
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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Putting Catch-Up Contributions Into a Roth 401(k) Isn't a Bad Idea
Roth 401(k) High earners will be required to put their catch-up contributions in a Roth 401(k).
By Sandra Block Published
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How to Retire Abroad
Cheap health care, relaxed residency requirements and a high quality of life make overseas retirement attractive, but expats have some financial complexities to navigate.
By Sandra Block Published
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18 States With Scary Death Taxes
Estate Tax 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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21 Great Ways To Use $1,000
Kiplinger experts present over 20 ways to use $1,000, from long-term investing to smart vacation planning.
By Anne Kates Smith Published
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Is It A Good Time To Cash In Your I Bonds?
Given certain economic forces, this may be the right time to cash in your I bonds.
By Sandra Block Published
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Why You Should Check Your Credit Report
If you’ve ever had difficulty getting incorrect information removed from your credit report, you’ve got plenty of company.
By Sandra Block Last updated
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Does It Make Sense to Rent in Retirement?
Making Your Money Last Renting isn't right for all retirees, but it does offer flexibility and it frees up cash.
By Sandra Block Published
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How to Overcome Your Fear and Enjoy Retirement
Even if you have a well-funded nest egg, giving up a paycheck is hard. Here's how to start the journey.
By Sandra Block Published
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Charitable Gift Annuities: Benefit Yourself and Your Favorite Charity
Charitable Gifts Donating to charitable gift annuities can provide you with tax breaks now and income later. Here’s what you need to know.
By Sandra Block Published
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Are Your Bank Deposits Safe?
Recent bank failures unnerved savers about keeping bank deposits safe, but your money is protected — up to certain limits.
By Sandra Block Last updated
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New Rules for Inherited IRAs Could Leave Heirs With a Hefty Tax Bill
Thanks to recent changes in the law on inherited IRAs, your tax bill from any inheritance could be larger than you expect.
By Sandra Block Published
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The 8 Best Places to Retire for Renters
Kiplinger looked at great places to retire in the United States for people planning to rent their living space.
By Sandra Block Published
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Right-to-Repair Laws Could Save You Money
States are passing right-to-repair laws that could save you money when it comes time to fix consumer goods like smartphones, and TVs and even farm equipment.
By Sandra Block Published
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How to Cut Your Social Security Taxes
How to Cut Your Social Security Taxes: Many retirees are dismayed to learn that they owe taxes. But you can take steps to minimize the pain.
By Sandra Block Published
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Your Home Value is Appreciating — But So is Something Else
Property tax rates could increase in some jurisdictions to keep up with home price appreciation.
By Sandra Block Published
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9 States with No Income Tax
Tax Breaks Your hard-earned money is safe from state income tax if you live in one of these states but watch out for other state and local taxes.
By Sandra Block Last updated
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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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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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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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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
Paying for College