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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.

Displaying 1104 results

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Mary Beth Franklin: Ticking the right boxes for Social Security

More than one spouse? Pick the highest benefit

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  • March 31, 2013

A fresh approach to talking to clients about Social Security

Many Social Security calculators focus on how to maximize benefits over a married couple’s lifetime. Such strategies usually…

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Mary Beth Franklin: Translating Social Security-speak

Looking for clarity in the fog of confusion when claiming benefits

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A trip to Social Security office isn’t that bad, one adviser finds

A happy ending for financial advoiser who wanted to set up an online account

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Willing suspension of benefits can boost Social Security payoff

But don't expect to collect a spousal benefit in the interim

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Mary Beth Franklin: Jumping the gun on Social Security a big mistake

Timing is key to wringing out the most dollars; magic number

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Mary Beth Franklin: Don’t forget kids in Social Security strategy

Factoring a child's benefit into claiming strategy can boost family income

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Mary Beth Franklin: Why the merry widow is so darned merry

Social Security survivor benefits usually continue after late-in-life remarriage

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Mary Beth Franklin: How to couple survivor and retirement benefits

Wife's terminal illness allows husband to plan for a future alone

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Social Security speak has advisers lost in translation

'File and suspend' and 'voluntary suspension' not the same thing; who knew?