Latest articles by Sandra Block
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Our "K-Shaped," Uneven Economic Recovery
Economic Forecasts Confidence is key to the recovery, but the sentiment depends on consumers’ financial circumstances.
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?
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How to Invest Green in a White-Hot Market, with Anne Kates Smith
Kiplinger's Investing Outlook Sustainable stocks are going gangbusters. In an era of triple-digit gains for many market favorites (it's not just Tesla), we look for value options. Also, use your tax-day delay wisely.
Kiplinger's Investing Outlook -
11 Surprising Things That Are Taxable
Tax Breaks If you picked up any of the income or property on our list, make sure you declare it on your next tax return.
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Bitcoin: Should You Invest? With Tyrone Ross
Becoming an Investor Pretending it’s a fad that will go away didn't work for the internet, and it won’t work for cryptocurrency, either. But there are still so many questions. We’ll field some key ones with an expert who bridges digital currency and traditional financial advising.
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This Hot Housing Market with Daniel Bortz
Becoming a Homeowner Home sales and prices have been on a tear and are forecast to continue to rise in 2021. Whether you're hoping to sell, buy or refi, contributing writer Daniel Bortz has insights for you. Also: What to make of SPACs?
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Talking with the Taxpayer Advocate: The IRS Is Under Stress
Financial Planning The pandemic and new stimulus-driven responsibilities are straining IRS resources.
Financial Planning -
States Eye Higher Taxes for Top Earners
Tax Breaks The tax revenue could close budget gaps, but the measures could drive away mobile workers.
Tax Breaks -
How the Gig Economy Is Faring, with Kathy Kristof
Employee Benefits As with so many things, the pandemic has had a big effect on side hustles and contract work. We talk with an expert in the field on finding a good gig. Also, there’s a lot of noise about inflation these days.
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Max Out Your Stimulus Check with Rocky Mengle
Tax Breaks You probably know you're getting a stimulus check, but did you know you can have an impact on its amount? Senior tax editor Rocky Mengle talks about the moves you can make to upsize your stimulus. Also, will your state raise — or lower — your taxes.
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6 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Third Stimulus Check
Coronavirus and Your Money If you don't have to use your third stimulus check for basic necessities, consider putting the money to work for you. You'll thank yourself later.
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New Financial Challenges for Women with Marguerita Cheng
Women & Money The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying recession have been particularly hard on women, who've lost millions of jobs. Financial planner Marguerita Cheng talks about how she's helping her clients cope. Also: What dad taught us about personal finance.
Women & Money -
Having the Money Talk with Your Parents, with Cameron Huddleston
Financial Planning for Alzheimer's Managing your parents' finances can be a difficult situation. Doing so if you haven't laid down a plan for how to do it is worse.
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Love and Money with Financial Planner Mari Adam
Getting Married Financial planner Mari Adam helps couples work together to have a good relationship with each other – and their finances. Also, some twists for 2020 tax filing and gadgets that can help when the power goes out.
Getting Married -
Student Loans: Pay Down or Hold Pat?
Paying for College Before you tell your lender you want to resume payments, consider whether there are better uses for your money.
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The Case for Indexed Annuities
Financial Planning These products may offer better returns than traditional fixed-income investments. But there are trade-offs.
Financial Planning -
Biden Puts New Cops on the Money Beat
Business Costs & Regulation President Biden has nominated well-known watchdogs to head agencies that regulate the financial sector.
Business Costs & Regulation -
Why Pay Money to File Your Taxes?
Tax Breaks Far more people could be filing their federal returns for free; maybe even their state taxes. Also, the latest from Brandon Copeland and the not-so-secret perks of stock ownership.
Tax Breaks -
How 13 Types of Retirement Income Get Taxed
retirement When you're planning for retirement, it's fun to contemplate all the travel and rounds of golf ahead of you, but don't forget about taxes.
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Unpacking the GameStop Blowup with Kyle Woodley
Markets Senior investing editor Kyle Woodley breaks down the latest short squeeze and its broader implications. Also, General Motors says it’s going all-electric—so, what will fuel your next car?
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Handling Taxes and Insurance When Working from “Home”
Tax Breaks Working remotely in a new state, maybe even a new country? That can lead to complications, particularly when it comes to taxes. Also: why the IRS is starting tax season late this year, and a check-in on student loan policies in the new administration.
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There's Still Time to Save on 2020 Taxes
Tax Breaks The tax code didn’t change last year, but just about everything else did. We’ll guide you to a lower tax bill.
Tax Breaks -
Kiplinger’s Best Values in Tax Software, 2021
Tax Breaks We ranked the most popular tax-prep packages to help you find the ones that provide the best experience at the lowest cost.
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Taxes on Retirees — What’s New?
Budgeting In this episode of Your Money's Worth, senior tax editor Rocky Mengle talks about the latest update of the Kiplinger Retiree Tax Map. Will states with declining revenues make life harder on retirees? Also, the Biden stimulus plan and the hazards of patent scams.
Budgeting
