Sandra Block
Sandra Block, senior editor for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, has covered personal finance for more than 20 years. In her current role at Kiplinger’s, she covers retirement, taxes and a range of other personal finance issues. She also edits the Ahead section of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine and contributes to Kiplinger’s.com and Kiplinger’s Retirement Report.
Before joining Kiplinger, Sandy was a personal finance reporter and columnist for USA TODAY. During that time, she was a regular guest on CNN, Fox Business News and NPR. Before joining USA TODAY, Sandy worked as a business reporter for the Akron Beacon-Journal, where she covered businesses in northeastern Ohio and assisted in the newspaper’s coverage of the 1995 World Series. While Cleveland lost in six games, Sandy still considers this the highlight of her journalism career.
In her early years, Sandy was a reporter for Dow Jones News Service in Washington, DC, where she covered the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Treasury and the Federal Reserve.
Sandy graduated cum laude from Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia., and was a fellow in the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economics and Business at Columbia University. She is co-author of the “Busy Family’s Guide to Money” and “Easy Ways to Lower Your Taxes: Simple Strategies Every Taxpayer Should Know.”
Sandy divides her time between Arlington, Va., and her home state of West Virginia. In her spare time, Sandy is a voracious reader and tries to keep her rescue border collie from getting into trouble.
Latest articles by Sandra Block
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The Ins and Outs of IRAs with Ed Slott, CPA
Roth IRA Conversions Are you saving for retirement? Good start. But almost everyone has something to learn about optimizing their individual retirement account from IRA strategist Ed Slott. Also, the next round of retirement-planning changes Congress is eyeing.
By David Muhlbaum Published
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Investing in Space: The Sky Is Not the Limit, with Andrew Chanin
Technology We talk to a pioneering fund manager about investing opportunities are in space. Also: Inflation is here — how should you adjust your investments?
By David Muhlbaum Published
Technology -
Long-Term Rates Will Edge Higher
Economic Forecasts Yields on bank savings accounts will stay low. Home mortgage rates will remain affordable.
By Sandra Block Published
Economic Forecasts -
States Boost 529 Plan Incentives
529 Plans Many states provide a tax break for residents, and now they're offering matching contributions and other perks.
By Sandra Block Published
529 Plans -
COVID Sparked a Surge of Generosity
Coronavirus and Your Money One big focus among donors: charities that address food insecurity.
By Sandra Block Published
Coronavirus and Your Money -
Get the Most from the Expanded Child Tax Credit
Tax Breaks The latest government stimulus is a much-more generous child tax credit, with a new twist: The IRS is going to send you money each month, if you're eligible. Also, what marrying will do to your taxes.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Tax Breaks -
How to Get a Car Deal in a Crazy Market with Karl Brauer
Buying & Leasing a Car As used car values soar, the old rules of how to get the best price still hold. Also, in the stock market, value stocks pull a rotation move on growth.
By David Muhlbaum Published
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IRS Plans to Track Down Tax Cheats
taxes The proposal targets high-income taxpayers, but enforcement wouldn’t be limited to the top 1%.
By Sandra Block Published
taxes -
The Inflation Spike Probably Won't Last
Economic Forecasts Long-term demographic and economic trends will keep a lid on future price hikes.
By Sandra Block Published
Economic Forecasts -
Rates on Student Loans Will Go Up
Paying for College You could refinance with a private student loan, but consider waiting until the pause on federal loan payments expires.
By Sandra Block Published
Paying for College -
Perils and Profits of Cannabis Investing with Matt Hawkins
Becoming an Investor A rapidly evolving legal landscape is keeping cannabis investors on their toes. We talk to private-equity investor Matt Hawkins, who has long experience in the sector, about pot's potential. Also: unemployment insurance versus a tight labor market.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Becoming an Investor -
401(k)s: 10 Things You Must Know About These Retirement Savings Plans
401(k)s These accounts can be a great way to save for retirement while giving you a tax break now. But beware of the fees plan providers charge for 401(k)s.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
401(k)s -
401(k)s
401(k)s These accounts can be a great way to save for retirement while giving you a tax break now. But beware of the fees that plan providers charge for 401(k)s.
By Sandra Block Published
401(k)s -
Your Retirement Planning Checklist
Financial Planning Smart retirement planning looks different for those who are ten, five or even just one year away from leaving work.
By Sandra Block Published
Financial Planning -
As America Ages, Hard Questions Loom
Economic Forecasts Census data show a decline in younger workers. That puts more pressure on Social Security and other programs that support seniors.
By Sandra Block Published
Economic Forecasts -
Annuities
Annuities As interest rates increase, so does the appeal of annuities. How much do you know about these insurance products?
By Sandra Block Published
Annuities -
Is Your Home Insured Against Disaster? Better Check
Becoming a Homeowner Your insurance policy might leave you high and dry when things get wet (or hot, or shaky). We'll talk about making sure you're fully covered. Also, inflation is here. Time to freak out?
By David Muhlbaum Published
Becoming a Homeowner -
Tap the Money Tied Up in Your Home with Keith Gumbinger
Markets Housing prices have been on a tear, and that means home equity is up, too. Turning that value into cash in your wallet can be complicated, though. Equity expert Keith Gumbinger helps us sort it out. Also, "sell in May and go away": urban legend or investing strategy?
By David Muhlbaum Published
Markets -
7 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Tax Breaks Nearly 60% of taxpayers expect a refund this year, and many will receive a larger amount.
By Sandra Block Published
Tax Breaks -
Annuities: How They Could Work for You
Financial Planning No doubt, investing in annuities can be a tough call for the active investor. But there comes a time when relinquishing some control in exchange for reliable income can be a wise move. Also: remembering the biggest financial fraud in history.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Financial Planning -
The Benefits of Working Longer
Empty Nesters Delaying retirement for a couple of years—or even a few months—is the most effective way to improve your retirement security.
By Sandra Block Published
Empty Nesters -
Stimulus Plan Has Health Insurance Benefits, Too
Coronavirus and Your Money The plan’s health care provisions could deliver big savings for early retirees and laid-off workers.
By Sandra Block Published
Coronavirus and Your Money -
Our "K-Shaped," Uneven Economic Recovery
Economic Forecasts Confidence is key to the recovery, but the sentiment depends on consumers’ financial circumstances.
By Sandra Block Published
Economic Forecasts -
Estate-Planning Your Stuff with T. Eric Reich
Empty Nesters What to do with the house, the vacation house and the china? We talk with a financial adviser who's got some wise counsel. Also, who makes up the so-called Generation I?
By David Muhlbaum Published
Empty Nesters