Elaine Silvestrini
Senior retirement editor Elaine Silvestrini has 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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When Will Student Loans Be Forgiven?
Paying for College Millions of Americans are waiting for the Biden Administration’s next hint, which could come later this summer, at how he’ll address the student loan crisis.
By Elaine Silvestrini • Published
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Whatever Happened to Peer-to-Peer Lending?
Becoming an Investor While individuals can still invest in loans to consumers, most digital credit is underwritten by larger funding sources.
By Elaine Silvestrini • Published
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Seven Things You Should Know About Winning a Lottery Jackpot
Making Your Money Last It’s definitely not likely you’ll hit big. But if you win, you could be happy for years to come — no matter what the naysayers tell you.
By Elaine Silvestrini • Published
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Romance Scams: “I Love You; Send Money”
Scams Sweetheart swindlers are busier than ever. Be wary of falling in love online.
By Elaine Silvestrini • Published
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Will Travel Insurance Pay for a Trip Cancelled Because of COVID-19?
Travel The solution for most COVID-related trip cancellations may be a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy.
By Elaine Silvestrini • Last updated
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What to Do When You Can’t Pay Holiday Debt
Budgeting More Americans borrowed money to pay for holiday purchases and now the bill is due. Balance transfer cards offer a reprieve.
By Elaine Silvestrini • Published
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Could You Lose Your Job if You Get COVID-19?
careers With omicron surging, many are losing the ability to work. Can they get fired? Will they get paid time off? It depends.
By Elaine Silvestrini • Published
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Biden Extends Suspension of Student Loan Payments
loans The president gave borrowers another 90 days until May 1 before they have to start paying back their student loans.
By Elaine Silvestrini • Published
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How to File Tornado Insurance Claims
insurance The five-state storms caused billions in damages. If you were affected, make sure you document your losses and contact your insurer immediately.
By Elaine Silvestrini • Published