Features
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Louisiana Tax Guide
State Tax Explore Louisiana's state tax rates for income, sales, property, retirement, and more. Learn how Louisiana compares nationwide.
By Katelyn Washington
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The Average 401(k) Balance by Age and Generation
How did your 401(k) balance rank vs savers your age in the third quarter? Learn the keys to building a retirement balance that will last a lifetime.
By Adam Shell
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Ask the Editor: Itemized Deductions
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A of Form 1040
By Joy Taylor
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9 Types of Insurance You Don't Need
Financial Planning If you're paying for these types of insurance, you may be wasting your money. Here's what you need to know.
By David Rodeck
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Are You Putting Yourself Last? The Cost Could Be Your Retirement
If you're part of the sandwich generation, it's critical that you don't let the needs of your aging parents come at the expense of your future.
By Kelly LaVigne, J.D.
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Time to Prepare for Disasters Like They Could Happen to You
You can no longer have the mindset that "that won't happen here." Because it absolutely could. As we head into 2026, consider making a disaster plan.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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How Women Will Lead a New Era in Charitable Giving
Women will soon be in charge of trillions in charitable capital, through divorce, inheritance and their own investments. Here's how to use your share for good.
By Julia Chu
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The Retirement Donor's Checklist: Key Deadlines by Gift Type
Retirees have some charitable contribution options that can help avoid spikes in income from RMDS and capital gains.
By Donna LeValley
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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
