Janet Bodnar
Janet Bodnar is editor-at-large of Kiplinger's Personal Finance, a position she assumed after retiring as editor of the magazine after eight years at the helm. She is a nationally recognized expert on the subjects of women and money, children's and family finances, and financial literacy. She is the author of two books, Money Smart Women and Raising Money Smart Kids. As editor-at-large, she writes two popular columns for Kiplinger, "Money Smart Women" and "Living in Retirement." Bodnar is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and is a member of its Board of Trustees. She received her master's degree from Columbia University, where she was also a Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Business and Economics Journalism.
Latest articles by Janet Bodnar
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A Financial Guide to Gray Divorce
Older women deal with many of the same issues as their younger counterparts but face additional challenges, some unexpected during a gray divorce.
By Janet Bodnar Last updated
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Why Financial Literacy Starts at Home and School
Financial literacy is lower among women and young people. The right education in school can help level the playing field, but good money habits start at home.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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Does Your Retirement Plan Include Longevity Risk?
Here some ways to mitigate longevity risk into your existing retirement plans.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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Estate Planning Got You Down? Start With a Will
Financial Planning Estate planning may feel overwhelming. Start with a will and the rest will fall into place.
By Janet Bodnar Last updated
Financial Planning -
Widows Share Their Financial Strategies
Widows discuss what helped - and would have helped - with finances and documents after their spouses' deaths.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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A Financial Checklist for Widows
An interview with a financial adviser about the financial steps widows should take.
By Janet Bodnar Last updated
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Estate Planning For Singles
Estate planning for singles: make a will, draft a durable power-of-attorney, name an attorney-in-fact, and a health care proxy. Here's how.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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Women: Stay Involved in Family Finances
Don't rely on your spouse alone to manage family finances, even if your marriage is rock solid.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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How Inflation Hurts Retirees
Retirees are less confident that they can live a comfortable existence throughout retirement, as inflationary fears rise.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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Avoid These Tricky Financial Problems in Marriage
There are several topics that can become financial flashpoints in a marriage. This is what to look out for.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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How to Control Spending and Grow Your Savings
We all could benefit from some tips to control spending and build a savings stash, but this especially affects young people looking to make it on their own.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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Caregivers Share Their Stories
Caregiving Readers' own perspectives on the struggles and triumphs of caregiving.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Caregiving -
Start the Elder Care Conversation
long term care Many people don't have a plan set where an elderly parent will go. Do you?
By Janet Bodnar Published
long term care -
Talking Money With Your Spouse
personal finance These should be important conversations that will be helpful in the long run.
By Janet Bodnar Published
personal finance -
How to Motivate Kids to Save
personal finance It's not easy teaching your child to save. Here are some ways readers have incentivized their kids to keep track of their finances.
By Janet Bodnar Published
personal finance -
The Stresses of Being a Caregiver
Caregiving One study shows that caregiving takes a greater toll on retirees' mental health than on their finances.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Caregiving -
Honey, We Need to Talk About Money
Women & Money Instead of focusing on the numbers, couples might have more success discussing their goals.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Women & Money -
From EBRI's CEO: What's on Retirees' Minds
Empty Nesters Retirees feel more comfortable spending from steady sources of income rather than tapping their nest egg.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Empty Nesters -
Readers Share Tips for Raising Money Smart Kids
Raising Money-Smart Kids What's the right age for a child to have their own credit card? Opinions vary.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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Retirement Can Keep You Busy
Empty Nesters Your lives are filled with jobs, creative ventures and intellectual enjoyment.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Empty Nesters -
How to Boost Your Financial Savvy
Women & Money Women need to know how financial knowledge can help them take care of their families and themselves.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Women & Money -
What Kids Need to Know About Finances
Women & Money In a digital world, it's even more critical to teach children how to handle cold, hard cash.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Women & Money -
The Virtues of Volunteering
Empty Nesters To find your niche, focus on activities that pique your interest, and don't overcommit.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Empty Nesters -
Fulfilling Ways to Spend Retirement
Empty Nesters Community service, religious pursuits and personal interests top the list.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Empty Nesters