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
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Nursing Home Costs Soared in July
The cost of nursing home and adult care grew by the largest amount in July. Have you made a plan for your family?
By Ellen B. Kennedy Published
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Snag a $900 bonus for opening a checking account.
Basics Want to get a bonus for opening a checking account? Just make sure you read the fine print.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Is Chase's "Pay Yourself Back" Worth It?
"Pay Yourself Back" rewards some Chase cards with extra cash — and it's also a powerful donation tool.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Moving to Florida? Arizona? Join the Crowd
Americans are moving to Florida, Arizona and disaster-prone counties across the country.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Debit Cards vs Charge Cards
credit & debt Whether sticking to a budget or reaping big rewards, understand whether debit cards vs charge cards are right for you.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Whole Foods Quietly Asks for Your Palm Print: Should You Sign Up?
All Whole Foods stores will allow shoppers to pay with a wave of the hand, but should you give biometric data to Amazon?
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Credit or debit? Cash? Consumers have many options, so it's best to understand the pros and cons of all three.
credit & debt Credit or debit? Cash? Each payment method has pros and cons. Your best bet is to use a combination that meets your own needs.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Proxy Season Update for 2023: What Shareholders Are Saying
Stay informed about proxy season 2023 with these updates about what shareholders are voting on.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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The Power of Shareholder Proposals
A look at what shareholder proposals are and the power they can have on a company.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Netflix Shareholders to Execs: 'No Way on Pay!'
At its annual meeting, Netflix shareholders rejected the proposed executive pay package, siding with striking writers.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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The Lawn Trend That'll Save You Money and Help the Environment
"No Mow May" is a new trend to slow lawn care for a month for the environment - and it'll save you costs.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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ChatGPT and Job Security: Is AI Coming for Your Job?
When it comes to ChatGPT and job security there are a handful of things to know - and strategies to follow.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Save Money With Solar Energy — Without Changing Your Roof
Learn more about community solar, projects that help save money with solar energy.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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New Way To See Free Credit Scores From FICO
FICO announced a new way you can now sign up for free credit scores.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Do Green Credit Cards Deliver?
Eco-friendly, or green credit cards may appeal to consumers, but be sure to avoid those that are just hype.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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What is ESG?
ESG means investing in a way that considers a company’s environmental, social, and governance profile. But will ESG help you meet your investment goals and deliver impact?
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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How To Get a Credit Card with Bad Credit
Got bad credit? You can still qualify for some credit cards; just be sure you do your research first.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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This New Sustainable ETF’s Pitch? Give Back Profits.
investing Newday’s ETF partners with UNICEF and other groups.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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The White House Touts A Digital Dollar: What Does That Mean?
cryptocurrency A CBDC, or Central Bank Digital Currency, is a step closer in the U.S., but going digital will take years.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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What Ethereum's 'Merge’ Means for You, the Market, and the Climate
cryptocurrency The "Merge" seems to have worked. What you need to know about crypto's biggest story of 2022.
By Rodrigo Sermeño Published
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How to Invest $1,000: Loan to Kiva
Smart Buying What could be better than donating to a good cause? Making that donation a loan and recycling it, re-investing after each repayment.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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The ESG Investing Backlash
ESG Is sustainable investing helping investors avoid ESG risk, or is it designed to advance a “woke” agenda?
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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3 Sustainable Fashion Stocks to Buy Now
investing The apparel industry has a rough record on environmental, social and governance issues, but these firms are trying harder.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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How Senate Breakthrough on Climate Could Benefit ESG Investors
ESG Portions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 have the promise of more revenue and tax credits for companies making products that help fight climate change.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
ESG