CATEGORIES

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

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

Protect Yourself When the Market Turns Frantic

Low-volatility ETFs aim to smooth stock gyrations

The Staying Power of Luxury Companies

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

Investing Jargon, Explained

We define some of the most frequently searched investment terms

Calculate Your Net Worth

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

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

THE INVESTMENT STRATEGY YOU NEED NOW

Use our guide to find the best portfolio mix for you

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.

HIGH YIELD SAVINGS: How to Buy Treasury Securities

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

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT EV TAX CREDITS

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MARKETS AND YOUR MONEY.

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.

PAYING IT FORWARD: A Guide for the College Journey

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