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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Pick a Better Health Insurance Policy
insurance Use our strategies during open enrollment to get the best coverage at the best price.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
insurance -
The Benefits of Donating Stock to a Donor-Advised Fund
taxes Donating appreciated securities to charity using a donor-advised fund provides tax benefits and flexibility.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
taxes -
How to Shop for an Immediate Annuity
retirement These annuities guarantee steady retirement income for life, but just how much you collect depends on your age when you invest.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
retirement -
The Advantages of Filing the FAFSA Form Early
Paying for College You can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the next year of college starting October 1. And the earlier you file, the better your chances of receiving aid from schools themselves.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Paying for College -
You Can Now Freeze -- and Unfreeze -- Your Credit Report for Free
credit & debt As of September 21, credit bureaus can no longer charge you to freeze your credit reports or to lift a freeze. Here’s what you need to know to get your free freeze.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
credit & debt -
Key Documents You Need to Take With You in an Emergency
real estate As you prepare for Florence or the next big hurricane, make sure you gather financial documents that you'll need if you must evacuate or your home is damaged.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
real estate -
How to Prepare for Hurricane Florence
insurance As the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states brace for a severe hurricane, residents in its path still have time to protect their homes and finances.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
insurance -
How a Grandparent's Help With College Tuition Affects Financial Aid
529 Plans Before cutting a check for a grandchild's college tuition, make sure you review the impact it can have on the student's financial aid.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
529 Plans -
Two Key Estate-Planning Documents You Need
retirement Don't confuse a health care proxy with a living will. Each serves a different purpose, but you'll need both to make sure your medical wishes are honored.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
retirement -
Paying IRA Investment Management Fees
management New tax law brings big changes. But there are workarounds.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
management -
Tax Strategies for Charitable Giving
taxes Donors may need to bunch their donations into a single year to itemize deductions.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
taxes -
How to Help Pay a Grandchild's Tuition
Paying for College Learn what you can pay for and what will get taxed.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Paying for College -
Save Money on Medicare
insurance During open enrollment, take a hard look at Part D and Medicare Advantage plans.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
insurance -
How to Find the Best Medicare Advantage Plan for You for 2019
Medicare If you opt for a Medicare Advantage plan instead of traditional Medicare, this online tool can help you find the plan to fit your needs -- and budget.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Medicare -
How to Find the Best Medicare Drug Plan for You for 2019
Medicare Use these search tips to navigate the Medicare Plan Finder tool.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Medicare -
Cost of Employer Health Coverage to Rise 5% in 2019
insurance It's the sixth year in a row that costs have jumped at least that much.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
insurance -
10 RMD Mistakes to Avoid
retirement After saving for years in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-deferred retirement plan, you eventually have to take the money out and pay taxes on it.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
retirement -
Two Medigap Plans to Be Phased Out
Medicare Insurers will no longer be able to sell Plan F and Plan C medigap policies to people who sign up for coverage in 2020 and later, but current enrollees won't have to switch.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Medicare -
Volunteer Abroad in the Peace Corps in Retirement
retirement There is no age limit in some volunteer organizations, including the Peace Corps.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
retirement -
Legal Documents for College Students
college You lose some of your parental rights once your offspring turn 18, but they can obtain legal documents that will allow you to intercede on their behalf, particularly when they go away to college.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
college -
The New Banking Law Has Perks for You
credit & debt Provisions to the Dodd-Frank reform act gives small banks more discretion to make loans and mandates free credit freezes.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
credit & debt -
Tapping a Roth IRA for a House
real estate You can withdraw contributions from a Roth IRA to help purchase your first home.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
real estate -
How to Buy Stocks for Kids
stocks Start investing on behalf of your kids by opening an account on Stockpile.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
stocks -
Smart Life Insurance Strategies for Young Buyers
insurance Buy the right life insurance plan now to avoid scrambling to find coverage later.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
insurance