
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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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 Published
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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 Published
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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 Published
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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 Published
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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 Published
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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 Published
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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 Published
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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 Published
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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 Last updated
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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 Last updated
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How to Help Your Children Buy a Home
Family Finances If you want to help your children buy a home your options range from family loans to outright gifts.
By Emma Patch Last updated
Family Finances -
Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Annuity Providers
Readers' Choice Awards In our 2025 Readers' Choice Awards survey, readers evaluated financial providers. Find out which annuity providers came out on top.
By Emma Patch Last updated
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Full-Service Brokers
Readers' Choice Awards In our 2025 Readers' Choice Awards survey, readers evaluated financial providers. Find out which full-service broker came out on top.
By Emma Patch Published
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Auto Insurance
Readers' Choice Awards auto insurance company
By Emma Patch Published
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Homeowners Insurance
Readers' Choice Awards In our 2025 Readers' Choice Awards survey, readers evaluated financial providers. Find out which homeowners' insurance company came out on top.
By Emma Patch Published
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Tax Software
Readers' Choice Awards In our 2025 Readers' Choice Awards survey, readers evaluated financial providers. Find out which tax software providers came out on top.
By Emma Patch Published
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Peer-to-Peer Apps
Readers' Choice Awards In our 2025 Readers' Choice Awards survey, readers evaluated financial providers. Find out which peer-to-peer payment service came out on top.
By Emma Patch Published
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Wealth Managers
Readers' Choice Awards In our 2025 Readers' Choice Awards survey, readers evaluated financial providers. Find out which wealth management services came out on top.
By Emma Patch Published
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What to Expect as Tariffs Reach Cars
Higher vehicle prices and delayed repairs are among the potential effects.
By Emma Patch Published
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Travel Deals for Retirees: Hotels, Cruises and More
Older adults can access special discounts on a variety of travel deals, including hotel stays, airfare, car rentals, cruises, attractions, and entertainment.
By Emma Patch Published
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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 Last updated
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How to Avoid These 17 Pesky Travel, Dining and Shopping Fees
Here's how you can avoid those random, unexpected fees when it comes to travel, dining and shopping.
By Emma Patch Last updated
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Why You May Need a Medallion Stamp
Transferring securities from one account to another often requires this extra step.
By Emma Patch Published
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When Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
travel insurance Know when you need travel insurance and when you can skip it.
By Emma Patch Last updated
travel insurance