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

Gain Financial Peace of Mind

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

THE DOWNSIDE TO DECLINING INFLATION • After two years of big cost-of-living increases, retirees will likely receive a more modest Social Security raise in 2024.

The Risks of Sharing Your Personal Information • Crooks are finding new ways to pilfer your data.

How Retirement Could Hurt Your Credit Score • Just as you need to take care of your physical health, you need to monitor your credit fitness.

OCTOBER 2023

Briefing • INFORMATION ABOUT THE MARKETS AND YOUR MONEY

Inherited IRA Relief

A Tight Supply for Home Buyers

U.S. Credit Rating Gets a Downgrade

HOW THE ONLINE BROKERS STACK UP • We compared investment offerings, tools, apps, advice and more to find the best broker for you.

Smaller Shops Worth a Look

HOW THE BROKERS SCORE IN EVERY CATEGORY

Which Broker Is Right for You?

Rediscovering Japan • New shareholder-friendly policies should boost the country’s stocks.

BULLISH ON JAPAN • Stocks are rising thanks to recent economic and corporate reforms.

The Skinny on Spin-Offs • In theory, corporate spin-offs should reward investors, but performance is mixed.

Spread Your Bets Evenly

Real Estate: Down, but Not Out

These Bonds Are Paying Off

Dividends Hit a Rough Patch

A Dual Mandate • This fund seeks capital appreciation and income.

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT STATE ESTATE TAXES • Some states are taxing estates valued as low as $1 million.

How You Can Avoid State Estate Taxes

To Tip or Not to Tip? • Everyone from your barista to the car mechanic is asking for tips, and new technology adds to the pressure.

Are IRA CDs Right for You?

OVERCOME YOUR FEAR AND ENJOY RETIREMENT • Even if you have a well-funded nest egg, giving up a paycheck is hard. We’ll help you start the journey.

An Annuity That Benefits You and Your Favorite Charity

Track Your Spending • Use this worksheet to estimate your expenses in retirement.

How Inflation Hurts Retirees

MORE WAYS TO VALUE STOCKS • Look beyond price-earnings ratios to get a more nuanced picture.

A Checklist for Newlyweds • Getting your financial and legal forms in order isn’t romantic, but it’s important.

Get the Best Mortgage Rate • Average interest rates have more than doubled since 2021. But you can take steps to reduce the amount you’ll pay to buy a home.

A Guide to Choosing an All-Inclusive Resort • These vacation destinations offer family-friendly activities, adventurous excursions, gourmet dining and more.

Opt for a Snowy Getaway

Helping Families Put Poverty Behind Them • This organization provides the tools for families to achieve financial stability.