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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More Workers are Becoming Entrepreneurs
A recession could accelerate the pandemic trend of employees becoming entrepreneurs.
By Emma Patch Last updated
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Spirit of America: Democracy's Civilian Force
CEO and Founder of non-profit organization Spirit of America Jim Hake talks about promoting American values around the globe.
By Emma Patch Published
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A Doctor Invests in His Community
Dr. Jorge Cavero runs a clinic for underserved Latino neighborhoods and funds med school scholarships.
By Emma Patch Published
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The Perks of Filling Out the FAFSA
The FAFSA is the most critical document to get financial aid for college.
By Emma Patch Published
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Donor-Advised Funds: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Financial Planning Expert guidance on how this charitable vehicle can make a difference.
By Emma Patch Published
Financial Planning -
Sharing His Path to Success
Starting Out: New Grads and Young Professionals This Native American studied tech in the Air Force and landed his dream job. Now he’s giving back.
By Emma Patch Published
Starting Out: New Grads and Young Professionals -
What to Do With Your Former Employer’s 401(k)
Basics Leave it behind, move it to your new job’s plan, or roll it over to an IRA. Each of the options has pros and cons.
By Emma Patch Published
Basics -
Where Is Travel Insurance Still Required?
travel insurance Some destinations require that you have travel insurance. Here’s a rundown on where you’ll need a policy.
By Emma Patch Published
travel insurance -
Economic Pain at a Food Pantry
personal finance The manager of this Boston-area nonprofit has had to scramble to find affordable food.
By Emma Patch Published
personal finance -
The Golden Age of Cinema Endures
small business About as old as talkies, the Music Box Theater has had to find new ways to attract movie lovers.
By Emma Patch Published
small business -
HSAs Make Healthcare More Affordable
Healthcare Tax-advantaged health savings accounts allow you to save for a broad range of short-term and long-term medical expenses.
By Emma Patch Published
Healthcare -
In Search of Relief at the Pump
commodities Even when oil prices decline, gas prices remain high, so it pays to shop around.
By Emma Patch Published
commodities -
New Services Offer Help Making All-Cash Offers
Becoming a Homeowner Some firms help home buyers make all-cash offers on homes. Weigh the fees before you sign on.
By Emma Patch Published
Becoming a Homeowner -
Pricey Gas Derails This Uber Driver
small business With rising gas prices, one Uber driver struggles to maintain his livelihood.
By Emma Patch Published
small business -
ABLE Accounts Give Disabled More Financial Freedom
Financial Planning People with disabilities, and their families, can save for a variety of expenses in these tax-advantaged accounts.
By Emma Patch Published
Financial Planning -
Fair Deals in a Tough Market
small business When you live and work in a small town, it’s not all about profit.
By Emma Patch Published
small business -
Why Everyone Is Talking About NFTs
Technology Non-fungible tokens are unique digital properties that use blockchain technology. Our FAQ will help you understand what all the buzz is about.
By Emma Patch Published
Technology -
A Store Where They Know Your Name
small business It can’t compete with big-box retailers on price, but customer service is the draw.
By Emma Patch Published
small business -
Alpine Skier Takes a Third Run at the Winter Olympics
Travel This downhill racer has been on the U.S. ski team since he was 19.
By Emma Patch Published
Travel -
What to Expect from the 2022 Summer Travel Season
Travel Travelers have been dealing with the trials and tribulations of canceled trips and elusive refunds for nearly two years. It will get better this year.
By Emma Patch Published
Travel -
A Life on the Road
Business Travel After working remotely for her corporate job, she quit to make a living pursuing her passions.
By Emma Patch Published
Business Travel -
What Does Your Credit Score Really Mean?
Basics Your score helps lenders assess the likelihood you’ll repay a loan. It can also help you assess your credit health.
By Emma Patch Published
Basics -
Strategies for Working Remotely
Business Travel Globe-trotters should keep in mind that every country has different rules when it comes to working within their borders.
By Emma Patch Published
Business Travel -
2021 Holiday Tipping Guide: 18 People You Should Remember
Basics Service workers deserve special recognition for the help they provide during COVID. That makes holiday tipping all the more important this year.
By Emma Patch Published
Basics