Latest articles by Mary Beth Franklin
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Getting a Bigger Check From Social Security
retirement Choosing the right time to collect benefits can boost your income by thousands of dollars a year.
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Rush to Close on Mortgages and Refinancing
real estate Closing on your mortgage or refinancing an existing loan by December 31 could earn you a big deduction on your 2010 return.
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Deadline Nears for Spreading Tax on Roth Conversion
taxes If you want to take advantage of a one-time option to spread your tax bill over two years, you must convert to a Roth IRA by year-end.
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Social Security Rules for Public Workers
retirement Caution: The strategies to boost your retirement benefits may not apply if either you or your spouse ever worked in the public sector -- for federal, state or local government -- or for another organization not covered by Social Security, such as a public-school system.
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A New Way to Move Into a Roth 401(k)
retirement Soon you may be able to roll over your 401(k) or 403(b) to a Roth inside your employer plan.
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The Great Tax Debate
taxes While Congress dithers, we tell you how to save money no matter what happens.
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Social Security Do-Over at Risk
retirement Time may be running out on your chance to get bigger retirement benefits.
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Fix Your 401(k)
retirement A few simple changes now can make a big difference in your nest egg later.
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What Will Congress Do to Your Taxes?
taxes Last-minute action -- or inaction -- may affect your year-end tax moves.
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Social Security Payback Option May Disappear
retirement A proposed rule would eliminate the chance to hike benefits via the "do-over" strategy. It's not for everybody. But consider your options now.
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How to Make a Million
savings Strategies for saving at every age.
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Secrets to Maximizing Social Security
retirement Despite a temporary shortfall, the nation's primary retirement system continues to pay full benefits. We show you how to make the most of yours.
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Get a Jump on Retirement
Making Your Money Last To see if you're ready, take a test drive.
Making Your Money Last -
A Pre-Retirement Checklist
retirement 1.
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Lowdown: What You Need to Know About Reverse Mortgages
retirement Retirees who are strapped for cash can now tap into their home's equity for less.
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A Catch-Up Guide to Retirement
retirement Even if you got a late start, you can still build a sizable nest egg during your final decade of work.
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A Second Chance at Tax Savings
taxes You've got about three years to amend your return, so go back and make sure you got everything you deserve.
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Your Tax Bill for the Health Bill
taxes High earners will pay more on wages and investments.
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Easing the Tax-Filing Crunch
taxes An extension gives you more time to compile your tax records -- but you still have to pay what you owe.
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Tax-Saving Secrets
taxes New deductions and credits can slash your 2009 tax bill.
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Tax Prep: Most Can File for Free
taxes If your adjusted gross income was $57,000 or less in 2009 (whether you're single or married filing jointly), you can prepare and file simple federal tax forms free.
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Tax Forms: Cracking the Code
taxes There are a slew of new tax breaks for 2009 returns, but you have to know how to claim them.
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You Can’t Hide From the IRS
taxes But some unemployed taxpayers may catch a break under the IRS’s new, more flexible program to settle tax debts for less than owed.
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Tax Breaks Ease the Pain Of Investment Losses
Tax Breaks And capital-gains rates on winners are as low as 0% for some.
Tax Breaks