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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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
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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
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15 Steps to a Prosperous New Year
Financial Planning
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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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 • Last updated
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Protect Your Assets With an Umbrella Insurance Policy
insurance A $1 million policy can cost as little as $150 per year.
By Kimberly Lankford • Last updated
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Buy Umbrella Liability Insurance to Cover Your Assets
insurance Add an umbrella policy, which starts at $1 million of coverage, to protect against lawsuits.
By Kimberly Lankford • Last updated
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How to Add a Personal Liability Umbrella Policy
insurance Some insurers require that you have both auto and home insurance with their company before they sell you an umbrella policy.
By Kimberly Lankford • Last updated
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Why You Should Have Umbrella Liability Insurance
insurance This inexpensive coverage can protect property owners from lawsuits.
By Kimberly Lankford • Last updated
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 • Last updated
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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
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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 • Last updated
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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
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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
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How to Avoid Paying 17 Pesky Fees
spending Fees aren’t just annoying—they’re expensive.
By Lisa Gerstner • Published
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How to Save on Prescription Drugs
insurance Employers and insurers are offering more online tools and smartphone apps that steer you to the lowest drug prices.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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Buying Health Insurance? The Outlook Is Brighter
insurance As you navigate new low-cost choices, weigh the risks.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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Deadlines for 529 College-Savings Plan Distributions
Paying for College You may be able to use the 529 money for more expenses than you thought. But you must take withdrawals in the calendar year you incur the expense.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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Get a Tax Reward for Saving for Retirement
retirement If you sock away money in a retirement plan, you may be eligible for a tax credit from Uncle Sam worth up to $1,000 per person.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published