Lisa Gerstner
Lisa has been with Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine for more than 15 years and became editor in June 2023. She started with Kiplinger as an American Society of Magazine Editors intern in 2006, was hired as a copy editor in 2007 and later began reporting and writing on a range of personal-finance topics, including credit, banking and retirement. For several years, she compiled the magazine’s annual rankings of the best rewards credit cards and the best banks, and she assembled the survey and results for Kiplinger’s first Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023.
Lisa has shared her expertise as a guest with many media outlets around the nation, including the Today Show, CNN, Fox, NPR and Cheddar.
Lisa was an Honors College student at Ball State University, in Muncie, Ind., and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in magazine journalism and history. During her time as a student, she was editor-in-chief of the campus magazine and an intern at the Indianapolis Business Journal as well as her hometown newspaper, the Wapakoneta Daily News. She received Ball State’s “Graduate of the Last Decade” award in 2014.
A military spouse, Lisa experiences firsthand the financial challenges and opportunities for military families. Born and raised in Ohio, she has moved around the U.S. - from Washington, D.C., to Las Vegas to southern New Mexico – and currently lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and two sons. When she finds free time, she loves to travel (especially to national parks), hike, try new recipes in the kitchen, and get on the mat to practice yoga.
Latest articles by Lisa Gerstner
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Time to Stock Up at the Grocery Store
spending Eggs, meat, coffee and cheese are cheaper thanks to bumper crops and low fuel prices.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
spending -
Best Websites and Tools to Save on Your Health, 2016
savings Keys to finding less-expensive pharmaceuticals and cutting costs for health care.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
savings -
The Best Personal-Finance Websites, Apps and Software of 2016
Technology Get a jump on your 2017 finances with these solid financial tools and games.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
Technology -
Max Out Your Credit-Card Rewards Points for Holiday Shopping
credit & debt You may get the most value by transferring points or miles.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
credit & debt -
Best Credit Cards for Loyal Car Buyers
credit & debt Loyal to a particular car brand? An auto rewards card may be for you.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
credit & debt -
Best Deals in Online Banking, 2016
savings Many customers are saying bye-bye to national and large regional banks.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
savings -
Is the Wells Fargo Controversy Damaging Your Credit Score?
credit & debt Here's how to check all recent accounts opened in your name, plus your credit reports.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
credit & debt -
Consumers Get a Break on Overdraft Fees
credit & debt Some banks are still charging hefty transfer fees.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
credit & debt -
Is Credit-Card Debt Out of Control?
credit & debt Balances are on the rise, but defaults are still low.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
credit & debt -
3 Great Credit Cards for Small Businesses
credit & debt Separate your business and personal spending with our picks for no-fee business cards.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
credit & debt -
Free FICO Credit Scores for Everyone
credit & debt Thanks to a new program, you can find out your score at no cost.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
credit & debt -
How to Find the Right Financial Adviser for You and Your Money
Financial Planning Financial advisers come in a confusing array of professional designations, with different fee structures and areas of expertise.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
Financial Planning -
Your Rights and Protections When Working With a Financial Adviser
Financial Planning You can file complaints against financial advisers with government agencies or industry watchdogs.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
Financial Planning -
How to Become a Millionaire by 2020
business Jaime Masters paid off her debt and built a successful coaching and speaking business.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
business -
Great Free and Low-Cost Online Tools to Manage Your Money
Financial Planning These online resources will help you get your finances in order.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
Financial Planning -
Deal or No Deal: Bump-Up Certificates of Deposit
savings Short-term CDs that adjust your rate higher may not be a good deal.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
savings -
4 Good Reasons for Retirees to Maintain Strong Credit
credit & debt A good credit score may come in handy when you — and others — need it most.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
credit & debt -
Scam Alerts: Beware Unattended ATMs, Down-Payment Fraud
Scams Fresh hustles and cons you need to avoid.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
Scams -
Best of the Low-Fee Credit Cards
credit & debt Trim interest and other charges on your credit cards with these options
By Lisa Gerstner Published
credit & debt -
The Perks of Warehouse Club Credit Cards
credit & debt Many come with better cash reward options for club members, as well as deals at the pump and more.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
credit & debt -
Get Your Mortgage Approved Faster
real estate You can prequalify instantly, but sealing the deal isn’t automatic.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
real estate -
Amazon.com: Deal or No Deal?
Smart Buying Tools, toys, books and more: We hunt for the bargains.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
Smart Buying -
Repairing Your Credit Score
credit & debt Here's how to revive your credit score over time.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
credit & debt -
How to Resolve a Dispute With a Home Contractor
real estate Advice on what to do when the work you paid for didn't get completed.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
real estate