Each month in Kiplinger's Personal Finance, we interview one person, couple or family whose accomplishments offer encouragement for everyone.
Declaring Bankruptcy, Reluctantly
After dealing with her husband's out-of-control debt, Amy Smith went to bankruptcy court.(December, 2008)
Scrambling to Avoid Foreclosure
Refinancing with a subprime mortgage just before home prices plummeted left Isaac and Tracy Herndon owing more than their house is worth. Now they're trying to sell it. (November, 2008)
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Flying the Faraway Skies
A new law raised the retirement age for U.S. airline pilots from 60 to 65. But Herb Holland and thousands like him were left in the cold. (October, 2008)
The Identity Thief Upstairs
After a petty dispute, Britt Erica Tunick's neighbor retaliated by giving her e-mail address and cell-phone number to marketers. So she took him to court. (September, 2008)
She Won a Fortune With a Cookie
Carolyn Gurtz, a Maryland resident, took the million-dollar grand prize in the Pillsbury Bake-Off with her Double Delight Peanut Butter Cookie. (August, 2008)
Learning to Be an Un-Consumer
John Perry, 44, a marketing manager, co-founded The Compact, a group that avoids unnecessary consumption. Two years later, it has more than 8,000 followers. (July, 2008)
Saving Pro Athletes From Themselves
Lenny Dykstra, former Mets and Phillies star is a partner in a new magazine, The Players Club, designed to help athletes manage their millions. (June, 2008)
A Young Warren Wannabe
A twenty-four-year-old money manager, Shai Dardashti bought his first Berkshire Hathaway share ten years ago. He emulates Warren Buffett's approach to investing -- and to life. (May, 2008)
One Golfer's Bid for the Big Show
In seven years as a pro, Jeff Klauk has come tantalizingly close to scoring a PGA Tour card. This year, he's off to a great start, but managing finances, family and four irons isn't easy. (April, 2008)
Investing, One Day at a Time
Veteran actor Pat Harrington, 78, has learned a valuable lesson about personal finance: Don't take your eye off the ball. (March, 2008)
Burned Out in the California Hills
Paul Kassel was among the hundreds who lost their homes last fall in the firestorms north of San Diego. (February, 2008)
Update on the American Dream
Hemil and Kathya Garcia came to the U.S. almost penniless. Now they earn six figures. (January, 2008)
See Complete 2007 'My Story' Collection
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Strategies to Optimize Your Social Security BenefitsTo maximize what you can collect, it’s crucial to know when you can file, how delaying filing affects your checks and the income limit if you’re still working.
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Don’t Forget to Update Beneficiaries After a Gray DivorceSome states automatically revoke a former spouse as a beneficiary on some accounts. Waivers can be used, too. Best not to leave it up to your state, though.
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403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
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Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
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Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
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Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel Procrastinator? No matter. You can pull off a fun and memorable getaway on a moment's notice — without breaking the bank.
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How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life-insurance needs.
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When Is Amazon Prime Day?Amazon Prime In 2023 Amazon had two Prime Day events — one in July and another, called Big Deal Days, in October. We expect 2024 to follow the same schedule.
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How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
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5 Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan.
