Latest articles by Sandra Block
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As America Ages, Hard Questions Loom
Economic Forecasts Census data show a decline in younger workers. That puts more pressure on Social Security and other programs that support seniors.
Economic Forecasts -
Annuities
Annuities As interest rates increase, so does the appeal of annuities. How much do you know about these insurance products?
Annuities -
Is Your Home Insured Against Disaster? Better Check
Becoming a Homeowner Your insurance policy might leave you high and dry when things get wet (or hot, or shaky). We'll talk about making sure you're fully covered. Also, inflation is here. Time to freak out?
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Tap the Money Tied Up in Your Home with Keith Gumbinger
Markets Housing prices have been on a tear, and that means home equity is up, too. Turning that value into cash in your wallet can be complicated, though. Equity expert Keith Gumbinger helps us sort it out. Also, "sell in May and go away": urban legend or investing strategy?
Markets -
7 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Tax Breaks Nearly 60% of taxpayers expect a refund this year, and many will receive a larger amount.
Tax Breaks -
Annuities: How They Could Work for You
Financial Planning No doubt, investing in annuities can be a tough call for the active investor. But there comes a time when relinquishing some control in exchange for reliable income can be a wise move. Also: remembering the biggest financial fraud in history.
Financial Planning -
The Benefits of Working Longer
Empty Nesters Delaying retirement for a couple of years—or even a few months—is the most effective way to improve your retirement security.
Empty Nesters -
Stimulus Plan Has Health Insurance Benefits, Too
Coronavirus and Your Money The plan’s health care provisions could deliver big savings for early retirees and laid-off workers.
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Our "K-Shaped," Uneven Economic Recovery
Economic Forecasts Confidence is key to the recovery, but the sentiment depends on consumers’ financial circumstances.
Economic Forecasts -
Estate-Planning Your Stuff with T. Eric Reich
Empty Nesters What to do with the house, the vacation house and the china? We talk with a financial adviser who's got some wise counsel. Also, who makes up the so-called Generation I?
Empty Nesters -
How to Invest Green in a White-Hot Market, with Anne Kates Smith
Kiplinger's Investing Outlook Sustainable stocks are going gangbusters. In an era of triple-digit gains for many market favorites (it's not just Tesla), we look for value options. Also, use your tax-day delay wisely.
Kiplinger's Investing Outlook -
11 Surprising Things That Are Taxable
Tax Breaks If you picked up any of the income or property on our list, make sure you declare it on your next tax return.
Tax Breaks -
Bitcoin: Should You Invest? With Tyrone Ross
Becoming an Investor Pretending it’s a fad that will go away didn't work for the internet, and it won’t work for cryptocurrency, either. But there are still so many questions. We’ll field some key ones with an expert who bridges digital currency and traditional financial advising.
Becoming an Investor -
This Hot Housing Market with Daniel Bortz
Becoming a Homeowner Home sales and prices have been on a tear and are forecast to continue to rise in 2021. Whether you're hoping to sell, buy or refi, contributing writer Daniel Bortz has insights for you. Also: What to make of SPACs?
Becoming a Homeowner -
Talking with the Taxpayer Advocate: The IRS Is Under Stress
Financial Planning The pandemic and new stimulus-driven responsibilities are straining IRS resources.
Financial Planning -
States Eye Higher Taxes for Top Earners
Tax Breaks The tax revenue could close budget gaps, but the measures could drive away mobile workers.
Tax Breaks -
How the Gig Economy Is Faring, with Kathy Kristof
Employee Benefits As with so many things, the pandemic has had a big effect on side hustles and contract work. We talk with an expert in the field on finding a good gig. Also, there’s a lot of noise about inflation these days.
Employee Benefits -
Max Out Your Stimulus Check with Rocky Mengle
Tax Breaks You probably know you're getting a stimulus check, but did you know you can have an impact on its amount? Senior tax editor Rocky Mengle talks about the moves you can make to upsize your stimulus. Also, will your state raise — or lower — your taxes.
Tax Breaks -
6 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Third Stimulus Check
Coronavirus and Your Money If you don't have to use your third stimulus check for basic necessities, consider putting the money to work for you. You'll thank yourself later.
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New Financial Challenges for Women with Marguerita Cheng
Women & Money The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying recession have been particularly hard on women, who've lost millions of jobs. Financial planner Marguerita Cheng talks about how she's helping her clients cope. Also: What dad taught us about personal finance.
Women & Money -
Having the Money Talk with Your Parents, with Cameron Huddleston
Financial Planning for Alzheimer's Managing your parents' finances can be a difficult situation. Doing so if you haven't laid down a plan for how to do it is worse.
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Love and Money with Financial Planner Mari Adam
Getting Married Financial planner Mari Adam helps couples work together to have a good relationship with each other – and their finances. Also, some twists for 2020 tax filing and gadgets that can help when the power goes out.
Getting Married -
Student Loans: Pay Down or Hold Pat?
Paying for College Before you tell your lender you want to resume payments, consider whether there are better uses for your money.
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The Case for Indexed Annuities
Financial Planning These products may offer better returns than traditional fixed-income investments. But there are trade-offs.
Financial Planning
