Ellen B. Kennedy
Ellen writes and edits retirement articles. She joined Kiplinger in 2021 as an investment and personal finance writer, focusing on retirement, credit cards and related topics. Ellen devoted much of her career to the nexus of sustainability and personal finance. She worked in the mutual fund industry for 15 years as a manager and sustainability analyst at Calvert Investments. She covered consumer staples, energy, water and climate change. She served on the sustainability councils of several Fortune 500 companies and led corporate engagements. Before that, Ellen was a program officer for Winrock International, managing loans to alternative energy projects in Latin America. Ellen earned a master’s in international relations and Latin American Studies from the University of California at Berkeley, and she earned a B.A. from Haverford College.
Latest articles by Ellen B. Kennedy
-
Get a World of Hyatt Business Card Offer Worth $1,380
This World of Hyatt business credit card combines a solid offer for new cardholders with industry-leading travel perks.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards for You
credit cards Leisure and business travelers can use travel rewards credit cards to turn miles logged into other things — including more travel.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
credit cards -
Hilton Honors Card Bonus Offer Worth up to $780
Earn up to 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points and up to a $200 annual credit with the American Express Surpass Card.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
The 10 Safest Countries to Visit
Travel Check out where to travel safely before you book international travel.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
Travel -
5 Great Places to Buy a Vacation Home Under $400K
Want a vacation home for remote work or a fun getaway? Here are locations with median prices under $400K.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Southwest Credit Cards: $750 Bonus Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Earn $100 for Shopping With the Amazon Credit Card Intro Bonus
Prime Visa, the Chase Amazon credit card, offers you savings on your everyday shopping, with a $100 sign-up bonus offer.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Electric Heat vs Gas Heat: Which is Cheaper?
Electric Heat vs Gas Heat: Which is Cheaper? Your choice could have a big impact on your winter bills.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
I Got Whooping Cough So You Don't Have To
Cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, have risen sharply this year. Here's my Dickensian experience of this disease that should be history.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Published
-
Best Cash Back Credit Cards January 2025
Smart Buying Trying to compare the best cash back credit cards? Unlike most reviewers, we include cards from small banks and credit unions, as well as from large issuers.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
Smart Buying -
Best Rewards Credit Cards January 2025
Want 5% back on travel or 2% on all your purchases? Our guide to the best rewards credit cards can help you save with cash back, points or miles.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Earn up to $665 With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® or the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ cards
Get up to 95,000 bonus points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® and the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card. Plus, get a free night. But should you get this card?
By Erin Bendig Last updated
-
Three Best Cards for Holiday Shopping
Wells Fargo Active Cash, Prime Visa, and Chase Freedom Unlimited offer great perks, making them perfect credit cards for holiday shopping.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
The Best Credit Cards to Use When Renting Cars
The best credit cards to use for rental car insurance — now updated for 2024.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
It's Back! Hulu Black Friday Sale: $0.99/Month for the First Year
Deal The Hulu Black Friday Deal gets you the base plan (with ads) for $0.99/month and add Starz for an extra 99 cents/month.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
Deal -
Retirement Calculator: How Much Do I Need to Retire?
retirement planning Our Retirement Calculator estimates the future value of your retirement savings and determines how much more you need to save each month to reach your retirement goal.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
retirement planning -
$1,500 to $3,000 Amex Card Intro Offer
Amex intro offer worth $1,500 to $3,000 provides new Business Platinum cardholders 150,000 membership points.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
$2,775 Capital One Business Card Intro Offer
Get up to $2,775 for a Limited Time with a Capital One Business Card Offer
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Chase Launches $750 Bonus Offer For Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card recently launched a compelling deal for new customers.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses That Come with Free Companion Tickets
We’ve rounded up the two best airline credit card bonuses worth up to $720 to help you rack up miles, earn a companion pass and pay for your next big vacation.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Credit Card Bonuses Up to $1,600 for New Cardholders
Earn up to $1,600 when you sign up for a new credit card. Here are the best welcome offers for new cardholders.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
$750 Offer from Chase Ink Business Cards
Chase Ink business credit cards offer new bonus amounts, solid cash back and perks.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Roth IRAs: What They Are and How They Work
Roth IRA A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account that allows tax-free investment growth and distributions, as long as key rules are followed.
By Jacob Wolinsky Last updated
Roth IRA -
The Worst Credit Cards: Is One in Your Wallet?
If you have one of the worst credit cards, it's time to replace it with a winner. We can help.
By Kathryn Pomroy Published