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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Contribute More to Retirement Accounts in 2019
retirement Retirement savers can stash an extra $500 in IRA and 401(k) plans, and the income limits for contributing to a Roth are higher.
By Kimberly Lankford • Last updated
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10 Myths About Health Savings Accounts
savings When you’re choosing a health plan for the year -- whether you get coverage through your employer or on your own -- one option may be a high-deductible plan that makes you eligible to contribute to a health savings account.
By Kimberly Lankford • Last updated
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Estate Planning: A Family Affair
savings Use our guide to save on taxes, avoid probate and keep peace among your heirs.
By Eileen Ambrose • Published
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Financial Gifts for Kids
spending Invest in a child’s future with gifts of stock or contributions to a Roth IRA or college savings.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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Seasonal Hirings to Hit a Record High
business If you want to earn some extra cash for the holidays, you’ll have a better chance than ever of landing a temporary job as retailers and delivery companies announce a record number of seasonal hires.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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Taxes on a Gift of Stock
capital gains tax If you give appreciated securities to children, the amount they’ll pay in taxes when they sell depends on whether they receive the shares while you’re still alive or as an inheritance.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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The Rules for Making a Tax-Free Donation from an IRA
IRAs Making tax-free gifts to charity from an IRA is gaining in popularity among older investors, thanks to changes under the new tax law. Here’s what you need to know to make a qualified charitable distribution.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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Early Retirees, Manage Income to Snare a Health Insurance Subsidy
insurance Taking early retirement? Here's how to lower health insurance premiums until you're eligible for Medicare.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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Does Winning the Lottery Affect Social Security Benefits?
social security The sudden windfall won't reduce your benefits. Here's why.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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8 Changes to Watch Out for During Medicare Open Enrollment for 2019
Medicare Getting ready to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan for 2019?
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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10 RMD Mistakes to Avoid
retirement After saving for years in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-deferred retirement plan, you eventually have to take the money out and pay taxes on it.
By Kimberly Lankford • Last updated
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How to Find the Best Medicare Advantage Plan for You for 2019
Medicare If you opt for a Medicare Advantage plan instead of traditional Medicare, this online tool can help you find the plan to fit your needs -- and budget.
By Kimberly Lankford • Last updated
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What You'll Pay for Medicare Premiums in 2018
Medicare What are Medicare premiums in 2018? The standard premium of $134 for Medicare Part B won't change, but some recipients will still end up paying more.
By Kimberly Lankford • Last updated
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What You'll Pay for Medicare Premiums in 2019
Medicare A new surcharge tier will kick in for 2019 for people with the highest incomes.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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Social Security Benefits to Increase 2.8% with 2019 COLA Adjustment
social security While recipients will get a cost-of-living adjustment, workers will have more of their income subject to the Social Security tax.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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7 Common Annuity Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
investing As you shift your focus from saving for retirement to withdrawing money in retirement, an annuity can be a crucial part of your income strategy.
By Kimberly Lankford • Last updated
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New Rules on Capital Gains
investing Rates didn’t change, but they’re pegged to your income instead of your tax bracket.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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How Parents Can Access Information on Their College Student
college You'll need the proper paperwork to obtain grades, health records.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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How Investments Are Sold When RMDs Are on Autopilot
investing The rules vary by company.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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Dormant Accounts Pose a Risk for Buy-and-Hold Investors
investing If you haven't been in contact with your investment firm, your state may be quicker to seize your account as abandoned property.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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How to Make the Most of a Health Savings Account
insurance An HSA offers several tax benefits you can take advantage of.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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How to Get the Best Individual Health Policy in 2019
insurance More insurers are offering individual policies compared to previous years. Here's what you should know.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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How to Get the Best Employer Health Coverage for 2019
health insurance Smart strategies for increasing your coverage and lowering costs.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
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Pick a Better Health Insurance Policy
insurance Use our strategies during open enrollment to get the best coverage at the best price.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published