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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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
Financial Planning -
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
Tax Breaks -
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
Making Your Money Last -
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 -
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
Raising Money-Smart Kids -
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
Buying & Leasing a Car -
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
Starting Out: New Grads and Young Professionals -
Career Advice For New College Grads
career paths Research potential employers, and don’t wear pajama bottoms for Zoom interviews.
By Sandra Block Published
career paths -
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
Smart Buying -
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
Tax Breaks -
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
Getting Married -
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
Financial Planning -
Which Documents to Keep, Which to Shred and Which to Scan
home insurance A speedy recovery from disaster can depend on your recordkeeping. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance writer Rivan Stinson tells us how to get our papers in order.
By David Muhlbaum Published
home insurance -
Decoding ESG Investing with Ellen Kennedy
Becoming an Investor Environmental, social and governance investing is simpler than it sounds, and has a profitable track record to boot.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Becoming an Investor -
High Gas Prices with The Kiplinger Letter’s Jim Patterson
cars Why are we paying so much more at the pump? How long will it last? What can you do? Plus: Congress is making changes to retirement-savings rules again.
By David Muhlbaum Published
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When Do Living Trusts Make Sense?
estate planning A trust can solve a lot of problems. But like all tools, it can also be misused.
By Sandra Block Published
estate planning -
The 2022 Real Estate Market with Daniel Bortz
Becoming a Homeowner Daniel Bortz doesn’t just write about home sales and housing prices – he’s been in the business. He’ll share insights about the real estate outlook for 2022 and “how-to” tips for both buyers and sellers. Also, the pain of high gas prices.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Becoming a Homeowner -
Why Your Tax Refund Could Be Bigger This Year
tax refunds Expanded credits and stimulus checks are boosting some tax refunds this year. But if you get a big refund, consider investing it.
By Sandra Block Published
tax refunds -
The Future of Certified Financial Planners with Kamila Elliott
Becoming an Investor CFPs will tell you (and we’d agree) that not all financial advice is the same. We talk with the chair of the CFP Board about what she’s doing to preserve her organization’s brand and extend its reach. Also, the right way to file your tax returns for free.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Becoming an Investor -
Extending Financial Planning’s Reach
Financial Advisers The challenge is to attract more women and minorities as professionals—and clients.
By Sandra Block Published
Financial Advisers -
There’s No Escaping Your Credit Score (So Make It Count)
Financial Planning Kiplinger’s credit expert, Lisa Gerstner, joins us to talk credit strategy. Also, a number of new electric cars hit the market this year. Will one work for Sandy?
By David Muhlbaum Published
Financial Planning -
National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins Wants to Help
Financial Planning Your tax dollars are at work funding a government bureau to help you deal with the IRS. Strange but true! Also, the price of Amazon is going up.
By David Muhlbaum Published
Financial Planning -
How to Cut Your 2021 Tax Bill
Tax Breaks Our guidance could help you claim a higher refund or reduce the amount you owe.
By Sandra Block Published
Tax Breaks -
How to File Your Taxes for Free
tax filing If you had adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less in 2021, you can e-file your federal return without charge.
By Sandra Block Published
tax filing