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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It Still Pays to Wait to Claim Social Security
Financial Planning Despite dire headlines about the Social Security trust fund, you will be better off waiting to collect benefits.
By Sandra Block • Published
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Changes Coming to Flood Insurance with Laura Lightbody
Becoming a Homeowner The National Flood Insurance Program is getting an overhaul that could send your rates up (or down). We dig into what's changing with this coverage that many have—and many more need. Also, a bond that pays over 7 percent, for now.
By David Muhlbaum • Published
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13 Tax Breaks for the Middle Class
Tax Breaks Middle-class Americans are still feeling a financial squeeze. Fortunately, there are several tax breaks to help those who are struggling financially.
By Sandra Block • Last updated
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Brandon Copeland on Reaching Financial Freedom
Financial Planning This NFL player’s path to a future of financial independence after his pro career is over can help the rest of us plan.
By David Muhlbaum • Published
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What to Do When You’re the Executor
Financial Planning You’ll likely need professional help, including an attorney with estate-planning experience, a tax pro and a financial adviser.
By Sandra Block • Published
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The Pros and Cons of Target Date Funds with Tony Drake
Financial Planning The simplicity of target date funds has made them popular, particularly among 401(k) savers. But investors may be paying a price.
By David Muhlbaum • Published
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Oh Unlucky Heirs with Tim Steffen
Financial Planning Just because you’re in the will doesn’t mean you’re sitting pretty. Also: Does October deserve its scary reputation for stocks?
By David Muhlbaum • Published
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Trading Options for Your 401(k)
Employee Benefits About 40% of companies offer self-directed brokerage accounts in their 401(k) plans, giving participants more investing options.
By Sandra Block • Published
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Nontraditional Options Let IRA Investors Crank Up the Risk
Financial Planning You can invest your retirement savings in everything from cryptocurrency to penny stocks. But that doesn’t mean you should.
By Sandra Block • Published