Ellen B. Kennedy
Ellen writes and edits retirement articles. She joined Kiplinger in 2021 as an investment and personal finance writer, focusing on retirement, credit cards and related topics. Ellen worked in the mutual fund industry for 15 years as a manager and sustainability analyst at Calvert Investments. She covered consumer staples, energy, water and environment. She served on the sustainability councils of several Fortune 500 companies. Before that, Ellen was a program officer for Winrock International, managing loans to alternative energy projects in Latin America. Ellen earned a master’s in international relations and Latin American Studies from the University of California at Berkeley, and she earned a B.A. from Haverford College.
Latest articles by Ellen B. Kennedy
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How to Save on Booking a Cruise
Booking a cruise using credit card rewards and travel agents can help snag the best deals.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Earn a $750 Bonus Offer with the Capital One Venture Rewards Card
Get the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card for huge travel perks and a bonus offer worth $750.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Retirement Calculator: How Much Do I Need to Retire?
Tools Our Retirement Calculator helps you estimate the future value of your retirement savings and how much you need to save each month to reach your retirement goal.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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7 Ways to Age Gracefully Like the Best Stock Photo Seniors
As a retirement editor, I've gleaned valuable wisdom (and a lot of laughs) from one older couple that tops the seniors' stock photo charts.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Hilton Honors Card Bonus Offer Worth up to $930
Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors bonus points with the American Express Surpass Card.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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How Do You Pay off Credit Card Debt?
Making Your Money Last Pay off credit card debt with these tried-and-true strategies.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Earn up to a $4,000 Capital One Business Card Intro Offer
Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Roth IRAs: What They Are and How They Work
Roth IRA A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account that allows tax-free investment growth and distributions, as long as key rules are followed.
By Jacob Wolinsky
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13 Home Features That Add Value and Speed Up a Sale
home Thinking about selling your house? Here are 13 home features potential buyers crave right now.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Which American Express Credit Card is Right for You?
These three American Express cards offer different perks, perfect for the avid traveler, foodie and more.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Convert a 401(k) into a Roth 401(k): An Ideal Move for High Earners
Too rich for a Roth IRA? If your company offers a Roth 401(k), you can convert your traditional 401(k) to pay lower taxes in retirement.
By Tom Taulli
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Quiz: Social Security — Do You Know More Than Most People?
Quiz See if you are above average when it comes to Social Security knowledge.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Quiz: The Secrets to Aging Well: How Savvy Are You?
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the habits that can lead to a long and healthy life in our quick quiz.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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$1,500 to $3,000 Amex Card Intro Offer
Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in three months with the Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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The Most Popular Apps for Retirement Planning in 2025
A J.D. Power survey ranks retirement planning apps based on customer service and satisfaction. Does your financial app make the cut?
By Christy Bieber
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Southwest Credit Cards: Companion Pass and 50,000 Bonus Points Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points and a Companion Pass after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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JetBlue Credit Card Intro Offer Worth $780
This JetBlue credit card comes with 60,000 intro bonus points and loads of travel perks.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Alaska Airlines Credit Card: 50,000 Bonus Miles Offer and 10% More for Bank of America Customers
The Alaska Airlines credit card offers 50,000 bonus miles plus a free companion fare. Bank of America customers get a 10% rewards boost.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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What Is a Good Credit Score?
Having a good credit score can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars on credit cards, mortgages and other loans.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Whooping Cough: Highest Infection Rate Since 1948
Cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, have risen sharply in the U.S. Here's how to protect yourself and your family.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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BJ's Credit Card Deal: Earn 15% Back on TVs and More
For a limited time, get extra rewards at BJ’s with the one+ Mastercard
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Earn $1,190 with IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Bonus
Get the IHG One Rewards Premier card's 170,000 bonus points for hotel stays in over 6,000 properties.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Chase Launches $750 Bonus Offer For Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card recently launched a compelling deal for new customers.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
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Earn $100 for Shopping With the Amazon Credit Card Intro Bonus
Prime Visa, the Chase Amazon credit card, offers you savings on your everyday shopping, with a $100 sign-up bonus offer.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
