Features

Ask the Editor: Capital Gains and Tax Planning

Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on capital gains tax rates and end-of-year tax planning

By Joy Taylor

Time Is Running Out to Make the Best Tax Moves for 2025

Don't wait until January — investors, including those with a high net worth, can snag big tax savings for 2025 (and 2026) with these strategies.

By Jeremiah H. Barlow, MBA, JD, LLM (Tax)

4 Smart Ways Retirees Can Give More to Charity

For retirees, tax efficiency and charitable giving should go hand in hand. After all, why not maximize your gifts and minimize the amount that goes to the IRS?

By John Aarhus, Investment Adviser Representative (IAR)

If You Do One Boring Task Before Year-End, Make It This One

Who wants to check insurance policies when there's fun to be had? Still, making sure everything is up to date (coverage and deductibles) can save you a ton.

By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS

What You Should Leave Out of Your Will, According to Experts

Are you unclear about what you should leave out of your will when estate planning? Legal experts share the 10 items to exclude.

By Erin Bendig

Morningstar’s 2026 Retirement Withdrawal Advice: Will It Work for Investors?

Morningstar’s 2026 guidance is out, recommending a lower withdrawal rate than the traditional 4%-a-year strategy. Researchers compared the two approaches to see how they stack up.

By Christy Bieber

33 Stocks That Could Rally 33% or More

Analysts say these S&P 500 stocks have at least 33% price upside over the next year or so.

By Dan Burrows

If You'd Put $1,000 Into Apple Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today

Apple stock is back at record highs, but then it's been a buy-and-hold beast for the ages.

By Dan Burrows

10 Things to Know About Estate Planning

Estate planning is all about taking charge of your legacy.

By David Rodeck

Social Security Benefits Quiz : Do You Know the IRS Tax Rules?

Quiz Social Security benefits often come with confusing IRS tax rules that can trip up financially savvy retirees and near-retirees.

By Kelley R. Taylor

Year-End Retirement Tax Planning Actions if You Have $1 Million or More

Consider implementing these four strategies before December 31 to potentially improve your tax situation for this year and the future.

By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®

Should You Tap Your Home Equity Before 2026?

As borrowing rates and tax law shifts converge, here's what homeowners need to know before pulling equity out of their home.

By Choncé Maddox

What Investors May Face in the New Year: Interview

Keith Lerner, the chief market strategist and chief investment officer for Truist Wealth, speaks with Kiplinger.

By Anne Kates Smith

My adult child was laid off. Can we discuss it without ruining the holidays?

We asked mental health and financial experts for advice.

By Maurie Backman

3 Year-End Tax Strategies for Retirees With $2M to $10M

To avoid the OBBB messing up your whole tax strategy, get your Roth conversions and charitable bunching done by year's end.

By Evan T. Beach, CFP®, AWMA®

'Politics' Is a Dirty Word for Some Advisers: That's Not Cool

Your financial plan should be aligned with your values and your politics. If your adviser refuses to talk about them, it's time to go elsewhere.

By Maggie Kulyk, CRPC®, CSRIC™

To Move Abroad, Choose an Adviser Who Sees Both Sides of the Border

Working with a cross-border financial planner is essential to integrate tax, estate and visa considerations and avoid costly, unexpected liabilities.

By Alex Ingrim, Chartered MCSI

If You'd Put $1,000 Into Procter & Gamble Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today

Procter & Gamble stock is a dependable dividend grower, but a disappointing long-term holding.

By Dan Burrows

How to Prevent Inflation From Eating Your Savings

retirement Instead of letting your cash sit idle in low-return accounts, consider putting it to work in growth-oriented investments to protect your long-term buying power.

By Charles Dzama, Investment Adviser Representative

Average Retirement Income by Age and State

Whether you are already retired or just beginning to save, these age and state income averages offer a critical reality check to retirement savings and spending plans.

By Donna LeValley

The Final Countdown to Retire Early in 2026: A Monthly Guide

This guide will help you retire early in 2026, with a month-to-month checklist of achievable goals. What are you waiting for?

By Jacob Schroeder

5 Year-End Moves to Maximize Your 2025 Retirement Savings

Sponsored by Savant Wealth Management

Retirement planning is about consistency, commitment and making the most of every dollar. Here are five high-impact moves to ensure long-term growth.

By Donna LeValley

21 Money Moves Smart People Are Making Before 2026

These steps can help trim your tax bill, boost your savings, lower your health care costs and set you up for financial success in 2026.

By Penelope Wang

This Tax Trap Costs High Earners Thousands Each Year

Mutual funds in taxable accounts can quietly erode your returns. More efficient tools, such as ETFs and direct indexing, can help improve after-tax returns.

By Joshua Taffer, CEPA, CPWA®

A Financial Adviser's Guide to Finalizing Your Divorce

After signing the divorce agreement, you'll need to tackle the administrative work that will allow you to start over.

By Tracy Byrnes, CDFA®

A Checklist for High-Net-Worth Individuals

A strategic guide to managing, preserving, and expanding your wealth for long-term financial security.

By Dori Zinn

Five Best Financial Gifts for Grandkids

gift ideas If you've been giving your grandchildren cash for the holidays, now is a good time to rethink that. There are other financial gifts that will help teach them the value of money and set them up for life.

By David Rodeck