
Rivan V. Stinson
Rivan joined Kiplinger on Leap Day 2016 as a reporter for Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. She's now a staff writer covering insurance, millennial money needs and credit. She also helps produce newsletters and other content for Kiplinger.com. A Michigan native, she graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014 and from there freelanced as a local copy editor and proofreader, and served as a research assistant to a local Detroit journalist. Her work has been featured in the Ann Arbor Observer and Sage Business Researcher. She is currently assistant editor, personal finance at The Washington Post.
Latest articles by Rivan V. Stinson
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How to Monitor Your Credit Reports for Free
credit reports Don't get suckered into paying for credit monitoring services. There are free options all around.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
credit reports -
How to Benefit from Rising Interest Rates
Financial Planning Savers will get the best rates from top-yielding savings and money market deposit accounts at online banks.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
Financial Planning -
Create a Financial Plan for Natural Disasters
personal finance If a hurricane, flood or other disaster strikes, do you have your important financial documents safeguarded in case you need to leave your home in a hurry? Here’s what you’ll need.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
personal finance -
Do You Need Life Insurance When You're Young?
Financial Planning Purchasing life insurance when you're young can save you thousands of dollars, while protecting those you may leave behind.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
Financial Planning -
What Is APR?
Even for those who pay off their credit card balances every month, knowing your APR is a good credit habit.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
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Why You Need a Renters Insurance Policy
insurance The average monthly premium for renters insurance is about $12 a month for $30,000 in personal property coverage, according to NerdWallet.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
insurance -
24 Best Travel Websites to Find Deals and Save You Money
Travel Use Kiplinger's guide to the best travel websites and find discounts and deals so you can vacation without breaking the bank.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
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How to Keep Your Savings Safe
savings If you want to keep your savings safe but they exceed FDIC and NCUA limits, it's time to open multiple accounts, preferably ones with high yields.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
savings -
What to Know About CD Ladders, A Flexible Way to Save
Savings One way to keep your earnings on track is to spread out your cash.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
Savings -
Should You Use Credit Card Portals to Book Travel?
credit cards Your credit card company wants to play travel agent, too. But there are some caveats to consider when booking through a credit card's travel portal.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
credit cards -
Tap Home Equity for Retirement Income
If you're looking for extra retirement income, it's worth checking close to home. We look at four ways to use your home equity as a source of regular income.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
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What to Do If Your Credit Card Is Closed
Making Your Money Last If your credit card is closed, here's why that might have happened and what to do next.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
Making Your Money Last -
Get the Most Benefit from Credit Card Perks
Make the most of credit card perks like travel insurance, delivery discounts and fraud protection.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
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Will the Gas Engine Soon Be Obsolete?
As the popularity of electric vehicles grows, what will happen to the gas engine?
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
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New, Used or Leased: Is Now the Time to Buy an Electric Vehicle?
The Inflation Reduction Act created new tax breaks for electric vehicles. Here’s a guide to which EVs qualify and the best time to buy.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
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Bear Market Strategy for Millennial Investors
A focused, goal-oriented approach to investing can help millennials navigate a bear market.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
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How to Qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Paying for College Even as broader breaks on student debt are rolled out, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program offers much more substantial help to those who qualify. But an important deadline is coming up.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
Paying for College -
Rent vs. Buy: Sometimes Renting is Better
Personal finance experts have long held that homeownership is a key step to building lasting wealth. How does that hold up in a pricey real estate market?
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
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Your Guide to Open Enrollment 2023
Employee Benefits Health care costs continue to climb, but subsidies will make some plans more affordable.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
Employee Benefits -
The Advantages of Brokered CDs
Brokered CDs are certificates of deposit sold by brokerage firms that typically offer higher yields. But they don't come without some risk.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
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What to Do With a Financial Windfall
personal finance Even if you only got a little bit lucky, it still pays to have a strategy.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
personal finance -
Don't Give Up on the Eurozone
mutual funds As Europe’s economy (and stock markets) wobble, Janus Henderson European Focus Fund (HFETX) keeps its footing with a focus on large Europe-based multinationals.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
mutual funds -
Did Equifax Botch Your Credit Score?
credit score Equifax is in the news–yet again–this time for sending lenders the wrong credit score. Here’s how to find out if you were affected and what to do next.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
credit score -
Job-Hunting Tips for an Uncertain Marketplace
careers On one hand, tons of new jobs are being added. On the other, job seekers are facing rescinded offers. There’s a lot to contend with. Here’s how to make sure you’re looking out for number one: Yourself.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
careers