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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

BYE-BYE, BEAR

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

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

THE INVESTMENT STRATEGY YOU NEED NOW

Use our guide to find the best portfolio mix for you

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

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

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

Calculate Your Net Worth

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

Investing Jargon, Explained

We define some of the most frequently searched investment terms

HIGH YIELD SAVINGS: How to Buy Treasury Securities

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

PAYING IT FORWARD: A Guide for the College Journey

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

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT EV TAX CREDITS

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MARKETS AND YOUR MONEY.

THERE'S STILL LIFE IN AMERICAN CITIES

Many people still want to live in urban areas, but downtowns will never be the same.

THE COST OF RISING HOME VALUES

Property tax rates could increase in some jurisdictions to keep up with home price appreciation.

PRACTICAL PORTFOLIO: Lean Into the Market's Patterns

Whatever stocks are doing, chances are we've been here before. Familiarity can help you stay the course.

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.

Kiplinger: READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2023

We asked our readers to rate credit cards, banks, brokerage firms and other financial providers. These are the products and companies that stand out from the crowd.

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.

INVESTING: WHERE TO INVEST NOW

Use our roadmap to prosper in a directionless market.

A Helping Hand for Start-Ups

After a successful career as a corporate executive, he volunteers as a mentor for entrepreneurs.