worse. Will that push lawmakers to approve additional relief?

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Jul 3, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Here's What the Average Weekly Unemployment Benefit Will Look Like If the $600 Boost Isn't Extended

Spoiler alert: It's not that much.

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Jul 2, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Unemployment Fell in June, but That Doesn't Mean the Economy Isn't in Trouble

The jobless rate was lower in June than it was in both April and May, but it's still too high for comfort.

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Jul 2, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Despite Relief, Most Small Businesses Still Laid Off Staff This Year

It's not surprising news -- but it's also not encouraging, especially as PPP funding for small businesses runs out.

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Jul 2, 2020 by Maurie Backman

5 Tax Audit Myths You Can't Afford to Believe

Don't believe these misconceptions. Doing so will only cause you unwanted stress.

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Jul 2, 2020 by Maurie Backman

PPP Loans Aren't for Everyone. Here's What to Do if You Still Need Relief

Not everyone is eligible for the forgivable loan program, but small businesses may have other resources to tap.

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Jul 2, 2020 by Maurie Backman

How to Prepare for a Second Stock Market Crash in 2020

Another downturn may be coming, and it could be worse than what we saw in March.

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Jul 2, 2020 by Maurie Backman

The Tax Deadline Won't Be Extended Again, and That's Actually a Good Thing

The IRS has confirmed that it's sticking with the July 15 deadline, and that could benefit tax-filers.

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Jul 2, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Boosted Unemployment Benefits Could End Before July 31 Due to This Loophole

Some laid-off workers may be in for a financial shock when their enhanced jobless benefits expire sooner than anticipated.

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