CATEGORIES

The Appeal of Mortgage Bonds
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

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.)

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2023
Pick Businesses, Not Stocks
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2023
Three Cheers for Grandkids!
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2023
Fixing Your Relationship With Money
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Fixing Your Relationship With Money

This psychologist helps clients address complex issues involving their finances.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2023
How to Redeem Savings Bonds
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2023
Celebrating 100 Years of The Kiplinger Letter
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Celebrating 100 Years of The Kiplinger Letter

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

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023
What Hospice Patients Can Teach Us About Money
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

What Hospice Patients Can Teach Us About Money

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

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023
The High Costs of Caregiving
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

The High Costs of Caregiving

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

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2023
CORD CUTTING MADE EASY
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

CORD CUTTING MADE EASY

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

time-read
9 mins  |
September 2023
AN INHERITANCE WITH STRINGS ATTACHED
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

AN INHERITANCE WITH STRINGS ATTACHED

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

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2023
Defusing Financial Flash Points
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Defusing Financial Flash Points

MONEY SMART WOMEN

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2023
HOW TO INVEST IN AI
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

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.

time-read
10+ mins  |
September 2023
Is Your Insurance Coverage Up to Date?
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

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.

time-read
10 mins  |
September 2023
What It Takes to Buy Insurance in Florida
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

What It Takes to Buy Insurance in Florida

Kiplinger editor Elaine Silvestrini shares her story.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2023
8 great places to retire-for renters
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

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

time-read
10+ mins  |
August 2023
THE NON-EV BUYER'S GUIDE
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

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

time-read
10+ mins  |
August 2023
THE DEBT CEILING PACT IS UNLIKELY TO TRIGGER A RECESSION
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

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

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2023
THE PROMISE AND PERILS OF AI
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

THE PROMISE AND PERILS OF AI

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

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2023
You'll Pay More to Shop in These States
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

You'll Pay More to Shop in These States

Combined state and local sales taxes can add up to 10% to the cost of some purchases

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2023
Protect Yourself When the Market Turns Frantic
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Protect Yourself When the Market Turns Frantic

Low-volatility ETFs aim to smooth stock gyrations

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2023
The Staying Power of Luxury Companies
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

The Staying Power of Luxury Companies

Here’s how to cash in on businesses that cater to big spenders

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2023
Investing Jargon, Explained
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Investing Jargon, Explained

We define some of the most frequently searched investment terms

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2023
Calculate Your Net Worth
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Calculate Your Net Worth

Crunching the numbers on your assets and liabilities can help you maintain your financial security. Find out where you stand

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2023
Lock In a Great Deal on a Fall Vacation
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Lock In a Great Deal on a Fall Vacation

Prices will be lower than during the summer rush, and you’ll encounter fewer crowds and milder weather

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2023
THE INVESTMENT STRATEGY YOU NEED NOW
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

THE INVESTMENT STRATEGY YOU NEED NOW

Use our guide to find the best portfolio mix for you

time-read
10+ mins  |
August 2023
FIGHT BACK AGAINST FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

FIGHT BACK AGAINST FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT

Scammers are using advanced technology as well as classic methods to swindle their victims. Stay a step ahead with these nine moves.

time-read
10+ mins  |
July 2023
HIGH YIELD SAVINGS: How to Buy Treasury Securities
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

HIGH YIELD SAVINGS: How to Buy Treasury Securities

Rates on short-term bills are generous, with no risk.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2023
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT EV TAX CREDITS
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT EV TAX CREDITS

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MARKETS AND YOUR MONEY.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2023
CUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

CUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

Many retirees are dismayed to learn that they owe taxes on a portion of their benefits. But you can take steps to minimize the pain.

time-read
9 mins  |
July 2023
PAYING IT FORWARD: A Guide for the College Journey
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

PAYING IT FORWARD: A Guide for the College Journey

ScholarMatch helps low-income students make it all the way to graduation.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2023