Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Written to help you do a better job of managing your personal and family financial affairs and to help you get more for your money. You get ideas on saving, investing, cutting taxes, making major purchases, advancing your career, buying a home, paying for education, health care and travel, plus much, much more. Special issues cover the latest information about car buying (December) and Mutual Funds (March and September).

Kiplinger.COM

Letters

Reflections From a Year on the Job

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

PROTECTING YOUR RETIREMENT SECURITY • ERISA, which turns 50 this year, safeguards pensions and 401(k) plans. But it has limitations.

ALZHEIMER’S CAN AFFECT DECISIONS YEARS BEFORE DIAGNOSIS • Research emphasizes the need to talk to older family members about their finances before they start showing symptoms of dementia.

DON’T OVERLOOK THE ONGOING EXPENSES OF OWNING A HOME • Inflation has driven up the cost of property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance.

SEPTEMBER 2024

MORE ACCESS TO AIRPORT LOUNGES

HOW TO CLAIM AN EV TAX CREDIT • INFORMATION ABOUT THE MARKETS AND YOUR MONEY

FRIENDLIER FUND REPORTS

States Are Backing Away From Taxing Groceries

A NEW LOOK FOR THE S&P 500

IN AN OCEAN OF CHOICES, THESE ETFs ARE OUR FAVORITES • Use our guide to navigate the fast-growing expanse of exchange-traded funds.

ZERO IN ON NORDIC SHARES • This corner of Europe presents unique opportunities for investors.

CUT RATES ALREADY! • The Federal Reserve is behind the curve, says this well-known economist.

High Yields, Reliable Payouts

GROWTH BEATS YIELD AT THIS FUND

I’m Still a Fan of Value Stocks

TWO NOTABLE FUNDS REOPEN

FIND THE BEST BANK FOR YOU • Whether you seek high yields, low fees, in-person services or premium perks, you have strong options to choose from in our list of the top banks and credit unions.

Are You Financially Savvy?

FINANCIAL PROS SHARE THEIR BOOK PICKS

Write a Fraud-Proof Check

MANAGING YOUR FINANCES AFTER THE LOSS OF A SPOUSE • Widows and widowers may see their tax bill rise, even if their income declines.

Seven Lessons for New Retirees • The former editor of Kiplinger Personal Finance shares key financial takeaways from his first year of retirement.

BE WARY OF MOMENTUM STRATEGIES • It can seem as if stocks will go up forever—until they stop.

PLUS Loans Can Help Pay for College—at a Cost • Parents can borrow up to the cost of a child’s education, but interest rates are steep.

A GUIDE TO YOUR CREDIT CARD STATEMENT • Regularly reviewing your bill can help you stay financially healthy.

ENJOY THE VIEW ON A VACATION BY TRAIN • Amtrak and a new crop of private rail operators provide a leisurely way to visit popular destinations.

HELPING TEACHERS SUPPLY THEIR CLASSROOMS • Through DonorsChoose, you can contribute to projects that benefit educators and their students.