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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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 -
Switching to a New Medicare Advantage Plan Gets Easier
retirement New rules in 2019 give consumers more time and options to change their Medicare Advantage plan if they don't like it.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
retirement -
Using a Health Savings Account to Pay Long-Term-Care Premiums
long term care You can tap an HSA to pay the premiums for a long-term-care insurance policy, but the amount you can withdraw tax-free depends on your age.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
long term care -
15 Steps to a Prosperous New Year
Financial Planning
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Financial Planning -
Recouping Social Security Benefits
retirement If you haven't yet reached full retirement age and have returned to the workforce, expect for your benefits to be reduced.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
retirement -
When to Use Virtual Doctors' Visits
insurance You can save big compared to an in-person doctor visit or a trip to the emergency room.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
insurance -
Gen X: Time Is on Your Side When It Comes to Saving for Retirement
savings This often-overlooked demographic got a late start on saving and endured the Great Recession, but most are on the road to recovery.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
savings -
Investing in an HSA? Better Shop Around
insurance Health savings accounts are a great way to save long term, but high fees can hurt returns.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
insurance -
The 11 Most Valuable Personal-Finance Lessons of 2018
Financial Planning How to reduce taxes and medical bills, help the next generation save for retirement and protect against identity theft were some of the issues on readers’ minds in 2018.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
Financial Planning -
Last-Minute Questions on RMDs from Retirement Accounts
retirement As the deadline approaches for older savers to take required minimum distributions from retirement accounts, readers raise some tricky questions about the rules.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
retirement -
New Rules for Your Flexible Spending Account
spending Many companies offer more flexibility on what was once a use-it-or-lose-it December 31 deadline for using FSA money. (Plus, higher contribution limits.)
By Kimberly Lankford Published
spending -
8 Steps for Your Annual 401(k) Checkup
retirement If your 401(k) has been on autopilot for months, take time now to give your retirement account its annual checkup.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
retirement -
10 Smart Steps to Minimize Taxes and Penalties on Your RMDs
taxes After you turn age 70½, you need to start taking required minimum distributions from your IRAs and 401(k)s every year.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
taxes -
Make the Most of Potential Tax Deductions Under the New Tax Law
taxes With some year-end planning, you may still find it worthwhile to file an itemized return to lower your 2018 tax bill.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
taxes -
How to Endow a Scholarship
savings There may be contribution minimum requirements to set up a scholarship in your area. Here's what you need to know.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
savings -
How to Avoid Paying 17 Pesky Fees
spending Fees aren’t just annoying—they’re expensive.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
spending -
Using 529-Plan Money for College Overseas
529 Plans If your son or daughter plans to attend college abroad, here's what you should know.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
529 Plans -
What You Need to Know About Taxes on Rental Income
taxes Before renting out your home, familiarize yourself with the tax implications.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
taxes -
Buying Health Insurance? The Outlook Is Brighter
insurance As you navigate new low-cost choices, weigh the risks.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
insurance