Janet Bodnar
Janet Bodnar is editor-at-large of Kiplinger's Personal Finance, a position she assumed after retiring as editor of the magazine after eight years at the helm. She is a nationally recognized expert on the subjects of women and money, children's and family finances, and financial literacy. She is the author of two books, Money Smart Women and Raising Money Smart Kids. As editor-at-large, she writes two popular columns for Kiplinger, "Money Smart Women" and "Living in Retirement." Bodnar is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and is a member of its Board of Trustees. She received her master's degree from Columbia University, where she was also a Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Business and Economics Journalism.
Latest articles by Janet Bodnar
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What We Learned From Mom and Dad About Money
savings Don't underestimate the influence you have on children when it comes to finances.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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Summer Camps That Teach Kids About Money
savings These camps offer lessons on the basics of personal finance.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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The Value of Summer Jobs for Teens
savings Teenagers still have time to get summer jobs, and they might even learn a thing or two about managing money along the way.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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Economist: We're Taxing the Wrong Things
Economic Forecasts Arthur Laffer is sticking to his guns about the hazards of over-taxing the economy.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Economic Forecasts -
A License to Spoil the Grandkids
spending How can grandparents indulge our grandkids without going overboard?
By Janet Bodnar Published
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A Book That Successfully Teaches Kids About Economics
Smart Buying A Q&A with Arthur Laffer and Michelle Balconi, authors of the children's book 'Let's Chat About Economics!'
By Janet Bodnar Published
Smart Buying -
Should You Give Your Kid a Credit Card?
credit & debt A checking account with a debit card is better for teaching your kids money-management skills and financial responsibility.
By Janet Bodnar Published
credit & debt -
How to Use Allowances to Teach Kids About Money
spending More parents are giving their children allowances, but paying them to do chores may not be the right way to do it.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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Smart Ways to Talk About Money With Your Kids
spending If you aren't sure about how to start the discussion, these tips will help.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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The Right Mix of Mutual Funds for You
Kip 25 How should you combine index and active funds among your investments? We've got your answer, plus 25 top actively managed funds to pick from.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Kip 25 -
The Financial Challenges of New Relationships Later in Life
retirement Despite legal and financial drawbacks, lots of older couples forgo marriage.
By Janet Bodnar Published
retirement -
How Much Money Does the Tooth Fairy Leave at Your House?
spending Tips for parents on how much to give without going overboard.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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How to Help Your Adult Kids Save More Money
Budgeting Encourage your children to pay themselves first, pick the best banks and start investing. You can offer them a cash boost, too.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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When Your Kids Ask How Much Money You Make
spending Take advantage of the potentially awkward question about income to teach your children the ins and outs of the family budget.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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Coping With Oil’s Slide
Markets The consequences of oil's plunge haven't been all negative. With gas prices down, U.S. car buyers are doing what they love best: buying big.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Markets -
Quick Alternatives to Traditional Thank-You Notes
spending Digital expressions of gratitude can be just as nice as printed appreciation.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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Teach Your Kids to Say Thank You
spending Written notes are a nice way for your children to express their gratitude.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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The Perils of Giving Kids Credit Cards
savings Not all plastic is bad for kids, but using cash is the best way to get young minds thinking wisely about money.
By Janet Bodnar Published
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Secrets to Marital and Money Bliss
credit & debt Yes, love and money really CAN mix. Use these practical techniques to cool off even the hottest financial issues.
By Janet Bodnar Published
credit & debt -
6 Things to Know About Your Spouse's Finances
Financial Planning Make sure you and your husband know about each other's accounts and important documents.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Financial Planning -
5 Ways to Keep Santa on a Budget
Smart Buying Follow these tips to keep holiday spending on your kids under control.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Smart Buying -
The Downside of Easy Money
Economic Forecasts Not enough attention has been paid to the Fed policy's negative effects on savers.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Economic Forecasts -
The Right Way to Help Your Adult Children
savings To help your millennial move on (and out of your home), set limits, be generous with advice but selective with financial assistance.
By Janet Bodnar Published
savings -
Money Advice for Millennials
Budgeting Here's how parents can help their adult children learn to manage their finances.
By Janet Bodnar Published
Budgeting