
Kimberly Lankford
As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
Latest articles by Kimberly Lankford
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Making the Most of a Health Savings Account Once You Turn Age 65
Making Your Money Last You’ll face a stiff penalty and taxes if you tap your health savings account for non-medical expenses before the age of 65. After that, the rules change.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Making Your Money Last -
11 Strategies for IRA Withdrawals in Retirement
IRAs When you invest in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-deferred plan, you make a deal with Uncle Sam: You get years of tax-deferred growth, but you have to start taking money out—and give a cut to the IRS—after you turn age 70½.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
IRAs -
What’s the Best Medigap Policy
insurance All plans with the same letter have the same coverage, but prices can vary by company.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
insurance -
Credit Freezes Aren't Foolproof
credit & debt Why you should still be periodically checking all three credit reports.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
credit & debt -
Using a 529 Plan for High School
529 Plans You’re now able to withdraw up to $10,000 tax-free from a 529 plan each year for K-12 tuition.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
529 Plans -
You May Pay More for Your Prescription Drugs
insurance If your health insurance plan dropped your drugs from their formulary, you still have options.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
insurance -
Reporting Charitable IRA Distributions on Tax Returns Can Be Confusing
IRAs Taxpayers need to be careful when reporting charitable gifts from their IRA on their tax returns, or they may end up overpaying Uncle Sam.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
IRAs -
When You Can Expect to Receive Your Tax Refund
taxes The quickest way to receive your tax refund is to file electronically and have the money directly deposited into your bank account.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
taxes -
Make the Most of the New Military Retirement Plan
retirement The government is offering a new retirement option so that service members who leave the military before qualifying for a pension can still receive some benefits.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
retirement -
How a Move Can Change Your 529 Plan Tax Deduction
529 Plans The tax deduction you get for contributing to your state’s 529 plan can disappear if you move to another state.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
529 Plans -
Do I Need Extra Insurance for My Drone?
insurance Before your drone takes to the sky, see if your insurer will cover any damages the unmanned aircraft may cause to others or their property.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
insurance -
How Changes in Income Affect Medicare Premiums
Medicare Medicare beneficiaries can see their premiums go up if their income rises, although for some that increase will be only temporary.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Medicare -
Ex-Workers Get More Time to Repay 401(k) Loans
401(k)s If you leave your job while you have an outstanding 401(k) loan, Uncle Sam now gives you extra time to repay it -- thanks to the new tax law.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
401(k)s -
Tap an IRA Tax-Free With an HSA Rollover
IRAs You can convert tax-deferred money in a traditional IRA into tax-free cash by rolling it over to a health savings account and using it to pay for medical bills.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
IRAs -
How to Report an IRA Charitable Distribution on Your Tax Return
income tax Your IRA administrator will send you a 1099-R, noting your entire distribution; you need to report it to Uncle Sam — and call out what portion was used as a qualified charitable distribution — on your 1040.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
income tax -
How to Afford Long-Term Care
Long-Term Care Insurance Your options range from conventional coverage to tapping your life insurance benefits.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Long-Term Care Insurance -
Tax Breaks for Charitable Work
Tax Breaks Here’s why it’s important to have a detailed log of your expenses while working with a charity.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Tax Breaks -
Fighting a Drug Coverage Denial
insurance These workarounds should help curb the Rx stalemate.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
insurance -
How to Opt Out of Credit Card Offers
credit & debt [Question]I recently received a credit card offer in the mail that listed a web address where I can request to opt out of all prescreened credit card solicitations.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
credit & debt -
Child-Care Tax Breaks for Working Parents
Tax Breaks Working parents may be able use their flexible spending account along with the child and dependent care credit to save on taxes when paying for child care.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Tax Breaks -
Variable Annuities for Retirement Savers Go Back to Basics
retirement Even with today's simplified variable annuities, you need a good grasp of the pros and cons before putting part of your nest egg into one.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
retirement -
Tax Forms You Need to File Your Return
taxes You need the following forms to verify income, deductible expenses and charitable gifts when filing your income tax return.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
taxes -
5 Ways to Avoid Taxes on Social Security Benefits
retirement You may need to pay income taxes on a portion of your Social Security benefits, based on your income.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
retirement -
How Does the Government Shutdown Affect Medicare?
Medicare Plus, find out about the partial shutdown's impact on health coverage for veterans and government employees.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Medicare