
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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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
Savings -
24 Best Travel Websites and Apps 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
Travel -
Should You Use Credit Card Travel Portals to Book Travel?
credit cards Some credit cards come with travel portals, where you can redeem points and miles for trips. Is it the best option?
By Rivan V. Stinson
credit cards -
Do You Need Renters Insurance? Yes, Here's Why.
insurance If you’re asking yourself, “do I need renters insurance?,” learn from my experience about why the coverage is worth it.
By Rivan V. Stinson
insurance -
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Making Your Money Last Learn how pet insurance works and what your coverage options are for both routine and emergency vet bills.
By Rivan V. Stinson
Making Your Money Last -
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
savings -
Looking to Relocate? Plan for Climate Change
buying a home Extreme weather events are on the rise. If you’re moving, make sure your new home is protected from climate change disasters.
By Rivan V. Stinson
buying a home -
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
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
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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
Financial Planning -
Don't Let Your Credit Card Rewards Expire
Travel If your miles or points are expiring too soon, see if you can reset the clock by transferring some to another loyalty program.
By Rivan V. Stinson
Travel -
How to Save Financial Documents and Information in Case of a Storm or Wildfire
personal finance Here’s what financial documents you'll need safeguarded if a hurricane, flood or other disaster strikes and you need to leave your home in a hurry.
By Rivan V. Stinson
personal finance -
How to Protect Your Home from Natural Disasters with the Right Insurance
Becoming a Homeowner Not all damage is covered by standard homeowners policies. Make sure you’re prepared for wild fires, floods and other weather events before it's too late.
By Rivan V. Stinson
Becoming a Homeowner -
Home Upgrades that Pay Off
Smart Buying Some affordable renovations recoup most of their cost when you sell.
By Rivan V. Stinson
Smart Buying -
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
personal finance