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
-
Earn a $1,000 Bonus Offer with this Capital One CardGet the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card for huge travel perks and a bonus offer worth $1,000.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
-
Earn up to a $1,500 Capital One Business Card Intro OfferEarn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
By Ellen B. Kennedy
-
Who Said That? Match the US President to the QuotationWho better to give advice on aging, retirement and finances than a U.S. president? Take our short quiz to test your presidential prowess.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
-
Hilton Honors Bonus Offer Worth $780Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points with the American Express Surpass Card.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
-
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
-
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
Tools -
7 Ways to Age Gracefully Like the Best Stock Photo SeniorsAs 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
-
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
Making Your Money Last -
Roth IRAs: What They Are and How They WorkRoth 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
Roth IRA -
13 Home Features That Add Value and Speed Up a Salehome Thinking about selling your house? Here are 13 home features potential buyers crave right now.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
home -
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
Quiz -
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
Quiz -
The Most Popular Apps for Retirement Planning in 2025A J.D. Power survey ranks retirement planning apps based on customer service and satisfaction. Does your financial app make the cut?
By Christy Bieber
-
JetBlue Credit Card Intro Offer Worth $780This JetBlue credit card comes with 60,000 intro bonus points and loads of travel perks.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
-
Alaska Airlines Credit Card: 50,000 Bonus Miles Offer and 10% More for Bank of America CustomersThe 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
-
Whooping Cough: Highest Infection Rate Since 1948Cases 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
-
BJ's Credit Card Deal: Earn 15% Back on TVs and MoreFor a limited time, get extra rewards at BJ’s with the one+ Mastercard
By Ellen B. Kennedy
-
Earn $1,190 with IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card BonusGet the IHG One Rewards Premier card's 170,000 bonus points for hotel stays in over 6,000 properties.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
-
Chase Launches $750 Bonus Offer For Sapphire Preferred CardThe Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card recently launched a compelling deal for new customers.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
-
Earn $100 for Shopping With the Amazon Credit Card Intro BonusPrime Visa, the Chase Amazon credit card, offers you savings on your everyday shopping, with a $100 sign-up bonus offer.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
-
Get a World of Hyatt Business Card Offer Worth $1,380This World of Hyatt business credit card combines a solid offer for new cardholders with industry-leading travel perks.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
-
Electric Heat vs Gas Heat: Which is Cheaper?Electric Heat vs Gas Heat: Which is Cheaper? Your choice could have a big impact on your winter bills.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
-
Three Best Cards for Holiday ShoppingWells Fargo Active Cash, Prime Visa, and Chase Freedom Unlimited offer great perks, making them perfect credit cards for holiday shopping.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
-
$750 Offer from Chase Ink Business CardsChase Ink business credit cards offer new bonus amounts, solid cash back and perks.
By Ellen B. Kennedy
