Features
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A Top Vanguard ETF Pick Outperforms on International Strength
A weakening dollar and lower interest rates lifted international stocks, which was good news for one of our favorite exchange-traded funds.
By Nellie S. Huang
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Is There Such a Thing As a Safe Stock? 17 Safe-Enough Ideas
No stock is completely safe, but we can make educated guesses about which ones are likely to provide smooth sailing.
By James K. Glassman
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We're 64 with $4.3 million and can't agree on when to retire.
I want to retire now and pay for health insurance until we get Medicare. My wife says we should work 10 more months. Who's right?
By Maurie Backman
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Missed an RMD? How to Avoid That (and the Penalty) Next Time
If you miss your RMDs, you could face a hefty fine. Here are four ways to stay on top of your payments — and on the right side of the IRS.
By Evan T. Beach, CFP®, AWMA®
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What Really Happens in the First 30 Days After Someone Dies
The administrative requirements following a death move quickly. This is how to ensure your loved ones won't be plunged into chaos during a time of distress.
By Howard A. Enders
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AI-Powered Investing in 2026: How Algorithms Will Shape Your Portfolio
AI is becoming a standard investing tool, as it helps cut through the noise, personalize portfolios and manage risk. That said, human oversight remains essential. Here's how it all works.
By David Abraham
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5 Retirement Tax Traps to Watch in 2026
Retirement Even in retirement, some income sources can unexpectedly raise your federal and state tax bills. Here's how to avoid costly surprises.
By Kelley R. Taylor
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If You'd Put $1,000 Into Caterpillar Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today
Caterpillar stock has been a remarkably resilient market beater for a very long time.
By Dan Burrows
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Good Stock Picking Gives This Primecap Odyssey Fund a Lift
Outsize exposure to an outperforming tech stock and a pair of drugmakers have boosted recent returns for the Primecap Odyssey Growth Fund.
By Nellie S. Huang
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More Tools to Build a Bond Ladder
Vanguard aims to launch a line of target-maturity corporate bond ETFs.
By David Milstead
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2026 Tax Refund Delays: 5 States Where Your Money Is Stuck
State Tax From New York to Oregon, your state income tax refund could be delayed for weeks. Here's what to know.
By Kate Schubel
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Why Your Pet Should Be In Your Estate Plan — Yes, Really
Including your wishes in your will or in a pet trust can ensure proper care when you can’t provide it.
By Richard Eisenberg
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Find Joy and Meaning When You Want to Retire — But Can’t Yet
For Gen X, delaying retirement can be an opportunity to pilot-test your second act, plan for your inheritance and structure trusts for your kids.
By Jacob Schroeder
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My First $1 Million: Banking Executive, 37, Nashville
Ever wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
By Joyce Lamb
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Small Splurges That Won't Derail Your Retirement
With decades of growth ahead, your 40s aren't just for saving. We asked financial advisers how to enjoy your income now without compromising your nest egg.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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How a Tax-Aware Long-Short Strategy Solved This Couple's $50,000 Capital Gains Problem
Large unrealized capital gains can create a serious tax headache for retirees with a successful portfolio. A tax-aware long-short strategy can help.
By Pam Krueger
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5 Retirement Myths to Drop (and How to Plan for the Reality)
Separating facts from fiction is an important first step toward building a retirement plan that's grounded in reality and not based on incorrect assumptions.
By Robby J. Graham, CFP®, CPA
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Silence Is Golden, But It Can Hurt Heirs More Than You Think
Talking to heirs about transferring wealth can be overwhelming, but avoiding it now can lead to conflict later. Here's how to start sharing your plans.
By Julie Virta, CFP®, CFA, CTFA
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Is a Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
MA plans add benefits that original Medicare lacks, often for $0 premiums. The catch? There are significant downsides to consider.
By Jackie Stewart
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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 Need Renters Insurance?
insurance If you're asking yourself, "do I need renters insurance?," learn from my experience about why the coverage is worth it.
By Rivan V. Stinson
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10 Things to Know About Decluttering
You’ve spent a lifetime amassing your stuff. Here’s how to get rid of it.
By Kim Clark
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The Average Social Security Check by Age
Compare your average Social Security check with others of your age, and plan for the future.
By Donna LeValley
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The Average Social Security Check in Every State
Do you live in this New England state with the heftiest check? Your Social Security benefit can be affected by where you live.
By Donna LeValley
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The Average Monthly Social Security Check: January 2026
The average monthly Social Security check amount might surprise you. Here's a look at January's numbers and why they matter.
By Donna LeValley
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8 Boring Habits That Will Make You Rich in Retirement
These mundane activities won't make you the life of the party, but they will set you up for a rich retirement. Discover the 8 boring habits that build real wealth.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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QUIZ: Are You Ready To Retire At 55?
Quiz Are you in a good position to retire at 55? Find out with this quick quiz.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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New Ways to Keep Your Online Accounts Safe
As cybercrime evolves, the strategies you use to protect yourself need to evolve, too.
By Martha C. White
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The Merger Market is Heating Up. Here's How to Cash In
Investing in takeover deals can be a low-volatility way to diversify your portfolio.
By Anne Kates Smith
