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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How to Plan for Aging in Place: Five Key Factors
Almost no one wants to live in a nursing home. But staying in your home as you grow older can be complicated, according to these experts.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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Internet Directory of Resources to Help You Age in Place
There's a wealth of experts, businesses and charities that can help you age in place, with advice on fall prevention, home modification and much more. Use our directory to locate services near you.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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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
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The 7 Worst Assets to Leave Your Kids or Grandkids
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
inheritance -
When Will Social Security and Medicare 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
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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, but insurance is pricey. Here’s a guide to covering the expenses.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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529 Plans: Everything You Need to Know About Saving for College
529 Plans 529 plans offer convenience and potential tax benefits when saving for education. That said, there are still a range of rules you’ll need to know (and follow).
By Elaine Silvestrini
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Superager Secrets: Keep Your Mind Sharp Past Age 80
Learn how superagers defy cognitive aging. Who knows? You might become one too.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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Increase Your Social Security Payments up to $2,187 Each Month
retirement This strategy can delay starting Social Security, building a bridge from retirement to higher monthly income.
By Elaine Silvestrini
retirement -
What Superagers Know and How to Become One Yourself
Research on superagers is helping everyone age better. Here's how some superagers stay sharp and how you can join a superager study.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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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
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Planning to Leave Your Business? How to Find the Right Buyer
When you leave your business, your retirement, your employees and your legacy are at stake.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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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
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Problems with Private Medicare Advantage Plans Keep Mounting
Complaints about Medicare Advantage include denial of service and slow care approvals.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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Watch Out for the ‘Medigap Trap’
The Medigap trap can snag those who chose Medicare Advantage and plan to switch to traditional Medicare later as their needs change.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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How to Save Financial Documents and Information in Case of a Storm or Wildfire
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
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10 Things To Know for Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare open enrollment starts on October 15 and ends on December 7. Here's what to sign up for and what to avoid.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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Medicare Open Enrollment Occurs from October to December — Here's What You Need to Know
Medicare open enrollment is underway. Here's what you need to get done.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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Social Security Benefits Are Shrinking
Social Security benefits are shrinking relative to Medicare premium increases, leaving older adults with less cash at the end of the month.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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Fell for a Financial Scam? It Might Be Time to Test for Alzheimer's
Falling for financial scams may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's among older adults.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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Can You Define Baby Boomers? Look at Trump and Harris
Trump and Harris are bookends of the sprawling Baby Boomer generation, which spans 18 years. No wonder they have different world views.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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50 Years Ago, Women Won Equal Access to Credit
Until U.S. women won equal access to credit, they often couldn't buy a home or own a credit card without a male cosigner.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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Medicare Advantage Denials Increase
You might get a denial from a Medicare Advantage provider if you seek prior authorization for certain medical care.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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What You Should Know About Annuities
What to know about annuities, which are seen as a reliable source of retirement income.
By Elaine Silvestrini