Mary Beth Franklin
InvestmentNews
Washington, DC, United States
Contact Mary Beth
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Past articles by Mary Beth:
Social Security lump sum rules and strategies
I detect an increased interest in lump sum payouts of Social Security benefits, perhaps reflecting economic uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. → Read More
Medicare premiums, surcharges to rise slightly in 2021
The income brackets that trigger IRMAA surcharges for higher earners will increase slightly next year as a result of inflation adjustments. → Read More
No escaping IRMAAs by switching to Medicare Advantage
High-income surcharges known as income-related monthly adjustment amounts, or IRMAAs, apply regardless of how clients receive Medicare coverage. → Read More
How secure is Social Security?
Advisers will need to act to help clients navigate what is potentially a looming financial crisis. → Read More
Social Security announces 1.3% COLA for 2021
Benefits and taxable wages are to increase by one of the smallest amounts ever next year, following a 1.6% increase in 2020 and a 2.8% increase in 2019. → Read More
Early estimate puts 2021 Social Security COLA at 1.3%
That adjustment for next year, being forecast based on consumer price index data reported so far, would be small but higher than previously expected. → Read More
Impact of raising the Social Security taxable wage base
More taxable earnings would improve the solvency of the Social Security trust fund, and could also boost Social Security benefits. → Read More
Turning chaos into prospects
More than 700 attendees tune into InvestmentNews' virtual Women Adviser Summit which focuses on helping female financial professionals with their businesses → Read More
Retirees fare better than pre-retirees during pandemic
Millions of older Americans are providing financial support to their adult children, according to a new survey of more than 9,000 people by Edward Jones. → Read More
Pandemic boosts concerns about retirement and Social Security
As COVID-19 resets Americans' plans for retirement, new surveys highlight the need for financial guidance to maximize benefits. → Read More
The future of wealth management is female
Unprecedented asset shift to women expected within the decade → Read More
House panel looks at COVID-19 impact on Social Security
Bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate that would fix the benefit formula for those who turn 60 this year. → Read More
How to respond to a long-term care premium hike
As insurers repeatedly boost premiums on long-term care coverage, how to weigh policy options to maintain coverage at an affordable price. → Read More
Timing a Social Security claim when you have children
The Viagra college fund is alive and well, but the earnings test for those who have not reached full retirement age could reduce benefits. → Read More
Social Security underpays more than 15,000 survivors
A Social Security Administration audit shows many retired widows and widowers should be receiving higher survivor benefits. → Read More
Medicare enrollment goes online during pandemic
Losing a job is a reason to appeal a Medicare surcharge, but the fact that you're allowed to skip a required minimum distribution is not. → Read More
No Social Security cost-of-living boost likely in 2021
The plunge in oil prices is expected to eliminate any increase in benefits next year, according to a report from the Senior Citizens League. → Read More
Rethinking retirement amid the COVID-19 crisis
As experts revise the 4% rule — to 3%, or even lower — advisers should include all household assets in retirement income plans. → Read More
LifeYield upgrades Social Security retirement income tool
The software, which helps advisers initiate planning discussions, now enables visual projections of a client’s expected retirement income needs. → Read More
Pandemic will deplete Social Security trust funds
The trust funds' reserves will be depleted sooner than predicted as a result of the pandemic, but the solutions remain the same. → Read More