Kiplinger's Personal Finance - December 2024

In this issue

The High Cost of Storm Damage Recent hurricanes exposed the reality that many homeowners are inadequately insured.

Dividend Stocks Are Ready to Rebound We review our 15 favorite dividend payers, which stand to become more attractive as yields on savings accounts and money market funds fall.

HOW LOWER INTEREST RATES AFFECT YOUR FINANCES

The Federal Reserve’s rate cut will provide relief for some borrowers, but savers will have to work harder to get decent returns. By SANDRA BLOCK

4 mins

DIVIDEND STOCKS ARE READY TO REBOUND

Our favorite dividend payers are poised to benefit as falling interest rates lure investors back.

10+ mins

SHOULD YOU BUY THESE RED-HOT FUNDS?

Covered-call ETFs are popular but come with plenty of caveats.

6 mins

AT LONG LAST, RATES ARE DROPPING

Consider these portfolio moves now that the Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark interest rate.

4 mins

Rate-Cut Winners and Losers

NOW that the Federal Reserve has cracked the interest rate ice, the next development will be to separate winners from losers.

2 mins

YEAR-END MONEY MOVES TO MAKE NOW

The days are getting shorter, and movie marathons of A Christmas Story have begun. That can mean only one thing: You have just a few weeks to boost your retirement savings, lower your taxes and get the most out your health insurance before 2024 becomes a memory.

8 mins

ANSWERS TO YOUR 529 PLAN QUESTIONS

Thanks to recent policy changes, families have more options for what to do with money sitting in these tax-advantaged accounts.

6 mins

Strategies for Novice Investors

AS part of a lifes kills program for young, single mothers, I was asked to teach a class on how to get on top of your finances.

3 mins

IS A 55+ COMMUNITY RIGHT FOR YOU?

These age-restricted developments appeal to older adults seeking abundant amenities and an active lifestyle.

8 mins

SELLING SHARES? HERE'S HOW TO MINIMIZE TAXES ON YOUR GAINS

ET'S say you've been regularly buying shares in a booming tech company over the past few years, but now you want to start taking some of those profits, perhaps to rebalance your portfolio.

5 mins

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SPOUSAL IRAS

You typically need earned income to contribute to an individual retirement account, but a spousal IRA provides an important exception to this rule.

2 mins

THE POWER OF $1,000

AS the end of the year rolls around, you may have some cash to spare-perhaps an annual bonus from your employer or money you've been stashing away to give to charity or buy holiday gifts. Whether you want to improve your savings and investments, make smart charitable donations, boost your career, upgrade your home, or treat yourself to a vacation, we've found great ideas to use a thousand bucks.

10+ mins

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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.