Features

Without a shift in your investment strategy, all it takes is one bad year in the markets to derail your retirement plan.

By Cathy DeWitt Dunn, CDFA®, FRC®

Your retirement plan may be financially watertight, but if you don't have a reason to get out of bed every morning, all that effort could go to waste.

By Richard P. Himmer, PhD

An expiring term life insurance policy is a great wake-up call to update your coverage and estate plan so they align with your current season of life.

By Gina Cimineri, ChFC®, CLU®, CLTC®, RICP®, CDFA®

State Tax Before you grab a pint, find out how much your favorite German-style festival adds to the price in 2026.

By Kate Schubel

We're able to make memories with our family, especially now that our kids are teenagers and have a limited amount of time before they move out.

By Joyce Lamb

Prices and auto-loan rates are accelerating fast. Here's how to drive a better deal.

By Beth Braverman

After decades of saving, many affluent retirees find spending harder than accumulating wealth. Here is why money habits are so hard to break — and how to finally enjoy your savings.

By David Conti, CPRC

Your 60s can be the most valuable decade in your life, but far too many people miss valuable tax planning opportunities that can lower their lifetime tax bills.

By Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA®, CKA®

A pillar of American finance says you should embrace uncertainty.

By Anne Kates Smith

You don't need a huge salary to become a millionaire. These three money habits can help you quietly build wealth over time.

By Choncé Maddox

You may be able to eliminate capital gains taxes on highly appreciated assets by leveraging a parent's unused estate tax exemption for a stepped-up tax basis.

By Jeffrey M. Verdon, Esq.

The luxury real estate trend known as "landmaxxing" is all about buying more space and control. You don't have to be a billionaire to borrow from the strategy.

By Choncé Maddox

Fees can have a big impact on your ETF investment returns over time. Here's how expense ratios limit your compounding over the long term.

By Tony Dong, MSc, CETF

True financial planning takes well-being into consideration so you're not caught out by the profound shifts you encounter when you reach midlife or retire.

By Lawrence Sprung, CFP®, CEPA®

Every adult should have a healthcare proxy and power of attorney. They save loved ones time, money and stress if a sudden illness or injury incapacitates you.

By Jared J. Madison, Esq.

Estate planning is more than just writing a will. These are the documents you'll need in order to protect your family if you're seriously injured or worse.

By Leslie Gillin Bohner

Sponsored by Mutual of Omaha

SPONSORED Medicare Plan G has long reigned as the superior choice for Medicare supplement coverage, but Plan N could be a better supplemental plan for some retirees.

By Cole Martin

An advance directive defines the medical care you want if you are too ill to make decisions. Every adult needs one.

By Jacob Wolinsky

You can help your kids without hurting yourself.

By Janet Bodnar

From buying mountain homes in Puerto Rico to locking in RVs early, pre-retirees are making bold financial moves. Here’s when it pays off and when it breaks the bank.

By Donna Fuscaldo

online brokers Find the best online brokers using our survey that compares investment offerings, tools, apps, advice and more.

By David Milstead

Ask the Editor Our Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor answers readers' questions about retirement plans and IRAs, including a big change to 401(k) catch-up contributions.

By Joy Taylor

Are you thinking of dropping your long-term care coverage because you no longer trust the insurance company? Don't cancel without considering these key issues.

By Daniel Fagan, MSPFP®, MPAS™, AIF®

As the priorities of affluent families shift, they're seeking guidance from advisers that goes beyond the financial and supports the life they want to live.

By Rick Buoncore

If you're thinking ahead to your year-end giving, here are four ways to maximize the impact of your donations while making full use of available tax incentives.

By Martin Schamis, CFP®

Planning your retirement? Avoid permanent reductions to your payout by understanding these four crucial rules before you apply for Social Security.

By Donna LeValley

If you have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan, review your Annual Notice of Change. It can save you money and ensure you can still see your preferred doctors and hospitals.

By Donna LeValley