Elaine Silvestrini
Senior retirement editor Elaine Silvestrini has worked for Kiplinger since 2021. Before that, she had had an extensive career as a newspaper and online journalist, with several years of experience covering financial and retirement topics ranging from annuities to Social Security. Formerly a Kiplinger associate personal financial editor, she has received recognition for her coverage of annuities and tax fraud, among other subjects. Her newspaper career focused primarily on legal issues at the Tampa Tribune and the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey. Her beats have also included breaking news, municipal government, the military and mental health. She has won several awards, including from the Florida Society of Professional Journalists and Florida Sunshine State Awards in categories including community leadership. Among her recognized work was an examination of a phenomenon known as the annuity puzzle, which describes how people who could benefit from annuities hesitate to buy them. She has also been cited for a series of Tampa Tribune stories about tax refund fraud in Tampa, Florida, in which she uncovered shortcomings in the ability of law enforcement to address rampant theft from taxpayers. This reporting helped lead to a change in Florida identity theft law to make it easier to prosecute criminals. She’s had fellowships at Journalist Law School at Loyola and at the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. In more recent years, she's written for several marketing, legal, financial and health websites, including Insurance Journal, Annuity.org, Drugwatch,com, Health.com and LegalExaminer.com, and the newsletters Auto Insurance Report and Property Insurance Report. In addition, she worked for nearly a year as an assistant criminal defense investigator in the Federal Public Defender Office in Tampa. Originally from New Jersey, she lives in Florida with her husband and cats.
Latest articles by Elaine Silvestrini
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Medicare Open Enrollment Occurs from October to December — Here's What You Need to Know
Medicare open enrollment is underway. Here's what you need to get done.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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10 Things To Know for Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare open enrollment starts on October 15 and ends on December 7. Here's what to sign up for and what to avoid.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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529 Plans: Everything You Need to Know About Saving for College
529 Plans 529 plans offer convenience and potential tax savings when putting money aside for education. That said, there are still a range of rules you’ll need to know (and follow).
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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Increase Your Social Security Payments up to $2,163 Each Month
retirement This strategy can delay starting Social Security, building a bridge from retirement to higher monthly income.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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You'll Probably Need Long-Term Care at Some Point. Here's How to Pay for It
Most people will need long-term care at some point, but insurance is pricey. Here’s a guide to covering the expenses.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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Fell for a Financial Scam? It Might Be Time to Test for Alzheimer's
Falling for financial scams may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's among older adults.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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The Best Places to Retire in the World
When it comes to the best places to retire in the world, which country is at the top of the list? And where does the U.S. feature on the leaderboard? We investigate.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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Can You Define Baby Boomers? Look at Trump and Harris
Trump and Harris are bookends of the sprawling Baby Boomer generation, which spans 18 years. No wonder they have different world views.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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How to Save Financial Documents and Information in Case of a Storm
personal finance Here’s what financial documents you'll need safeguarded if a hurricane, flood or other disaster strikes and you need to leave your home in a hurry.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
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50 Years Ago, Women Won Equal Access to Credit
Until U.S. women won equal access to credit, they often couldn't buy a home or own a credit card without a male cosigner.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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When Will Social Security and Medicare Run Out of Money?
Social Security and Medicare trust funds, which help pay benefits, are projected to run dry. What will happen then?
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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Medicare Advantage Denials Increase
You might get a denial from a Medicare Advantage provider if you seek prior authorization for certain medical care.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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What You Should Know About Annuities
What to know about annuities, which are seen as a reliable source of retirement income.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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Americans Want Social Security Boosted Now
A very high amount of Americans say they want to see Congress act now to protect funding for Social Security.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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Annuities: 10 Things to Know
annuities As interest rates increase, so does the appeal of annuities. How much do you know about these insurance products?
By Sandra Block Last updated
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Medicare Upgrades Could Disqualify Your Private Plan
If you're delayed taking Medicare because you have employer coverage, changes ahead may disqualify your plan.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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Your Tree, Your Neighbor’s Property: Whose Insurance Pays?
insurance How to be a good neighbor when your tree drops by uninvited.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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How Technology Can Help Retirees Age in Place
There are many technological solutions to help retirees live at home, rather than enter homes and communities.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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Internet Directory of Tech Resources
Technology is helping people age in place. Here are some examples.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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How to File Tornado Insurance Claims
insurance Tornados have caused billions in damages over the decades. If you were affected, make sure you document your losses and contact your insurer immediately.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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What to Do When Your Rent is Too High
If your rent is too high, options for consumers are limited, but there are some things you can do if you're facing a rent increase.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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Alzheimer’s Research Breakthroughs Give Cause for Optimism
Advances in Alzheimer’s research raise hopes of preventing and someday curing the senior plague.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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There Is Too Much Medicare Marketing
A recent survey found nearly all respondents had received Medicare marketing, some of which may be considered fraud.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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Are Your Heirs Prepared?
With wealth being transferred between generations, a surprising number of heirs are not ready to receive an inheritance.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published