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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How to Overcome Retirement Obstacles
Wondering how to overcome retirement obstacles? While the journey may bring setbacks, with careful planning, you can surmount them.
By Sandra Block Published
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Last-Minute Tax Savings Guide for 2023
Tax Savings April 15 is weeks away, so it's not too late to save your 2023 taxes.
By Sandra Block Published
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Why You Should Care About Your 2026 Taxes Now
Tax Planning It's not too early to prepare for the possibility that your taxes will go up in 2026.
By Sandra Block Published
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You May Be Eligible For More Family Leave, Depending On Where You Live
Increasingly, states are stepping in to offer family leave options for caregivers.
By Sandra Block Published
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How Identity Thieves Are Exploiting Your Trust
Con artists are finding new and unexpected ways to take your money and personal information. Here's what to do about it.
By Sandra Block 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 Last updated
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How Retirees Can Downsize In Today's Housing Market
Rising prices, higher interest rates and a tight supply of smaller homes present challenges. But retirees have an edge.
By Sandra Block Published
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Why You Should Make a Savings Resolution in 2024
An expert in financial literacy explains how to make a savings resolution, especially for young workers.
By Sandra Block Published
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Retirement Account Moves to Make Before December 31
You can make retirement account moves before year-end. Consider topping off your contributions and taking your RMDs.
By Sandra Block Last updated
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Social Security
Social Security 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 Published
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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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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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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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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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The Nine States with No Income Tax
State Tax 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