Features
-

Not Even Death Can Cheat the IRS: Lessons From a Massachusetts Estate
Estate Tax If you owed money to the IRS while alive, your death isn’t going to stop them from collecting. Here's what you need to know about death and taxes.
By Roxanne Bland
-

Why After-Tax Returns Are the Only Returns That Matter
Building lasting wealth depends less on high returns and more on optimizing the structure of your portfolio to minimize taxes. That can cost you over time.
By Kelly Ann Winget
-

3 Financial Hurdles Coming Up for Women: How to Overcome Them
From the widow's penalty to higher health costs, women will encounter a host of money worries over the course of a lifetime. You need a robust financial plan.
By Tony Drake, CFP®, Investment Advisor Representative
-

Winning an Exit: What Small Businesses Can Learn from Meta
How can business owners exit their company with a proper valuation and no regrets? Meta's billion-dollar acquisition of a small AI firm provides a clue.
By Kempten Schwab
-

5 New Retirement Rules Taking Effect in 2026
Sponsored by American National
Retirement planning in 2026 comes with new contribution limits, tax breaks and health care changes. Here's what savers and retirees need to know.
By Jacob Schroeder
-

Is AI-Generated 'Workslop' Ruining Your Work Relationships?
A coworker's poor work that was generated by AI and not edited for accuracy or quality is the latest headache in the workplace. You address it without drama.
By Allison Gerrard
-

Should we fund our grandchild's 529 or our retirement?
We're 54 with $1.8 million saved. My wife wants to start a college fund for our grandchild, but I think we should keep funding our retirement. Who is right?
By Maurie Backman
-

Are Annuities Safe? An Industry Expert Explains the Risks
Different types offer different levels of potential risk. Here's how to choose wisely, from an annuities pro.
By Ken Nuss
-

Nearing Retirement? Why 'Refirement' Is a Better Philosophy
Get fired up about your upcoming retirement by reframing this new chapter of life as a chance to redeploy your purpose, rather than retreat from it.
By Hilton Lamprecht
-

5 Smart Strategies to Create Your Retirement Paycheck Without the Stress, From a Financial Planner
The most resilient income plans layer multiple sources of predictable income and growth-oriented assets to help ensure immediate cash flow and long-term flexibility.
By Jeff Judge, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, AEP®
-

In or Near Retirement? 4 Recent Tax Changes You Need to Know
The tax landscape has changed yet again, thanks to the OBBBA and SECURE 2.0, and four developments are particularly important for anyone in or near retirement.
By Evan T. Beach, CFP®, AWMA®
-

10 Cheapest Places to Live in North Carolina
Property Tax From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, we ranked the NC counties with the lowest property taxes in 2026.
By Kate Schubel
-

Buying a Home This Year? 3 Moves to Make Before the Next Fed Meeting
A few smart financial moves now can help you qualify for better mortgage terms and act quickly if the market shifts.
By Choncé Maddox
-

‘Solo Agers’ Are Thriving on Their Own Terms
Millions of retirees choose independence over isolation. If you're a "solo ager," your retirement can be secure and rewarding.
By Elaine Silvestrini
-

My First $1 Million: Retired Physician, 52, Chicago
Ever wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
By Joyce Lamb
-

5 Legal 'Loopholes' the IRS Wishes You Didn't Know
From opening stealth retirement accounts to strategic charitable giving, there are plenty of ways you can cut your taxes every year, and they're perfectly legit.
By Lawrence Sprung, CFP®, CEPA®
-

Want to Quit the 9-to-5? This 8-Point Plan Can Get You There
Leaving your job to step out on your own is doable, but you'll need a concrete financial plan to get there. This checklist can see you through the process.
By Anthony Martin
-

Does Your Retirement Portfolio Resemble a Junk Drawer? Here's How to Clean It Up
This retirement planning approach simplifies your decisions, improves your tax efficiency and provides you with peace of mind. This is how it works.
By Robert Martin
-

Confident Retirement Planning Starts With These 5 Habits
These habits, gleaned from a survey of financially savvy adults, can help increase your confidence and guide your planning as you head toward retirement.
By Michael Pappis, CFP®
-

States That Won't Tax Your Death
Estate Taxes How much will your children — or other heirs — pay when you die? That depends on whether you live in a state with no death tax.
By Katelyn Washington
-

The Five Best Cruise Lines for Retirees
Retirement is an ideal time for cruising. Check out the five best cruise lines for comfort, ease and unforgettable experiences.
By Kathryn Pomroy
-

Retire at Sea: Why a Luxury Cruise Ship Could Be Your Dream Home
Ready to retire on a luxury cruise ship? Turn your golden years into an epic journey by calling a cruise ship home and exploring the world by sea.
By Erin Bendig
-

20 Ways to Clean Up Your Finances This Spring
Spring cleaning is therapeutic and stops costly problems from building up around the home. Why not tackle the dusty corners of your finances at the same time?
By Lisa Gerstner
-

QUIZ: Are You Ready To Retire At 60?
Are you in a good position to retire at 60? Find out with this quick quiz.
By Donna Fuscaldo
-

Kiplinger Retail Outlook: Underlying Consumer Spending Is Still OK
Economic Forecasts Sales were flat in both December and January, though widespread January storms likely hindered spending.
By David Payne
-

Exports have held up reasonably well despite tariff disputes
Forecasts Kiplinger's latest forecast on trade: U.S. exports, imports and our net trade deficit.
By Rodrigo Sermeño
-

Why Your 401(k) Gift Could Be a Retirement Trap For Your Kids
It’s natural to want to share your retirement nest egg with family. Learn how to give generously without putting your own financial security or tax bracket at risk.
By Donna Fuscaldo
-

Health Care Costs: What You Can Expect to Pay and How to Save
health insurance From premiums to co-pays, health care is one savings goal you can't afford to ignore. Understanding how high-deductible health plans and HSAs work may help.
By David Jaeger, CFP®
-

Tired of Unwanted Calls? Thwart the Robocaller Invasion
Scams Consumers have options in the fight to help keep these infuriating interruptions at bay. Plus, what you can do if you answer a call by mistake.
By Martin Baker, CFP®, CEPA®
