CATEGORIES

THE DOWNSIDE TO DECLINING INFLATION

After two years of big cost-of-living increases, retirees will likely receive a more modest Social Security raise in 2024.

Rediscovering Japan

New shareholder-friendly policies should boost the country's stocks.

Dividends Hit a Rough Patch

THERE is a doctrine T that one year's investment champions become the subsequent year's failures.

How Inflation Hurts Retirees

RETIREE confidence in having enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement dropped significantly in the 2023 Retirement Confidence Survey, conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research.

MORE WAYS TO VALUE STOCKS

Look beyond price-earnings ratios to get a more nuanced picture.

To Tip or Not to Tip?

Everyone from your barista to the car mechanic is asking for tips, and new technology adds to the pressure.

A Guide to Choosing an All-Inclusive Resort

These vacation destinations offer family-friendly activities, adventurous excursions, gourmet dining and more.

BYE-BYE, BEAR

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

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.

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.

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.

MAKE A PLAN TO RESTART STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS

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

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.)

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.

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.

Fixing Your Relationship With Money

This psychologist helps clients address complex issues involving their finances.

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.

Celebrating 100 Years of The Kiplinger Letter

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

What Hospice Patients Can Teach Us About Money

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

The High Costs of Caregiving

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

CORD CUTTING MADE EASY

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

AN INHERITANCE WITH STRINGS ATTACHED

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

Defusing Financial Flash Points

MONEY SMART WOMEN

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.

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.

What It Takes to Buy Insurance in Florida

Kiplinger editor Elaine Silvestrini shares her story.

8 great places to retire-for renters

With home prices inflated and mortgage rates rising, we provide enticing options for retirees who would rather rent than buy

THE NON-EV BUYER'S GUIDE

Your next car doesn’t have to be electric. We found six gas-powered vehicles that will take you well into the future

THE DEBT CEILING PACT IS UNLIKELY TO TRIGGER A RECESSION

The deal won’t dampen economic growth, but it fails to address long-term fiscal problems

THE PROMISE AND PERILS OF AI

As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, here are the likely implications for your job and your money