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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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Jun 24, 2020 by Maurie Backman

72% of Americans Pledge to Do This Once the COVID-19 Crisis Ends

It's a smart financial move that everyone should aim for.

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Jun 24, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Tax Refund Delays Are Happening at the Worst Time. Here's Why.

Americans are desperate for money, yet are stuck waiting even longer than usual to get their hands on their tax refunds.

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Jun 24, 2020 by Maurie Backman

26% of Gen Xers Risk Retirement Struggles for This Reason

It all boils down to one big mistake: relying too heavily on an income source that may not be as robust as expected.

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Jun 24, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Liquidating Investments During COVID-19? Don't Make This 1 Mistake

Cashing out investments at the wrong time could result in a whopping tax bill.

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Jun 24, 2020 by Maurie Backman

20% of Workers Risk Falling Dangerously Short on Retirement Income for This Reason

Hint: It has to do with the way they're investing their savings.

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Jun 23, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Hurting Financially During the COVID-19 Crisis? 3 Tax Breaks That Can Help

Need money right about now? The more strategic you are in filing your 2019 tax return, the more you stand to get.

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Jun 23, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Holding Out for a Second Stimulus Check? You May Get Your Answer Soon.

Lawmakers have been debating a round of follow-up relief for months, but Americans may now have a timeline as to when a second stimulus check will get approved.

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Jun 23, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Lost Retirement Plan Value During the COVID-19 Crisis? Here Are 3 Alternative Income Sources You Can Tap.

Before you panic over a lower IRA or 401(k) balance, look into these options for generating income so you can give your account time to recover.

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Jun 23, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Today's Workers Refuse to Rely on Social Security, and That's a Good Thing

Though Social Security is not at risk of disappearing, it's wise to regard it as a minor source of retirement income -- not a major one.

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Jun 22, 2020 by Maurie Backman

3 Reasons Unemployment Could Stay High Through the End of 2020

The U.S. has been grappling with double-digit unemployment since April. Here's why that may continue all the way into 2021.

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Jun 22, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Nearly 50% of Near-Retirees Are Sorely Lacking Savings

If your nest egg is far from substantial, here's what you need to do to compensate.

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Jun 22, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Retirement Confidence Is Down in 2020. We Can Blame COVID-19.

Americans don't feel as good about their retirement prospects in the wake of the pandemic.

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Jun 22, 2020 by Maurie Backman

3 Ways to Make Up for a Smaller Social Security Check

Benefit cuts are on the table. Here's how to compensate.

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Jun 21, 2020 by Maurie Backman

The Big Reason So Many Older Workers Risk Being Pushed Into Early Retirement Today

Forced retirement can have serious consequences, and right now, it's a lot of seniors' reality.

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Jun 21, 2020 by Maurie Backman

These Are Baby Boomers' Top 3 Retirement Fears

If any of these make your list, here's how to overcome them.

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Jun 21, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Lawmakers Are Desperate to Save Social Security, but This Solution Is Unlikely to Work

Social Security needs to increase its revenue, but a popular suggestion that achieves that goal also has its share of drawbacks.

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Jun 21, 2020 by Maurie Backman

While Lawmakers Debate Extending Boosted Unemployment Benefits, Here's 1 Solution That May Work

The $600 weekly unemployment boost the CARES Act provided for expires soon. Here's one viable idea that could replace it while appeasing lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum.

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Jun 21, 2020 by Maurie Backman

COVID-19 Has Forced 16% of Baby Boomers to Resort to This

And 21% may be following suit.

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Jun 20, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Desperate for Money During the Pandemic? Don’t Make This Dangerous Mistake

This is one decision you might really end up regretting.

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Jun 20, 2020 by Maurie Backman

More Than 100,000 Small Businesses Have Closed Since COVID-19 Began. Here's Why That's a Really Bad Thing

When small businesses shut down permanently, the effects trickle down to the entire community.

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