
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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Three Ways to Spend Less on Groceries This YearMore 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 Freeho 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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Three Ways to Find Deals in Your Investments This YearLooking 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 MuseumsWant 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 TariffsLooking 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 BenefitsCredit 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' TuitionLearn 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 BillsRates 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
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Annuity ProvidersReaders' 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
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Full-Service BrokersReaders' 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
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Auto InsuranceReaders' Choice Awards The winners of the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards' best auto insurance company category.
By Emma Patch
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Tax SoftwareReaders' 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
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Homeowners InsuranceReaders' 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
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Peer-to-Peer AppsReaders' 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
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Wealth ManagersReaders' 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
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What to Expect as Tariffs Reach CarsHigher vehicle prices and delayed repairs are among the potential effects.
By Emma Patch
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Travel Deals for Retirees: Hotels, Cruises and MoreOlder adults can access special discounts on a variety of travel deals, including hotel stays, airfare, car rentals, cruises, attractions, and entertainment.
By Emma Patch
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How to Avoid These 17 Pesky Travel, Dining and Shopping FeesHere's how you can avoid those random, unexpected fees when it comes to travel, dining and shopping.
By Emma Patch
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Why You May Need a Medallion StampTransferring securities from one account to another often requires this extra step.
By Emma Patch
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Retirees, Be Prepared for a Natural DisasterCaregiving Compile an emergency kit, seek help from friends and family, and know evacuation routes away from danger.
By Emma Patch
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10 Unbeatable Destinations For A 2025 Shoulder Season VacationLighter crowds, lower prices and mild weather are attractive reasons to travel off-peak.
By Emma Patch
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A Modern Guide to Money Etiquette: Gifts, Tips, Splitting Bills and MoreWhat is modern money etiquette? The customs for splitting a restaurant check, purchasing a wedding gift, tipping and more have evolved. These guidelines can help.
By Emma Patch
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How to Make a Wedding Budget With Your FamilyTo avoid misunderstandings and sticker shock, it's worth sitting down and making a wedding budget with the whole family.
By Emma Patch
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8 Great Places for Snowbirds to LandThese affordable warm-weather cities for snowbirds offer plenty of housing options, abundant activities for retirees and access to good health care.
By Sandra Block
