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
-
Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2025
Rewards credit cards allow you to earn perks for everyday purchases. Get cash back, pay down balances, or earn miles or points you can use on your next vacation
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
13 Home Features Today's Buyers Want Most
home Thinking about selling your house? Here are 13 home features potential buyers crave right now.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
home -
What Is a Good Credit Score?
Having a good credit score can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars on credit cards, mortgages and other loans.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards for You
credit cards Pack your bags and earn rewards for traveling. We chose the best cards for airline, hotel and other perks to help you save money.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
credit cards -
Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2025
Credit Cards If you're searching for a credit card that rewards you for everyday purchases, we've chosen the best.
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
-
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 -
Southwest Credit Cards: Companion Pass and 30,000 Bonus Points Offer
Earn 30,000 bonus points and a Companion Pass after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Earn a $1,000 Bonus Offer with the Capital One Venture Rewards Card
Get the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card for huge travel perks and a bonus offer worth $1K.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Alaska Airlines Credit Card: $770 Bonus Offer and 10% More for Bank of America Customers
The Alaska Airlines credit card offers a bonus worth $770 plus a free companion fare. Bank of America customers get a 10% rewards boost.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $840 Plus a Free Ticket
Delta SkyMiles and American Express provide welcome offers worth up to 100,000 SkyMiles on three personal credit cards.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Credit Cards for Kids and Teens: Make Your Child an Authorized User
Kids and teens can access credit cards by becoming authorized users on your account. Here's what I learned when I signed up my own kids for cards.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
BJ's Credit Card Deal: Earn 15% Back on TVs and More
For a limited time, get extra rewards at BJ’s with the one+ Mastercard
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
Earn $1,190 with IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Bonus
Get the IHG One Rewards Premier card's 170,000 bonus points for hotel stays in over 6,000 properties.
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
How to Save on Booking a Cruise
Booking a cruise using credit card rewards and travel agents can help snag the best deals.
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
-
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
-
The Best Credit Cards to Use When Renting Cars
The best credit cards to use for rental car insurance
By Ellen B. Kennedy Last updated
-
$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
-
Should You Convert a Traditional 401(k) into a Roth 401(k)?
Too rich for a Roth IRA? If your company offers a Roth 401(k), you can convert your traditional 401(k) to pay lower taxes in retirement.
By Tom Taulli Last updated
-
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 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
-
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