Elaine Silvestrini
Senior retirement editor Elaine Silvestrini has worked for Kiplinger since 2021. Before that, she had had an extensive career as a newspaper and online journalist, with several years of experience covering financial and retirement topics ranging from annuities to Social Security. Formerly a Kiplinger associate personal financial editor, she has received recognition for her coverage of annuities and tax fraud, among other subjects. Her newspaper career focused primarily on legal issues at the Tampa Tribune and the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey. Her beats have also included breaking news, municipal government, the military and mental health. She has won several awards, including from the Florida Society of Professional Journalists and Florida Sunshine State Awards in categories including community leadership. Among her recognized work was an examination of a phenomenon known as the annuity puzzle, which describes how people who could benefit from annuities hesitate to buy them. She has also been cited for a series of Tampa Tribune stories about tax refund fraud in Tampa, Florida, in which she uncovered shortcomings in the ability of law enforcement to address rampant theft from taxpayers. This reporting helped lead to a change in Florida identity theft law to make it easier to prosecute criminals. She’s had fellowships at Journalist Law School at Loyola and at the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. In more recent years, she's written for several marketing, legal, financial and health websites, including Insurance Journal, Annuity.org, Drugwatch,com, Health.com and LegalExaminer.com, and the newsletters Auto Insurance Report and Property Insurance Report. In addition, she worked for nearly a year as an assistant criminal defense investigator in the Federal Public Defender Office in Tampa. Originally from New Jersey, she lives in Florida with her husband and cats.
Latest articles by Elaine Silvestrini
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Your 401(k) Can Postpone Starting Social Security and Increase Payments
retirement You can use your 401(k) to postpone starting Social Security, building a bridge from retirement to higher monthly income.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
retirement -
What You Should Know About Annuities
What to know about annuities, which are seen as a reliable source of retirement income.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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Americans Want Social Security Boosted Now
A very high amount of Americans say they want to see Congress act now to protect funding for Social Security.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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529 Plans: Everything You Need to Know About Saving for College
529 Plans 529 plans offer considerable convenience and potential tax savings when putting money aside for education. That said, there are still a range of rules you’ll need to know (and follow).
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
529 Plans -
Six of the Worst Assets to Inherit
inheritance Leaving these assets to your loved ones may be more trouble than it’s worth. Here's how to avoid adding to their grief after you're gone.
By David Rodeck Last updated
inheritance -
Annuities: 10 Things to Know
annuities As interest rates increase, so does the appeal of annuities. How much do you know about these insurance products?
By Sandra Block Last updated
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The Best Places to Retire in the World
When it comes to the best places to retire in the world, which country is at the top of the list? And where does the U.S. feature on the leaderboard? We investigate.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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Medicare Upgrades Could Disqualify Your Private Plan
If you're delayed taking Medicare because you have employer coverage, changes ahead may disqualify your plan.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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How to Save Financial Documents and Information in Case of a Storm
personal finance Here’s what financial documents you'll need safeguarded if a hurricane, flood or other disaster strikes and you need to leave your home in a hurry.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
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Your Tree, Your Neighbor’s Property: Whose Insurance Pays?
insurance How to be a good neighbor when your tree drops by uninvited.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
insurance -
How Technology Can Help Retirees Age in Place
There are many technological solutions to help retirees live at home, rather than enter homes and communities.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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Internet Directory of Tech Resources
Technology is helping people age in place. Here are some examples.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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How to File Tornado Insurance Claims
insurance Tornados have caused billions in damages over the decades. If you were affected, make sure you document your losses and contact your insurer immediately.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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When Will Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds Run Out of Money?
Social Security and Medicare trust funds, which help pay benefits, are projected to run dry. What will happen then?
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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What to Do When Your Rent is Too High
If your rent is too high, options for consumers are limited, but there are some things you can do if you're facing a rent increase.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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You'll Probably Need Long-Term Care at Some Point. Here's How to Pay for It
Most people will need long-term care at some point, but insurance is pricey. Here’s a guide to covering the expenses.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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Alzheimer’s Research Breakthroughs Give Cause for Optimism
Advances in Alzheimer’s research raise hopes of preventing and someday curing the senior plague.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Soon — Here's What You Need to Know
Medicare open enrollment ends in less than a week. Here's what you need to get done.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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There Is Too Much Medicare Marketing
A recent survey found nearly all respondents had received Medicare marketing, some of which may be considered fraud.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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Are Your Heirs Prepared?
With wealth being transferred between generations, a surprising number of heirs are not ready to receive an inheritance.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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Older Adults Are Facing Increasing Medical Debt
Many older people are facing medical debt in the face of inaccurate medical billing.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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Spending Differences in Boomers vs Millennials
Data show differences between how generations spend, including what challenges they face.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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Nursing Home Residents Silenced by Fear of Retaliation
People who live in nursing homes endure abuse because they fear they will be punished further if they speak up, according to a new report.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published
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Care Concerns for Elder LGBTQIA+ Community And Where to Find Inclusive Systems
Older LGBTQIA+ people fear they will have to hide their identities in long-term care. A report aims to shine a light on safe options.
By Elaine Silvestrini Published