Rivan V. Stinson
Rivan joined Kiplinger on Leap Day 2016 as a reporter for Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. She's now a staff writer covering insurance, millennial money needs and credit. She also helps produce newsletters and other content for Kiplinger.com. A Michigan native, she graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014 and from there freelanced as a local copy editor and proofreader, and served as a research assistant to a local Detroit journalist. Her work has been featured in the Ann Arbor Observer and Sage Business Researcher. She is currently assistant editor, personal finance at The Washington Post.
Latest articles by Rivan V. Stinson
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Beirut Explosion: Avoid Charity Scams
personal finance With the recent explosion in Beirut kicking off calls for aid, beware of scammers trying to take advantage.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
personal finance -
How to Avoid a Charity Scam
personal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
personal finance -
Understanding Tax Planning
tax planning The importance of tax planning goes beyond keeping cash out of Uncle Sam’s hands. You’re also preparing yourself for a secure retirement. Here are a couple of tax planning tips that are easy to do.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
tax planning -
This Olympian Has a New Goal: Closing the Wealth Gap
Financial Planning She encourages advisers to introduce students to financial planning.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
Financial Planning -
10 Ways to Save On Your Cell Phone Plan
family savings We’ve rounded up 10 techniques to cut expenses on both your cell phone plan and your device.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
family savings -
Millennials Face Their Second Recession
Making Your Money Last Forty percent of millennials say the pandemic will likely cause them to delay payments on their debts. Does that include you? Time to take action.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
Making Your Money Last -
Vote by Mail: A State-by-State Guide to Absentee Ballot Voting
Politics With health authorities recommending people continue to social distance, the idea of voting by mail is becoming an increasingly hot topic.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
Politics -
This Doctor Will Heal Your Portfolio
investing A physician turned financial planner says the coronavirus is an opportunity for you to tackle “fixable risks.”
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
investing -
16 Ways to Get Your Finances in Better Shape for the New Normal
how to save money With some states slowly opening back up their economies while others extend shelter in place orders, you may have lots of free time on your hand even if you're working from home.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
how to save money -
The Best Tax Software Values for 2020
tax software We tested nine of the most popular tax software programs to see which ones offer the best overall value. You might be surprised who's #1.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
tax software -
How Much Can You Contribute to a SIMPLE IRA for 2020?
simple IRA The maximum amount workers at small businesses can contribute to a SIMPLE IRA for 2020 is $500 higher than it was for 2019.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
simple IRA -
How Much Can You Contribute to a 403(b) for 2020?
retirement Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute $500 more to their 403(b) retirement savings plan in 2020 than they could in 2019. Plus, the catch-up contribution has increased, too.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
retirement -
How Much Can You Contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan for 2020?
retirement Federal workers and military personnel can save more in their TSP retirement accounts in 2020.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
retirement -
Retirement Savings for the Self-Employed
retirement If you don’t have access to a retirement plan through your employer, you have other options.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
retirement -
15 Cheap Late Fall & Winter Dates
spending Date nights — even for married couples who may not be trying to impress — can be expensive.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
spending -
If You Need a Real ID, Visit the DMV Soon
Travel 2020 is the year Real ID goes into effect for air travel. So having a star on your license will become more important if you don’t have a passport.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
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How Teens Can Start Investing Through a Roth IRA
retirement By beginning to invest in a Roth IRA at an early age, today’s teens can become tomorrow’s millionaires.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
retirement -
A REIT Fund Checks Out of Hotels
investing Real estate stocks are sizzling. But TIAA-CREF Real Estate Securities is playing defense.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
investing -
Protecting Your Privacy in the Wake of FaceApp
Technology Revelations about FaceApp have rekindled debate over how to protect your data.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
Technology -
Giving to Charity When You're on a Budget
Budgeting Don’t forget that your time has value, too. Volunteering is the best way to see if you like how the charity is run.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
Budgeting -
How to Find Buyers for Your Baseball Card Collection
business The first step to selling baseball cards is finding out the value of what you own.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
business -
Waterville, Me: A Smart Place to Retire
retirement Retirees have access to ample extracurricular activities including music, sports and arts in this Maine town along the Kennebec River, home to Colby College.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
retirement -
Oberlin, Ohio: A Smart Place to Retire
retirement Stellar health care options, affordable living and engaging community activities make this Ohio town a great choice for retirees.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
retirement -
Olympia, Wash.: A Smart Place to Retire
retirement Enjoy the tax-friendly city's wine trails and college courses.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
retirement