Features
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Kiplinger Retail Outlook: Consumer Spending Surprisingly Strong
Economic Forecasts E-commerce sales jumped again in October, but in-store sales benefited, as well.
By David Payne
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Kiplinger Inflation Outlook: Surprise Drop in Inflation May Not Last
Economic Forecasts The unexpected decline in November inflation from 3.0% to 2.7% may have been partly the result of a shortened survey period.
By David Payne
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What Is Term Life Insurance?
Term life insurance offers affordable coverage for a set period — here's how it works and when it makes sense to buy a policy.
By Paige Cerulli
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Stock Market Holidays in 2025 and 2026: NYSE, NASDAQ and Wall Street Holidays
Markets When are the stock market holidays? Here, we look at which days the NYSE, Nasdaq and bond markets are off in 2025 and 2026.
By Kyle Woodley
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The Nine Key Milestone Ages In Retirement
These nine milestone ages mark your eligibility for significant retirement benefits, including catch-up contributions and required actions, such as taking RMDs at age 73.
By Donna LeValley
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Year-End RMDs: 10 Ways to Invest, Spend or Donate Them
The deadline for taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) is December 31. And yes, shopping or travel might be in order.
By Adam Shell
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The 'Die With Zero' Rule of Retirement
If spending makes you nervous, the 'Die With Zero' rule might be for you. Because you don’t want to be the richest person in the graveyard.
By Jacob Schroeder
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Retirees in These 7 States Could Pay Less Property Taxes Next Year
State Taxes Retirement property tax bills could be up to 65% cheaper for some older adults in 2026. Do you qualify?
By Kate Schubel
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Estate Tax Quiz: Can You Pass the Test on the 40% Federal Rate?
Quiz How well do you know the new 2026 IRS rules for wealth transfer and the specific tax brackets that affect your heirs? Let's find out!
By Kate Schubel
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'The 'Mamdani Effect' in New York: Can the City Afford a Millionaire Tax?
State Tax Will higher income taxes drive the wealthy to flee New York in 2026?
By Roxanne Bland
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I'm 73 and dread winter, but I can't afford to be a snowbird.
How can a snowbird wannabe warm up without the expense? We asked professional wealth planners for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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5 Smart Things to Do With Your Year-End Bonus
After you indulge your urge to splurge on a treat, consider doing adult things with the extra cash, like paying down debt, but also setting up a "fun fund."
By Kelli Kiemle, AIF®
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Gen X Investors: Protect Your Portfolio From an AI Bubble
Amid talk of an AI bubble, what's the best course of action for investors in their 50s and 60s, whose retirement savings are at risk from major market declines?
By Pam Krueger
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Retirees: Put Charitable Gifts in a DAF (and Get a Tax Break)
A donor-advised fund is a simple (really!), tax-smart strategy that lets you contribute a large, tax-deductible gift now and then distribute grants over time.
By William Thatcher
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Can Stocks Picked by Artificial Intelligence Beat the Market? Three Stocks to Watch
stocks An AI stock-picking platform identifying high-potential equities has been sharp in the past. Here are three of its top stocks to watch in the next few months.
By Dan Burrows
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Kickstart Your 2026 Retirement Plan Now
Retirement can feel far-off, or too close for comfort, depending on where you’re at. But one thing’s clear — now is the ideal time to get your retirement plan in order.
By Kathryn Pomroy
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4 Things You Need to Know Before Applying for Social Security in 2025
Don't unnecessarily delay or reduce your Social Security benefits because you don't know all the rules and requirements.
By Donna LeValley
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Social Security Payment Schedule for 2026
Find out when you can expect your 2026 Social Security payments and the date you get paid when your scheduled day falls on a holiday.
By Donna LeValley
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Do You Have the 5 Pillars of Retirement Planning in Place?
Planning in these five areas is required so you're covered on everything from taxes and health care expenses to what happens to your estate when you're gone.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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I want to give my 3 grandkids $5K each for Christmas.
You're comfortably retired and want to give your grandkids a big Christmas check, but their parents are worried they might spend it all. We ask the pros for help.
By Maurie Backman
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The Rule of Compounding: Why Time Is an Investor's Best Friend
Described as both a "miracle" and a "wonder," compound interest is simply a function of time.
By Coryanne Hicks
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4 Great Tools to DIY Your Own Financial Plan
Smart Savings Several tools picked out by Kiplinger that DIYers can use to make their own financial plan.
By Chris Taylor
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The 7-Month Deadline That Sets Your Lifetime Medicare Premiums
Understanding Medicare enrollment is crucial, as missing deadlines can lead to permanent late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage.
By Donna LeValley
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Retirees Living in Portugal: You Need a Post-NHR Tax Strategy
When your 10-year Non-Habitual Resident tax break ends, you could see your tax rate soar. Take steps to plan for this change well before the NHR window closes.
By Ricardo Jesus, MBA
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Target-Date Fund Innovation: Built-In Income Guarantees
With target-date funds falling short on income certainty, retirement plans should integrate guaranteed income solutions. Here is what participants can do.
By Myles J. McHale, Jr. AIF®, CRPP®
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Should You Get Walmart+ or Amazon Prime?
Walmart+ and Amazon Prime both promise free shipping, exclusive deals, and a suite of add-on services. But which one should you get, if any?
By Rachael Green
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If You'd Put $1,000 Into UnitedHealth Group Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today
UNH stock was a massive market beater for ages — until it wasn't.
By Dan Burrows
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Rising Home Prices and Mortgage Rates Can Make This Insurance More Relevant
It's been hard to avoid private mortgage insurance in an era of rising home prices and higher mortgage rates.
By Ella Vincent
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Here's What You'd Have If You Invested $1,000 Into Sherwin-Williams 20 Years Ago
Sherwin-Williams stock has clobbered the broader market by a wide margin for a long time.
By Dan Burrows
