When the flood waters in Iowa recede, the thousands of residents who were evacuated finally will be allowed to return to their homes to survey the damage. Some Cedar Rapids residents who were allowed to go home briefly Sunday to gather belongings reported that the destruction was overwhelming. Hopefully, most will be able to take comfort knowing insurance will cover the damage.
But, the fact is, many will discover -- as victims of Hurricane Katrina and recent tornadoes in the Midwest did -- that they don't have enough coverage or the right kind. That's why it is essential to make sure you have the insurance you need and an emergency plan before disaster strikes. Plus, you need to know what steps to take after a storm. The stories below will help you prepare.
PREPARING FOR DISASTER
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Your homeowners policy won't protect you if you're a victim of flooding -- but the federal government's program will.
Safeguard Your Home Before a Storm Strikes
Take these steps now to protect your house and valuables -- plus, what to do after disaster hits.
When Disaster is at Your Doorstep
Follow these five steps to protect your home and possessions.
Six Steps to Protect Your Home
With storm season upon us, now is the time to make sure you have the insurance coverage you need.
COPING AFTER A DISASTER
Follow these tips to ensure your policy pays when you need it.
Do you know what your homeowners insurance covers? It won't pay to clean up flood damage, but you may be able to claim more than you think.
Katrina veterans tell how they staked their claims and got their cash.
-
Could This Little Known Data Shift Hurt Your 2026 Social Security COLA?The BLS has changed how it measures the inflationary data that determines whether Social Security benefits will get a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Will it hurt your benefits?
-
Financial Pros Provide a Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth in 10 YearsBuilding wealth over 10 years requires understanding your current financial situation, budgeting effectively, eliminating high-interest debt and increasing both your income and financial literacy.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for ListingsMaking Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Luxury Home Prices Rise as the Rich Dodge High Mortgage RatesLuxury home prices rose 9% to the highest third-quarter level on record, Redfin reports, growing nearly three times faster than non-luxury prices.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Apple, Samsung and MoreAmazon Prime Amazon Prime Day is four days this year. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals to shop during the sale.
