Carla Ayers
Carla Ayers is the eCommerce and Personal Finance Editor at Kiplinger, where she covers consumer spending, savings strategies and real estate trends. Since joining in 2024, she has focused on delivering practical, service-driven advice to help readers make smarter financial decisions.
Her background spans commercial and residential real estate, bringing firsthand insight to her work. She has written for Rocket Mortgage, Inman, the National Association of Realtors and other industry publications.
Carla is passionate about making complex topics clear and actionable, meeting readers where they are with timely guidance. Get personal finance insights delivered straight to your inbox with Kiplinger’s free newsletter, A Step Ahead.
Latest articles by Carla Ayers
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What Dave Ramsey and Caleb Hammer Taught Me About Handling MoneyFrom Ramsey’s strict discipline to Hammer’s blunt reality checks, their lessons reveal how to save, invest and prepare for the future.
By Carla Ayers
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Why You Should Pay Your Traffic Tickets Before They Become a Six-Figure HeadacheSkip a ticket, pay a fortune: How ignoring traffic fines can wreck your wallet, credit and coverage.
By Carla Ayers
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Credit Cards for Kids and Teens: Make Your Child an Authorized UserKids and teens can access credit cards by becoming authorized users on your account. Here's what I learned when I signed up my own kids for cards.
By Carla Ayers
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2026 Disney Dining Plan Returns: Free Dining for Kids & Resort BenefitsPlan your 2026 Walt Disney World vacation now. Learn about the returning Disney Dining Plan, how kids aged three to nine eat free, and the exclusive benefits of staying at a Disney Resort hotel.
By Carla Ayers
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13 Smart Uses for Your Tax Refundtax refunds If you have a refund check coming your way, consider using it to bolster your personal balance sheet.
By Carla Ayers
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How Trump’s Tariffs Could Impact Your Grocery BillTariffs at the checkout: Preparing for higher grocery bills and how to manage them.
By Carla Ayers
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The Viral TikTok 'Door Knock Challenge'The viral TikTok 'Door Knock Challenge' is more than a prank, it poses serious security risks for homeowners. Learn how to protect your home, prevent property damage and stay safe.
By Carla Ayers
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Trump Nominates Jonathan McKernan as CFPB Director Amid Agency OverhaulPresident Trump nominates Jonathan McKernan to lead the CFPB, indicating a potential shift in the agency's regulatory approach.
By Carla Ayers
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State Farm Seeks Rate Hikes After California Wildfire Losses: What It Means For YouState Farm has requested emergency rate increases of up to 38% in California, citing wildfire-related losses. Here’s what homeowners need to know.
By Carla Ayers
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California's Home Insurance Crisis: Rising Risks, Soaring Costs and Limited OptionsAs wildfires intensify across California, insurers retreat, leaving homeowners with fewer coverage choices and higher costs. Learn what’s next for the California insurance market.
By Carla Ayers
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The Viral 'Birkin Dupe' That Sold Out — and What I Learned About the Walmart MarketplaceDiscover how Walmart Marketplace differs from Walmart’s regular offerings and tips for snagging unique deals like the viral "Birkin bag dupe."
By Carla Ayers
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Starbucks Holiday Deal: Limited Edition Red Cup and other rewards on 11/14.Get your limited edition Starbucks holiday red cup and enjoy festive drinks, extra rewards, and special perks for travelers on 11/14.
By Carla Ayers
