Kimberly Lankford
As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
Latest articles by Kimberly Lankford
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How to File Tornado Insurance Claims
insurance Tornados have caused billions in damages over the decades. If you were affected, make sure you document your losses and contact your insurer immediately.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
insurance -
HSAs Can Reimburse You for Medicare Premiums Paid
Medicare Even if your Medicare premiums are automatically deducted from your Social Security check, you can take tax-free withdrawals from an Health Savings Account to reimburse yourself.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
Medicare -
How To Convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth After 60
retirement You can convert an IRA to a Roth no matter how old you are. But if the conversion boosts your income, it could have taxing consequences.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
retirement -
10 Things You Need To Know About Hurricane Insurance Claims
Becoming a Homeowner Hurricane damage? Know what your insurance will and won't cover to make the most of your policy if you need to file a claim.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
Becoming a Homeowner -
Delay Social Security Benefits — Even by a Month — to Boost Your Check
social security You don't need to wait an entire year beyond your full retirement age to earn delayed retirement credits.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
social security -
How to Prepare for Early Retirement
Planning ahead for early retirement can help you avoid some common obstacles. But it will also help you cope if you lose your job unexpectedly.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
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11 Reasons You Need Umbrella Insurance Right Now
insurance An umbrella insurance policy can protect your assets and future earnings from expensive lawsuits.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Last updated
insurance -
Do I Need Extra Insurance for My Drone?
insurance Before your drone takes to the sky, see if your insurer will cover any damages the unmanned aircraft may cause to others or their property.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
insurance -
Lower Your Income So You Can Contribute to a Roth IRA
401(k)s If you're just above the income cutoff (MAGI) to qualify for Roth IRA contributions, these strategies will help you meet it and lower your taxes.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
401(k)s -
How to Save on Homeowners Insurance: Boost Your Deductible
insurance Boost your home-insurance deductible and you’ll not only reduce your premiums but also avoid filing small claims that could cause a rate hike.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
insurance -
Is a Phased Retirement Right for You?
Want to keep working, just not as hard? A phased retirement may just be the answer.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
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Why You Should Check Your College's Financial Health
Colleges throughout the country are struggling financially as enrollment shrinks and expenses rise, making it important to check the financial health of the college your or your child is attending.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
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How Medigap Insurance Is Affected by Preexisting Conditions
insurance Delaying enrollment in a medigap policy can lead to higher premiums and denial of coverage in most states.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
insurance -
12 FAQs About Medicare
Medicare When you turn 65, you have to master a new health care system. We’re here to help.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
Medicare -
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
insurance -
How to Get Your Insurer to Pay Your Home and Auto Claims
insurance Follow these steps to minimize hassles and get all the money you deserve.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
insurance -
10 Myths About Health Savings Accounts
savings When you’re choosing a health plan for the year, one option may be a high-deductible plan that makes you eligible to contribute to a health savings account.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
savings -
What You Can Get From the Family and Medical Leave Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects employees who need to take time off from work to care for themselves or others. You might be surprised at some of the situations it can apply to.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
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How to Buy Homeowners Insurance
insurance If you're purchasing your first home, here's what you need to know about getting the right coverage to protect it.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
insurance -
Four Tax-Friendly Ways to Pay for Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance Use these four tax-friendly ways to pay for your long-term care premiums.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
Long-Term Care Insurance -
Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Health Insurance Coverage?
Whether it's monitoring your deductible or using a health savings account, here are the best ways to maximize use of your health insurance coverage
By Kimberly Lankford Published
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10 Things You Need to Know About Health Savings Accounts
insurance If you don’t have many medical expenses now, in the long term you’ll be able to benefit even more from the tax advantages of an HSA.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
insurance -
Say No to Co-Signing
credit & debt Helping someone get a loan or lease by being a co-signer can affect your credit score and your ability to borrow money.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
credit & debt -
Smart Strategies For Open Enrollment 2023
Open enrollment will soon be underway, and many employers are shielding workers from hefty increases in health insurance premiums. But it pays to review your options carefully.
By Kimberly Lankford Published