Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine - September 2023

In this issue

How to Invest in AI
We found stocks and funds poised to gain from the boom in artificial intelligence.

The Kiplinger ETF 20: Back in the Black
Our favorite exchange-traded funds are profitable once more.

An Inheritance With Strings Attached
Adult children who inherit a traditional IRA contend with new rules that could leave them with a hefty tax bill.

BYE-BYE, BEAR

A new bull market became official in June. But it looks a little wobbly.

4 mins

What Hospice Patients Can Teach Us About Money

As you build wealth, include your life's purpose and meaning in the framework.

3 mins

Celebrating 100 Years of The Kiplinger Letter

Editor emeritus Knight Kiplinger reflects on an enduring legacy of clear-eyed, unbiased journalism.

3 mins

THE FED MAY NOT BE DONE HIKING INTEREST RATES

After lifting the federal funds rate at a rapid clip throughout most of 2022 and at a more moderate pace in the first half of 2023, the Federal Reserve put its series of rate hikes on pause at its June policy meeting. As inflation cools, the Fed is taking a step back to see how its policies are affecting the economy.

2 mins

THE RISKS OF USING PEER-TO-PEER PAYMENT APPS

A recent report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that billions of dollars stored in major peer-topeer payment apps, such as Cash App, PayPal and Venmo, may lack the same federal deposit insurance coverage that protects users of standard U.S. banks and credit unions from total ruin in a crisis.

1 min

HOW TO INVEST IN AI

It's too early to pick the ultimate winners in artificial intelligence, and it's already expensive to get in on the ground floor. But these companies stand to benefit from the boom.

10+ mins

THE KIPLINGER ETF 20 BACK IN THE BLACK

Our favorite exchange-traded funds are on the upswing. Here's how to make the most of your ETF portfolio.

10+ mins

Pick Businesses, Not Stocks

WARREN Buffett, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, is the most successful investor of our time. His daughter, Susan, worked as my assistant when I was publisher of a magazine 40 years ago. Just before she got married, Susie told me she worried that her fiancé’s parents had bought a couple shares of Berkshire stock—and what if it tanked? At the time, the price was about $1,000 a share. Today, it’s $507,000 a share. I hope the in-laws hung on.

4 mins

The Appeal of Mortgage Bonds

Recall the line from Hamlet imploring us to neither a borrower nor a lender be? Shakespeare was spot-on about so much, but not credit. Lenders do hold the stronger hand. A 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, with the principal guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, currently originates at 6.6%, marking an unusually big spread over the 30-year Treasury bond’s yield, now 3.9%. Even Series I savings bonds are down from 9.6% to 4.3% and are set to shrink again in November. (Yields and other data are as of June 30.)

2 mins

Is Your Insurance Coverage Up to Date?

Costs are rising to repair or replace your most valuable assets. Make sure your home and vehicles are adequately insured.

10 mins

What It Takes to Buy Insurance in Florida

Kiplinger editor Elaine Silvestrini shares her story.

2 mins

MAKE A PLAN TO RESTART STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS

A three-year pause on federal loan payments ends in October. Here's how to prepare.

6 mins

Defusing Financial Flash Points

MONEY SMART WOMEN

2 mins

AN INHERITANCE WITH STRINGS ATTACHED

New rules for inherited IRAs could leave some heirs with a hefty tax bill.

6 mins

Three Cheers for Grandkids!

Thanks to reader contributions to this column, I have been able to write about what makes a satisfying retirement—everything from socializing to finding a sense of purpose. But reader Nicholas Constantakis has taken me to task for not putting enough emphasis on what he considers the “real joy of retirement”: grandchildren.

2 mins

The High Costs of Caregiving

Caring for aging parents can exact a financial and emotional toll on adult children.

4 mins

How to Redeem Savings Bonds

Whether you bought savings bonds during inflation’s peak last year or have older bonds collecting dust, take these steps to cash them in.

2 mins

CORD CUTTING MADE EASY

With an expanding menu of streaming services, saying goodbye to your cable company's entertainment options has never been easier.

9 mins

Read all stories from Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine Description:

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting on your financial journey, Kiplinger's Personal Finance offers guidance tailored to your needs. From tips on saving for college and buying a home to optimizing your portfolio and planning for a secure retirement, the magazine equips readers with the knowledge and tools to achieve financial stability and prosperity.

With a legacy spanning over 70 years, Kiplinger's Personal Finance has been a go-to resource for individuals seeking practical advice, expert insights, and valuable tips to manage their money effectively.

Within the pages of Kiplinger's Personal Finance, you'll find a wealth of information on topics such as budgeting, investing, retirement planning, taxes, and much more. The magazine offers a mix of engaging articles, expert analysis, and real-life success stories, providing readers with actionable strategies to navigate the complexities of personal finance.

Discover the power of Kiplinger's Personal Finance and unlock the secrets to financial success. Let the magazine be your trusted companion as you embark on a path toward financial well-being and take control of your financial future.