Ask Kim - Kiplinger

Some Can Switch Medicare Advantage Plans Mid-Year

Those with access to a five-star plan don't have to wait until open enrollment to switch to it.

Group Versus Individual Life Insurance Policies

Here's how to find out whether you'll get a better deal purchasing coverage through your employer or on your own.

How to Check Your Social Security Statement Online

The government no longer is mailing paper statements to most workers.

Take Advantage of Education Tax Breaks

The American Opportunity tax credit can help offset the cost of college tuition.

The Rules for Making IRA, 401(k) Catch-up Contributions

You can stash more in your retirement accounts starting the year you turn 50.

Roth IRA Withdrawal Rules

Here's what you need to know if you want to take money out of your account before retirement.

Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Loan

To qualify for a lower loan rate, follow this timeline to boost your score.

How to Find Lost Savings Bonds

There are resources to help you track down bonds and get paid if they've matured.

How to Prepare Your Home for Summer

Here's what snowbirds heading north need to do to protect their home in the South while they're not there.

What to Know About Kids and Taxes

Children must file a return if their earned income or investment income exceeds certain limits.

Don’t Forget These 5 Tax Breaks

Find out if you're eligible for these deductions and credits.

Protect Your Home and Finances from Spring Storms

Find out which damages are covered under your homeowners insurance policy -- and how to fill the gaps.

Claiming the Child-Care Tax Credit

You may be able to take advantage of this tax break even if you contribute to and use money from a dependent-care flexible-spending account.

Which Tax Records to Keep and Which to Toss

Find out which documents you should hang on to and for how long.

Strategies for Moving 401(k) Money to a Roth IRA

Start by rolling your account over to a traditional IRA then figure out how to minimize your tax bill when converting to a Roth.

How to File an Amended Tax Return

You have up to three years to make changes -- and claim any deductions or credits you might have missed.

Smart Ways to Use Your Refund

Got the basics covered? We have plenty of other ideas.

Don't Transfer IRA Distributions to Charity Yet

Congress hasn't reauthorized the law allowing people to give required minimum distributions from IRAs tax-free to charity but may by the end of the year.

How Roth IRAs Affect Financial-Aid Eligibility

The money isn't considered an asset, even if it's in your child's name.

Why You Should Have Umbrella Liability Insurance

This inexpensive coverage can protect property owners from lawsuits.

How to Make HSA Contributions After Age 65

If you delay enrolling in Medicare, you can continue to stash cash in a health savings account. But this may not be a good move.

Understanding the Social Security Earnings Test for Early Retirees

You can work part-time and start drawing benefits before full retirement age, but expect smaller Social Security checks – even if you put your earnings toward a 401(k).

Financial Resources for Military Families

Kiplinger's Financial Field Manual and Military Finances Special Report help answer many of the personal finance questions surrounding military life.

Tax Breaks and Credits for College Costs

Kim answers readers' most frequent questions about tax breaks, college tuition and the American Opportunity credit.

How to Find Cheap Car Insurance

A little research can go a long way when it comes to choosing both a car and an insurer.

Take Advantage of the Flex Account "Sweet Spot"

From now until March 15, you may be able to combine your 2011 and 2012 FSA contributions -- making this the perfect time for large, uninsured expenses.

Why You Shouldn't Cosign Your Child's Credit Card

Cosigning may help your child now, but it could damage your credit score irreparably in the long run.

Borrowing from a 401(k) to Make a Down Payment

Make sure you understand the rules and risks before tapping your retirement savings to pay for a home.

Health Savings Accounts After Medicare

You can continue withdrawing from an HSA after joining Medicare, but you won't be able to make new contributions.

Easy Ways to Calculate Required Minimum Distributions

Retirees are required to take required minimum distributions from IRAs and 401(k)s after age 70½. Follow these guidelines to make sure you withdraw the right amount.

Tax Tips for Freelancers and the Self-Employed

Don't overlook these forms or deductions when filing for self-employed income.

Making Roth IRA Contributions in Retirement

Without earned income, you can't contribute to a Roth IRA – but a working spouse still can.

Open Low-Minimum Roth IRAs for Kids

These three firms make it easy for kids to start small Roths.

Switching Medicare Plans Outside of Open Enrollment

If you want to change your Medicare plan, it's not too late -- but you'll need to act by February 14.

Take Advantage of Expanded Preventive Health Care Coverage

The Affordable Care Act cuts out-of-pocket expenses for preventive care like mammograms and cholesterol screenings.

Protect Yourself from New Year's Scams

January is a prime month for credit-card, debt-relief, job-search and tax scams -- but you can spot scam artists before they target you.

The Most Frequently Asked Personal-Finance Questions of 2011

Kim Lankford rounds up her advice on identity theft, credit scores, and other topics that readers needed help with in 2011.

Consolidate Your IRAs to Reduce Maintenance Fees

Combining multiple IRAs in one account can cut down on fees and make it easier to keep track of investments.

Tax-Smart Ways to Contribute to a 529 College-Savings Fund

529 contributions make great, tax-deductible holiday gifts if you know your state's rules.

Balance-Transfer Cards Can Save Thousands

Lowering your credit card interest rate and boosting your monthly payments can shave thousands of dollars off your bills and eliminate months of repayments.

7 Financial Tips for Snowbirds

These banking, insurance and home maintenance moves will keep your finances in order while you're away.

Long-Term-Care Insurance After the CLASS Act

The government recently pulled the plug on a new long-term-care insurance program, but you still have policy options.

Using Balance-Transfer Cards to Pay Holiday Bills

Interest-free balance-transfer offers are back and better than ever -- if you weigh your options first.

Last-Minute Questions about Medicare Open Enrollment 2012

The Medicare open-enrollment deadline is December 7. Here's what you need to know to choose your plan on time.

4 Ways to Get Lost Money from Government Agencies

The IRS is returning more than $150 million in undelivered tax refund checks. Here's how you can cash in.

Tax Rules for Home Sales

Here's what you need to know if you sell a house that a parent gave you while he or she was still living.

Year-End Moves to Avoid the Medicare High-Income Surcharge

Take these steps to lower your income so you won't have to pay higher Part B and D premiums than other beneficiaries.

High-Income Seniors Hit With Medicare Surcharge

You'll have to pay more for Part B and Part D if your income tops a certain level.

How to Tap Your 401(k) or IRA Penalty-Free

There are exceptions to the rules that require you to keep money in retirement accounts until age 59½.

3 Valuable Benefits for Military Families

Here's how to make the most of these programs to improve your family's financial future.

How to Find a Holiday Job

Here are several resources to help you get seasonal work at retailers, shipping companies, manufacturers, entertainment venues or other businesses.

How the Gift Tax Works

Uncle Sam wants to know about your generosity if you give more than a certain amount.

Medicare Premiums to Decrease for Some

However, high-income beneficiaries will continue to pay extra for Medicare Part B and Part D.

A Tax Credit for Retirement Savers

Uncle Sam offers an incentive for lower-income taxpayers to contribute to retirement-savings plans.

2012 Retirement Account Contribution Limits

You'll be able to stash a little more in your 401(k), 403(b) or Thrift Savings Plan next year. And income limits to deduct IRA contributions will rise.

Best Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed

A SEP and a solo 401(k) are two good options for freelancers and people who operate a sideline business.

Convert to a Roth IRA in Retirement?

You'll have to pay tax on the conversion, but all the money you withdraw comes out tax-free.

How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans

Follow this step-by-step guide for using Medicare's Plan Finder tool to search for the best all-in-one medical and drug coverage.

How to Use Medicare's Plan Finder Tool

This step-by-step guide will help you take advantage of a great online resource for comparing plans.

Donating IRA Distributions to Charity

You can avoid a tax bill on required IRA withdrawals if you use the money to make charitable contributions.

How to Compare Medicare Policies

State programs can help you pick a plan over the phone or in person.

How to Beat Rising Health Insurance Premiums

Healthcare premiums are growing faster than paychecks -- but you can still control how much your family pays.

The Cons of Borrowing From Your 401(k)

Tapping your retirement savings to pay off debt usually isn't a good idea.

Rules for Required IRA Distributions

After you reach age 70½, you must start withdrawing money from your account. Here's what you need to know.

Military Health Plan Now Covers Adult Children

Tricare now provides insurance for members' children until they reach age 26.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

Making debt payments on time and not opening too many accounts are among the things you can do to boost your number.

Make the Most of Your Flex Account in 2012

Here's how to take advantage of an FSA before the amount you can contribute to one is lowered in 2013.

Tax Breaks for Moving

You don't have to itemize to take advantage of a deduction for expenses associated with a job-related move.

Withdrawing Money From an Inherited IRA

Learn your options and understand how the distributions will be taxed.

New Deadlines for Medicare Choices

Open enrollment starts a month earlier this year -- so expect information about your options to arrive soon.

8 Steps to Help Get Your Hurricane Claim Paid Quickly

Don't damage your ability to file a claim as you patch things up.

What Disasters Does Your Homeowners Policy Cover?

Advice on the types of home insurance coverage you should sign up for to ensure your protected during an earthquake or hurricane.

Expect to Pay More for Health Coverage Through Work

Employers will increase the percentage that employees contribute to insurance premiums and to encourage workers to opt for high-deductible plans.

How to Find Doctors Who Accept Medicare

Start your search online and be willing to switch plans to get access to a bigger network of providers.

Tax Break for Elder Care

Tips on how to file for a dependent-care tax credit for adult children caring for an elderly parent.

Tax-Friendly Ways to Pay for After-School Care

The expense may be eligible for the dependent-care tax credit or reimbursement from a dependent-care flexible spending account.

Repaying the Home-Buyer Tax Credit

You might not have to repay this interest-free loan if you sell your house at a loss.

Social Security Benefits for Divorcées

If you remarry, you may lose your rights to claim benefits based on your former spouse's income.

How to Protect Yourself From Scams

There are several resources to help you research companies and service providers so you don't become a victim of unscrupulous people or groups.

Changing Your Mind About Your Roth Conversion

It's not too late to switch back to a traditional IRA and avoid the tax bill.

Insurance Coverage for Your College Student

Find out whether your homeowner's policy will cover your child's stuff while he is at school and what to do about car insurance while he's gone.

Tax Breaks for College Bills

Uncle Sam helps ease the pain of paying for college with a variety tax benefits.

Is It Cheaper to Fly or Drive?

A new calculator makes it easy to figure out which mode of transportation is more affordable.

How to Get Your Credit Score for Free

Soon lenders will be required to show you your score if you're denied credit or charged a higher interest rate.

Flex Funds for Summer Camp

You may be able to use money in your flexible-spending account to cover the cost of camp for your children.

Home Insurance Rates Likely to Rise in Storm-Prone Areas

Homeowners in the South and Midwest may have to pay more for coverage as a result of this year's wild weather.

Helping a Family Member Save for College

Here's how to set up a custodial account or 529 college-savings plan for a niece, nephew or other relative.

The Basics of Buying Homeowners Insurance

If you're purchasing your first home, here's what you need to know about getting the right coverage to protect it.

529 Funds for College Expenses -- Not College Debt

You can't use money in a college-savings account to pay off student loans.

A Second Chance at Tax Breaks

If you think you missed a tax break on your 2010 return, it's not too late to file an amended return.

Tapping Life Insurance When You're Terminally Ill

Many policies offer accelerated death benefits while you're still alive.

Invest in Your State's -- or Another's -- 529 Plan?

It depends on whether you get an income-tax deduction for your contribution.

Qualifying for a Mortgage When You Already Own a Home

Having renters for a house you can't sell might not help you qualify for a new loan.

Required Minimum Distributions for IRAs and 401(k)s

At age 70½, you must make withdrawals from your traditional IRA, but, if you’re still working, you can delay tapping your 401(k).

Bear Market for Baseball Cards

Most collectible baseball cards no longer fetch top dollar.

How to Protect Yourself After Identity Theft

Before paying for an identity-theft-protection service, be sure you know what you're getting for your money.

Avoid Paying Taxes Twice on Reinvested Dividends

Carefully keep track of your investment records to help lower your tax bill.

Sign up for the Federal Long-Term-Care Insurance Program?

Federal employees should compare their options before enrolling in the nation's largest group plan.

Handling the Tax Bill on a Roth Conversion

You may need to have more withheld from your paycheck or make larger estimated payments.

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Follow these steps to protect your home and property from storms.

When Health Plans Aren't Required to Cover Adult Children

Although the health-reform law requires most insurance plans to extend coverage to adult children until age 26, the rule doesn't apply to retiree-only plans.

How to Use Excess 529 College-Savings Funds

If your child receives a scholarship, you can withdraw up to that amount from a 529 plan penalty-free.

How a Credit Freeze Works

There are pluses and minuses when you block identity thieves from taking out new credit in your name.

Protect Your Home and Finances Against Floods

Make sure you have flood coverage, and check into government programs that help residents in federally declared disaster areas cover uninsured losses.

7 Personal Finance Basics for New Grads

Share these tips with your children to help them get off to a good start on their own.

Social Security Switching to Direct Deposit for Benefits

Beneficiaries can also have money deposited to a debit card. But paper checks will be abolished.

4 Great Financial Books for Recent Grads

These primers will help your children learn the basics of investing and personal finance.

Conflicting Credit Scores

You don't just have one FICO score -- you have three. And here's why those scores can vary.

How to Keep Recent Grads Insured

As a result of the health-reform law, adult children can stay on their parents' health insurance policies when they graduate.

Understanding Credit Scores

Learn about the differences between the FICO score and VantageScore.

How to Land a Summer Job

Apply now because competition will be tough.

Health Insurance for Adult Children

Know the rules for keeping your kids on your health insurance plans.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Really Cover?

Consider buying special coverage for certain valuables.

6 Tax-Smart Ways to Help Your Kids (or Grandkids)

Uncle Sam (and some states) will reward you for helping pay for a child's college education.

FAQs About Required IRA Distributions

Here's what you need to know about when you have to start taking mandatory withdrawals.

5 Ways to Avoid Tax Scams

Follow these steps to protect your money and your identity.

6 Ways to Cash in on the Health Law

Take advantage of free preventive care, coverage for adult children and a smaller Medicare Part D doughnut hole.

How to Prepare for an Emergency

Follow these five steps now so you'll be ready if disaster strikes.

10 Ways to Guard Against Identity Theft When Traveling

Follow these steps to protect your personal information when you're away from home.

Teaching Kids About Investing

One way for your children to learn about stocks is to set up a custodial account for them.

Retirement Income for Life

Find out how much you'd need to invest in an immediate annuity to get the monthly payouts you want.

Tax Rules for Members of the Military

Don't miss out on special breaks and filing extensions.

Tax Credits for Education Expenses

You may be able to cut your tax bill if you pay for your child's college costs. There's a tax break for graduate students, too.

New Rules for Home Improvement Tax Credits

The tax break for energy-efficient home improvements made in 2011 isn't as big as in past years.

Roll Retirement Money Into a Health Savings Account?

You can make a tax- and penalty-free transfer from an IRA to HSA, but it might not be a good move.

The Basics of Roth IRAs

Take advantage of this tax-advantaged account to stretch your savings.

How to Put Your Tax Refund to Good Use

Consider these five smart ways to spend the money.

How to Avoid ID Theft

Take these steps if your wallet has been stolen.

Save Money on Homeowners Insurance

Rather than reducing your coverage to lower costs, try these moves.

Back Door to a Roth IRA

There's a way to fund a Roth even if your income exceed the limits for contributing to one.

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