CATEGORIES

STATE TAXES ARE GOING DOWN

Lawmakers are cutting income, sales and property taxes to return budget surpluses to residents.

Should You Pay Up to Pay Cash?

Some firms help home buyers make all-cash offers on homes. Weigh the fees before you sign on.

What You Need to Know About CRYPTO

Even if you’re not ready to invest in cryptocurrencies, it’s important to understand the role they play in modern finance.

HSAs Make Health Care More Affordable

Tax-advantaged health savings accounts allow you to save for a broad range of short-term and long-term medical expenses.

HOW TO INVEST NOW

Much hinges on whether the Fed can guide the economy to a soft landing.

How Many Stocks Should You Own?

With this year's rough ride, you don't need reminding that stocks are volatile.

Build Up Your Defenses

These alternative-strategy funds can offer some shelter from stock and bond market turmoil.

10 Good Reasons to Cancel Amazon Prime

Membership recently jumped to $139 a year. Maybe you don’t really need it.

Find ATTRACTIVE YIELDS in Today's Market

Our field guide to income investments identifies opportunities that range from ordinary to downright exotic.

Profit From Healthy Profit Margins

These companies find ways to flourish even in tough times

Fight Back Against High Inflation

Whether you’re 28 or 68, you’re staring down a surge in con-sumer prices. But for many millennials, the precipitous rise in inflation—which reached an overall rate of 8.5% in March—has been especially steep.

Create a Financial Plan for a NATURAL DISASTER

You’ll recover more quickly if your important documents are secure.

Caregivers Share Their Stories

My column on caregiving (see “Living in Retirement,” Feb.) generated a number of responses from readers who offered their own perspectives. “People not in this situation don’t have a clue, and that includes ‘experts,’ ” writes Ken Jarosch, sole caregiver for his wife, Kathy, who suffers from muscular dystrophy. “I went to several caregiving classes, where we were served a nice dinner and a sunshine talk. But the real help came from the people in attendance, who actually live this.”

Buy Bonds Now? That Depends

I insist it is folly to quit sound invest-ments because of a bad quarter, but the bond market swoon of early 2022 tests my resolve. When superb stuff such as tax-exempt toll-road bonds, taxable infrastructure municipals and BBB corporates suffer losses of 6% to 10%, that is true shock and awe. The last time returns took a big wallop was the summer “taper tantrum” of 2013, when, despite the absence of inflation, traders overreacted to Federal Reserve plans to cut back bond purchases. That episode is remembered now as an epic buying opportunity— thus, it is tempting to interpret the current downturn in the same vein.

ABLE Accounts Offer Financial Independence

People with disabilities, and their families, can save for a variety of expenses in these tax-advantaged accounts.

Answers to Your SOCIAL SECURITY QUESTIONS

Figuring out how to get the most out of your benefits is not as simple as it looks.

THE MONEY TALK NEW COUPLES NEED

Whether or not you merge your finances, you need to be on the same page. Natalie and Dan Slagle are founders of Fyooz Financial Planning, a financial planning firm that specializes in advising couples.

An Urgent Need for Cybersecurity

In June 2017, Russian hackers launched a malware attack on Ukraine called NotPetya. The attack, which locked users out of their own files unless they paid a ransom in bitcoin, was just one more tactic in the conflict between the two nations that had begun three years earlier. But viruses don’t respect borders, and this one spread far beyond Ukraine.

THE BEST REWARDS CARDS FOR YOU

Our top picks offer cash back, points or miles you can use to buy groceries or gas, pay for travel or boost savings.

RELIEF AT THE PUMP?

Lawmakers want to cut gas taxes, but analysts question whether it will actually lower prices.

Seven Smart Tools for ESG Investors

Use these free online resources to help you vet sustainable options for your portfolio.

WHY EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT NFTs

Non-fungible tokens are unique digital properties that use blockchain technology. Our FAQ will help you understand what all the buzz is about.

Subdued Stock Returns Ahead

This well-known strategist says dividends are a bright spot in an otherwise muted market.

Why Bonds Belong in Your Portfolio

STREET SMART

WHEN CAN YOU GET A DEAL ON A CAR AGAIN?

Low inventories mean it’s hard to haggle on price, but you can still negotiate on financing.

Weathering the Market's Turns

Our favorite actively managed funds delivered mixed results, proving that portfolio diversification matters over the course of a market cycle.

The Lowdown on Living Trusts

A trust can solve a lot of problems. But like all tools, it can also be misused.

Our Picks Struggle Along With the Market

THE KIPLINGER ESG 20 UPDATE | After a bullish 2021 for stocks with impressive ESG credentials, a pullback is under way.

How to Open a Brokerage Account

Investing can be fun, but you need a brokerage account to do it. Fortunately, it’s easy to get started.

Talking Money With Your Spouse

MONEY SMART WOMEN