
Emma Patch
Emma is a staff writer for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. She covers a broad range of topics spanning saving, spending, travel, charitable giving, building wealth and financial products. She frequently writes the magazine’s Basics column and is one of several Millennial and Gen Z writers who pen the Millennial Money column. Emma also has a keen interest in the finances of entrepreneurship and education, including student loans.
During the pandemic, Emma wrote a series of profiles called “Making It Work,” mainly featuring small business owners and other entrepreneurs, about the impact of the pandemic on their work and lives. She now profiles individuals whose work involves notable examples of altruism for the magazine’s “Paying it Forward” feature.
Before joining Kiplinger in 2020, Emma interned for Kiplinger’s Retirement Report, writing and editing retirement-related content. Prior to that, she interned for an investment firm in New York City, supporting brokers, analyzing data and earning her Bloomberg Market Concepts certification.
Emma graduated from Middlebury College with a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature with French literature as her primary focus and Russian literature as her secondary, culminating in a semester of study in Moscow and a thesis on the reception of French Symbolism in Russia. She’s fluent in three languages and is slowly mastering Russian.
While at Middlebury, she served as editor-at-large and features editor for the student newspaper. In the warmer months, she also worked at Middlebury’s organic garden, learning about sustainable agricultural practices and food systems. In winter, she was a part-time ski instructor at the Middlebury Snow Bowl.
Latest articles by Emma Patch
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Giving Tuesday 2025: 'Every Small Act Makes a Major Difference'
GivingTuesday encourages generosity in any form, from donating to charity to helping your neighbors.
By Emma Patch
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Why You Should Book a Winter Vacation
Travel Smart In the early months of the year, travel demand dips — and so do prices.
By Emma Patch
Travel Smart -

Holiday Tipping Guide: Who to Tip (And How Much?)
Holiday tipping guide for all of the hard working people that make your life easier.
By Emma Patch
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To Tip or Not to Tip: Updated Guidelines
If you’re weary of widespread prompts to leave a gratuity, follow these guidelines for when it’s customary — and when you can skip it.
By Emma Patch
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How to Choose the Best Charities to Donate To
While you set your giving strategy, think about your values, and select organizations that will put your contributions to good use.
By Emma Patch
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Three Veterans Charities to Support As Charitable Season Starts
If you're looking for a worthwhile cause to support for Veterans Day and beyond, consider these three highly rated charities that support veterans and their families.
By Emma Patch
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Should You Buy a Vacation Home?
If you vacation to a beloved destination again and again, purchasing a home there may be a smart move — but don’t overlook the costs and effort that go into it.
By Emma Patch
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How a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Works
You can use home equity to pay off high-interest debt or improve your home, but it’s important to understand the risks.
By Emma Patch
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What Is Renters' Insurance and What Does It Cover?
Renters’ insurance protects your belongings and more – and it might not cost as much as you think.
By Emma Patch
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How to Master 'The Art of Spending Money'
Delve into Morgan Housel's new book for an understanding of the psychology that drives what we buy — and why that can lead to smarter money decisions.
By Emma Patch
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FAFSA Advice for 2025
A new federal financial aid application drops on October 1 — and being an early bird will likely pay off.
By Emma Patch
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How StoryCorps Works and How You Can Tell Your Story
StoryCorps has recorded conversations between thousands of people, and anyone can participate. National facilitator Alan Jinich explains how to share your story.
By Emma Patch
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How to Handle Costly Medical Bills — Smartly
If you’re looking for a way to pay for looming health care expenses, or if you’ve already fallen into debt, you have avenues to ease the burden.
By Emma Patch
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How to Find Deals on Travel in 2025
Finding deals on travel is an excellent way to cut costs in 2025, as tariffs start to bite. Here are three suggestions for lowering the cost of your next trip.
By Nellie S. Huang
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Strategies to Spend Less on Clothing and Online Shopping in 2025
It's easy to spend less on clothing and other goods when shopping online. Arm yourself with these expert tricks and tools that will help you grab a bargain.
By Nellie S. Huang
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Three Ways to Spend Less on Groceries This Year
More of us are looking to spend less on groceries this year, as tariffs affect food bills. Here are three smart ways to keep grocery costs down.
By Nellie S. Huang
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Valuable (and Fun) Things You Can Get for Free
ho doesn't love a freebie? From birthday pancakes to fun activities for kids and courses for adults, here's the lowdown on getting valuable goodies for nothing.
By Nellie S. Huang
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How to Find Deals on Electronics Amid Tariffs
Beat tariff-related price rises and find deals on electronics using these expert shopping tips for everything from smartphones to TVs, laptops and tablets.
By Nellie S. Huang
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Three Ways to Find Deals in Your Investments This Year
Looking for ways to save because of tariffs? Don't forget to look for deals in your investments. Here are three expert tips for making a little extra this year.
By Nellie S. Huang
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Smart Ways to Save Money at Museums
Want to save money at museums, art galleries, zoos and gardens? Use these tips to get free or discounted admission to national and local collections.
By Nellie S. Huang
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Surprising Ways to Find Deals on Cars Despite Tariffs
Looking for a new car? Tariffs will make good deals harder to find, so use these expert tricks to get a lower purchase price and keep long-term costs down.
By Nellie S. Huang
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Don't Miss Out on These Four Credit Card Benefits
Credit card benefits aren't always limited to cash back, points and miles. Check whether your existing card offers these valuable extras — or switch to one that does.
By Nellie S. Huang
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You Should Be Investing in a 529 Now for Your Kids' or Grandkids' Tuition
Learn how to maximize investing in a 529, a state-sponsored college education savings account for qualifying educational expenses.
By Emma Patch
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How to Buy Treasury Bills
Rates on short-term bills are generous, with no risk. Here's a look at how Treasury bills work and how to buy them.
By Emma Patch
