Sandra Block
Sandra Block, senior editor for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, has covered personal finance for more than 20 years. In her current role at Kiplinger’s, she covers retirement, taxes and a range of other personal finance issues. She also edits the Ahead section of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine and contributes to Kiplinger’s.com and Kiplinger’s Retirement Report.
Before joining Kiplinger, Sandy was a personal finance reporter and columnist for USA TODAY. During that time, she was a regular guest on CNN, Fox Business News and NPR. Before joining USA TODAY, Sandy worked as a business reporter for the Akron Beacon-Journal, where she covered businesses in northeastern Ohio and assisted in the newspaper’s coverage of the 1995 World Series. While Cleveland lost in six games, Sandy still considers this the highlight of her journalism career.
In her early years, Sandy was a reporter for Dow Jones News Service in Washington, DC, where she covered the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Treasury and the Federal Reserve.
Sandy graduated cum laude from Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia., and was a fellow in the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economics and Business at Columbia University. She is co-author of the “Busy Family’s Guide to Money” and “Easy Ways to Lower Your Taxes: Simple Strategies Every Taxpayer Should Know.”
Sandy divides her time between Arlington, Va., and her home state of West Virginia. In her spare time, Sandy is a voracious reader and tries to keep her rescue border collie from getting into trouble.
Latest articles by Sandra Block
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Lower Taxes on Required Minimum Distributions
Tax Breaks Congress has given retirees more time to take required distributions from their retirement accounts. But postponing withdrawals could cost you a lot of money.
By Sandra Block • Last updated
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Are Your Bank Deposits Safe?
Recent bank failures have unnerved savers, but your money is protected up to certain limits. Here’s what you need to know.
By Sandra Block • Published
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No Cash? No Problem
More and more Americans have abandoned paper money and coins, but there are risks to using peer-to-peer digital payments.
By Sandra Block • Published
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12 States That Tax Social Security Benefits
social security You may have dreamed of a tax-free retirement, but if you live in one of these states, your Social Security benefits may be subject to state taxes.
By Rocky Mengle • Last updated
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33 States with No Estate Taxes or Inheritance Taxes
retirement Even with the federal exemption from death taxes raised, retirees should pay more attention to estate taxes and inheritance taxes levied by states.
By Rocky Mengle • Last updated
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The Basics of Estate Planning
If you have a will or trust, congratulations. But you’re not done with estate planning.
By Sandra Block • Last updated
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15 States That Tax Military Retirement Pay (and Other States That Don't)
retirement Taxes on military retirement pay vary from state-to-state. How generous is your state when it comes to helping retired veterans at tax time?
By Sandra Block • Published
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18 States With Scary Death Taxes
inheritance Federal estate taxes are no longer a problem for all but the extremely wealthy, but several states have their own estate taxes and inheritance taxes that could still hit your heirs.
By Sandra Block • Last updated
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Minimizing Taxes When You Inherit Money
Financial Planning Some inherited assets are tax-friendly, but under new rules, others come with a hefty tax bill. We help you get the most out of a legacy.
By Sandra Block • Last updated
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Defusing the Retirement “Tax Bomb” with David McClellan
Tax Breaks If you’ve dutifully socked away money in a 401(k) or IRA for years, you could be in for an unpleasant shock when it comes time to take money out of those accounts. Also, the IRS is sending out a surprise round of checks.
By David Muhlbaum • Published
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Protect Your Retirement Income from Inflation
Making Your Money Last Costs are rising, and the market is bearish, but that doesn’t have to jeopardize your long-term security.
By Sandra Block • Published
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Tax Breaks for College Finance with Kalman Chany
Paying for College Paying for (ever-pricier) college is a challenge that this consultant meets head on with highly specific guidance.
By David Muhlbaum • Published
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Tax Breaks to Help You Pay for College
Paying for College Everyone knows education is pricey and getting pricier. But not everyone knows about the tax relief available at all stages.
By Sandra Block • Published
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Annuities Rising in Popularity
annuities As interest rates increase, so does the appeal of annuities. How much do you know about these insurance products?
By Sandra Block • Last updated
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Annuities Rising in Popularity
annuities As interest rates increase, so does the appeal of annuities. How much do you know about these insurance products?
By Sandra Block • Last updated
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Reading, Writing, and Personal Finance
Raising Money-Smart Kids A growing number of high schools are adding personal finance to their curriculum.
By Sandra Block • Published
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Car-Buying in an Inflated Market with Jenni Newman
Buying & Leasing a Car With cars both scarce and expensive these days, what to do if you want – or need – a new ride? Car-buying strategist Jenni Newman of Cars.com shares some tips. Also, more on the magical 9% savings bond.
By David Muhlbaum • Published
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12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Basics Claiming Social Security benefits at the right time means more money in your pocket. Here’s a guide to everything from knowing your full retirement age to taking Social Security spousal benefits.
By Sandra Block • Last updated
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How to Find a Job After Graduation, with Beth Hendler-Grunt
Starting Out: New Grads and Young Professionals Today’s successful job applicants need to know how to ace the virtual interview and be prepared to do good old-fashioned research and networking. Also, gas prices are high, but try a little global perspective.
By David Muhlbaum • Published
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Career Advice For New College Grads
career paths Research potential employers, and don’t wear pajama bottoms for Zoom interviews.
By Sandra Block • Published
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Is a Recession Coming?
Smart Buying With a lot of recession talk out there, we might just talk ourselves into one. We take that risk with Jim Patterson of The Kiplinger Letter. Also, dollar stores: deal or no deal?
By David Muhlbaum • Published
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Which States' Taxes Are Going Down
Tax Breaks State lawmakers are cutting income, sales and property taxes to return budget surpluses to residents.
By Sandra Block • Published
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This Couple Tackles Love and Money as a Team
Getting Married Fyooz Financial, the husband and wife team of Dan and Natalie Slagle, have carved out a niche advising other couples with the money questions that come with pairing up. Also, where is this troubled stock market headed?
By David Muhlbaum • Published
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Buying Annuities in Your 401(k)
Financial Planning More plans are offering annuities that could provide income in retirement. Here’s what you need to know.
By Sandra Block • Published