author

Maurie Backman

Contributing Writer

Maurie Backman is a personal finance writer with over 10 years of experience. Her coverage areas include retirement, investing, real estate, and credit and debt management.

Is Severance Pay Taxable? How Job Loss Affects Your Taxes
How Is Severance Pay Taxed: 2025 Guide

February 12, 2026

Laid-off workers get taxed on severance pay, adding insult to injury after a job loss. Here’s how it might impact you.

Read more
Cutting These 5 Expenses Could Help You Pay Off Debt
Cutting These 5 Expenses Could Help You Pay Off Debt

February 2, 2026

You can’t slash every expense, but here are a few that may be easier to cut than you’d expect.

Read more
Ways to Pay Off Wedding Debt
Ways to Pay Off Wedding Debt

January 31, 2026

Don’t let lingering wedding debt fester. Here are four ways to pay it off.

Read more
5 Tips for Talking to Your Partner about Debt
How Couples Get Out of Debt

January 27, 2026

Tackling debt together could help you financially—and in communicating as a couple. Read on for tips.

Read more
What Happens When a Credit Card Goes to Collections
What Happens When a Credit Card Goes to Collections?

February 14, 2026

Got a credit card collections call? You're not alone. Here's how to handle it.

Read more
What to Do When Your Spouse Loses Their Job
What to Do When Your Spouse Loses Their Job: A Complete Guide

January 25, 2026

Losing a job could throw your spouse and finances for a loop. Here’s how to cope.

Read more
When Can You Use a Credit Card Forbearance Program?
Credit Card Forbearance: Your Complete Guide to Pausing Payments in 2025

February 14, 2026

Credit card forbearance can offer temporary relief when you’re struggling. Find out more about how a forbearance program can get you back on your feet.

Read more
How to Stop Credit Card Collection Calls
How to Stop Credit Card Collection Calls

February 4, 2026

Tired of constant collection calls? Here's how to get them to stop, and when it’s a good idea.

Read more
FDR article5.41 DiyVsPro ar-min
What Is Zero-Based Budgeting?

January 30, 2026

There’s one time when it’s good to end up with no more money: When you follow a zero-based budget. Learn more.

Read more