David Muhlbaum
In his former role as Senior Online Editor, David edited and wrote a wide range of content for Kiplinger.com. With more than 20 years of experience with Kiplinger, David worked on numerous Kiplinger publications, including The Kiplinger Letter and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. He co-hosted Your Money's Worth, Kiplinger's podcast and helped develop the Economic Forecasts feature.
Prior to Kiplinger, David worked as an editor for MarketWatch and before that, America Online, which was then first starting to program content. At AOL, David helped build its business news channel, bringing together a range of wire providers and contract content from sources including The New York Times, Business Week and the Financial Times to create a comprehensive, 24/7 financial news source for millions of readers. His first job in journalism was with the East Hampton (NY) Star, where coverage of celebrity zoning disputes gave him a life-long appreciation for public records and tax maps. He holds a BA in American Literature from Middlebury College. David has represented Kiplinger on television, radio and podcasts, particularly on topics automotive. He has appeared on CNBC, WGN-TV (Chicago), Cars Yeah!, Bloomberg BNA, Voice of America and others. He is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association.
Latest articles by David Muhlbaum
-
The Kiplinger Letter’s Top 10 Forecasts for 2022
Economic Forecasts What to expect from the U.S. economy and an election-year Congress, as well as the outlook for cryptocurrency regulations, TikTok and more. Plus, we give the Elizabeth Holmes verdict a think.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Economic Forecasts -
The 2022 Stock-Market Outlook with Anne Smith and James K. Glassman
Markets Sure, measuring stock markets by calendar years is a bit artificial, but it’s still a good way to give your portfolio a checkup. We forecast what stocks and sectors will fare well in 2022. Also, how the 401(k) got its start.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Markets -
Investing for Income with Jeffrey Kosnett
investing Cold, hard cash working from home! No, this isn’t a scam — it’s an investing strategy built on bonds, REITs, preferred stocks and more.
By David Muhlbaum Published
investing -
Changes Coming to Flood Insurance with Laura Lightbody
Becoming a Homeowner The National Flood Insurance Program is getting an overhaul that could send your rates up (or down). We dig into what's changing with this coverage that many have—and many more need. Also, a bond that pays over 7 percent, for now.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Becoming a Homeowner -
Brandon Copeland on Reaching Financial Freedom
Financial Planning This NFL player’s path to a future of financial independence after his pro career is over can help the rest of us plan.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Financial Planning -
The Pros and Cons of Target Date Funds with Tony Drake
Financial Planning The simplicity of target date funds has made them popular, particularly among 401(k) savers. But investors may be paying a price.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Financial Planning -
How to Complain (and Get Results), with Emma Patch
Basics In today's customer-service environment, getting through and getting results takes determination — and skill. We'll talk about techniques to help you get help.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Basics -
Oh Unlucky Heirs with Tim Steffen
Financial Planning Just because you’re in the will doesn’t mean you’re sitting pretty. Also: Does October deserve its scary reputation for stocks?
By David Muhlbaum Published
Financial Planning -
ETFs and Mutual Funds with Todd Rosenbluth
Index Funds Which is better: ETFs or mutual funds? And how do you decide where to put your investments? CFRA fund expert Todd Rosenbluth has some answers. Also, how to take advantage of your leased car’s true value.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Index Funds -
The Ins and Outs of IRAs with Ed Slott, CPA
Roth IRA Conversions Are you saving for retirement? Good start. But almost everyone has something to learn about optimizing their individual retirement account from IRA strategist Ed Slott. Also, the next round of retirement-planning changes Congress is eyeing.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Roth IRA Conversions -
Investing in Space: The Sky Is Not the Limit, with Andrew Chanin
Technology We talk to a pioneering fund manager about investing opportunities are in space. Also: Inflation is here — how should you adjust your investments?
By David Muhlbaum Published
Technology -
Get the Most from the Expanded Child Tax Credit
Tax Breaks The latest government stimulus is a much-more generous child tax credit, with a new twist: The IRS is going to send you money each month, if you're eligible. Also, what marrying will do to your taxes.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Tax Breaks -
How to Get a Car Deal in a Crazy Market with Karl Brauer
Buying & Leasing a Car As used car values soar, the old rules of how to get the best price still hold. Also, in the stock market, value stocks pull a rotation move on growth.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Buying & Leasing a Car -
Perils and Profits of Cannabis Investing with Matt Hawkins
Becoming an Investor A rapidly evolving legal landscape is keeping cannabis investors on their toes. We talk to private-equity investor Matt Hawkins, who has long experience in the sector, about pot's potential. Also: unemployment insurance versus a tight labor market.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Becoming an Investor -
Is Your Home Insured Against Disaster? Better Check
Becoming a Homeowner Your insurance policy might leave you high and dry when things get wet (or hot, or shaky). We'll talk about making sure you're fully covered. Also, inflation is here. Time to freak out?
By David Muhlbaum Published
Becoming a Homeowner -
Tap the Money Tied Up in Your Home with Keith Gumbinger
Markets Housing prices have been on a tear, and that means home equity is up, too. Turning that value into cash in your wallet can be complicated, though. Equity expert Keith Gumbinger helps us sort it out. Also, "sell in May and go away": urban legend or investing strategy?
By David Muhlbaum Published
Markets -
Annuities: How They Could Work for You
Financial Planning No doubt, investing in annuities can be a tough call for the active investor. But there comes a time when relinquishing some control in exchange for reliable income can be a wise move. Also: remembering the biggest financial fraud in history.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Financial Planning -
Estate-Planning Your Stuff with T. Eric Reich
Empty Nesters What to do with the house, the vacation house and the china? We talk with a financial adviser who's got some wise counsel. Also, who makes up the so-called Generation I?
By David Muhlbaum Published
Empty Nesters -
How to Invest Green in a White-Hot Market, with Anne Kates Smith
Kiplinger's Investing Outlook Sustainable stocks are going gangbusters. In an era of triple-digit gains for many market favorites (it's not just Tesla), we look for value options. Also, use your tax-day delay wisely.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Kiplinger's Investing Outlook -
Bitcoin: Should You Invest? With Tyrone Ross
Becoming an Investor Pretending it’s a fad that will go away didn't work for the internet, and it won’t work for cryptocurrency, either. But there are still so many questions. We’ll field some key ones with an expert who bridges digital currency and traditional financial advising.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Becoming an Investor -
This Hot Housing Market with Daniel Bortz
Becoming a Homeowner Home sales and prices have been on a tear and are forecast to continue to rise in 2021. Whether you're hoping to sell, buy or refi, contributing writer Daniel Bortz has insights for you. Also: What to make of SPACs?
By David Muhlbaum Published
Becoming a Homeowner -
How the Gig Economy Is Faring, with Kathy Kristof
Employee Benefits As with so many things, the pandemic has had a big effect on side hustles and contract work. We talk with an expert in the field on finding a good gig. Also, there’s a lot of noise about inflation these days.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Employee Benefits -
Max Out Your Stimulus Check with Rocky Mengle
Tax Breaks You probably know you're getting a stimulus check, but did you know you can have an impact on its amount? Senior tax editor Rocky Mengle talks about the moves you can make to upsize your stimulus. Also, will your state raise — or lower — your taxes.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Tax Breaks -
New Financial Challenges for Women with Marguerita Cheng
Women & Money The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying recession have been particularly hard on women, who've lost millions of jobs. Financial planner Marguerita Cheng talks about how she's helping her clients cope. Also: What dad taught us about personal finance.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Women & Money