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Christy Bieber

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Christy Bieber is a contributing Motley Fool retirement and Social Security expert covering retirement planning, 401(k)s, IRAs, and other personal finance topics. Christy has written about finance since 2008 and previously taught business courses at Bryant & Stratton College. She holds a law degree from UCLA and a bachelor’s degree in English, media, and communication with a certificate in business management from the University of Rochester. In law school, she earned three CALI Awards for Excellence for the highest scores in civil procedure and contract law exams.

Articles by Christy Bieber — Page 29

retiree reviewing finances

Aug 27, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Why Is Knowing Your Full Retirement Age So Important When Claiming Social Security?

Before you make a Social Security claim, you need to know exactly when your full retirement age is because your choice to claim benefits on, before, or after it will affect your income for life.

Taking a selfie on vacation

Aug 22, 2023 by Christy Bieber

3 Situations When It Makes Absolutely No Sense to Delay a Social Security Claim

Delaying Social Security doesn't make sense if you're claiming spousal benefits -- or in these other two situations.

Couple looking at computer together

Aug 21, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Is Now the Time to Collect Social Security? 3 Green Lights to Watch For

If you have worked at least 35 years and have a good amount of retirement savings, you may be ready to claim Social Security.

Typing on Laptop

Aug 20, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Retiring in 2024? Make Sure You Can Answer These 4 Questions, First

Don't retire until you've made sure you have enough income, will have health insurance, and have a plan to spend your time.

Adult couple working in finances with receipt

Aug 19, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Thinking of Refinancing Your Student Loans? 3 Things All Borrowers Should Know First

Before refinancing your student loans, you need to consider three key factors.

Couple with financial advisor

Aug 18, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Preparing for Retirement? Here's Exactly How to Boost Your Monthly Social Security Payout

Want a bigger Social Security benefit once you've left work? Here are the steps you'll need to take to get it.

Adult couple working in finances with receipt

Aug 8, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Being Married Changes How You Should Think About Claiming Social Security. Here's Why.

When you're married, you must take your spouse into account in deciding when to claim Social Security.

Couple with financial advisor

Aug 5, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Delaying a Social Security Claim Isn't Always All It's Cracked Up to Be. Here's Why

A delayed Social Security claim can mean missing out on a lot of income -- and it will take years to break even.

Couple Looking at financial papers.

Aug 4, 2023 by Christy Bieber

3 Things Everyone Needs to Understand About Social Security, Before Retirement

Before retiring, there are three harsh Social Security truths you need to come to terms with.

Typing on Laptop

Aug 3, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Your 4-Step Guide to Deciding When to Claim Social Security

Making an informed choice about when to claim Social Security is vital to having enough money in retirement.

retiree reviewing finances

Aug 3, 2023 by Christy Bieber

5 Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes, and How to Avoid Them

Making an estate plan is an important part of protecting your legacy and your loved ones.

Person Using Calculator

Aug 2, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Protecting Assets and Avoiding Debt: The (Not So) Complicated Reasons Millennials Sign Prenups

Millennials have plenty of reasons to sign prenups.

reviewing financial documents

Aug 1, 2023 by Christy Bieber

The Average Borrower Takes 21 Years to Repay Their Student Loans. 3 Ways to Cut That in Half

If you don't want to take two decades to pay back your student debt, making extra payments or taking advantage of loan forgiveness could help you become debt-free faster.

Adult writing with pen on table and sofa

Jul 28, 2023 by Christy Bieber

How to Score an Extra $1,983 Per Social Security Check

Waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security benefits can give you a lot more money every month to enjoy.

Couple with financial advisor

Jul 17, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Sorry to Say: Claiming Social Security at 62 Could Leave Your Retirement Lacking

Starting Social Security at 62 could leave you with a lot less money than if you'd delayed your benefits claim.

Couple with financial advisor

Jul 6, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Should You Cosign to Help Your Kids Refinance Their Student Loans?

Cosigning a student loan refinance loan could help your kids, but you have to consider your own finances as well.

Adults looking at financial paperwork.

Jul 5, 2023 by Christy Bieber

What's the Maximum Amount of Student Loans You Should Take Out?

You shouldn't take out more in student loans than you can afford to pay back -- but how much is that amount exactly?

Reviewing finances

Jul 3, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Can You Change Your Student Loan Payment Plan?

If you have federal student loans, you can change your payment plan -- but things are more complicated with private student loans.

Person Using Calculator

Jul 2, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Why I Refinanced My House to Pay Off My Student Loans

There were four big reasons this move worked for me.

Person reviewing financial paperwork

Jul 1, 2023 by Christy Bieber

3 Pros and 3 Cons of Income-Driven Repayment for Student Loans

There are upsides and downsides of choosing an income-driven plan that you should carefully consider when picking how to repay your federal student loan payments.

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