Catherine Siskos
Managing Editor, Kiplinger's Retirement Report
Siskos is an old hat with the Kiplinger brand. More than a decade ago, she spent eight years writing about personal finance for Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, including a monthly column—Starting Out—that served young adults. That was in her salad days. Now she's turned her attention to an audience she hopes to join in a decade or so: retirees. Siskos is the managing editor for Kiplinger's Retirement Report. In between, she broadened her personal-finance repertoire with real estate and investing stories at Old-House Journal, Investing Daily and U.S. News. She comes to Kiplinger by way of the Newseum, where she worked as an exhibit editor.
A 2022 Guide to Key Dates for Retirees
retirement planning
A 2022 Guide to Key Dates for Retirees
Missing an important deadline can sometimes mean a financial hit. Here is a checklist of what you need to do and when to avoid any potential issues.
January 4, 2022
5 Steps to Getting Help From a Home Care Agency
Caregiving
5 Steps to Getting Help From a Home Care Agency
A home health aide who helps provide nonmedical care to a loved one can be a great way to provide some relief to a caregiver.
December 9, 2021
Tips for Making Caregiving an Easier 24/7 Labor of Love
long term care
Tips for Making Caregiving an Easier 24/7 Labor of Love
Caregivers are America's invisible helpers, often giving up everything to care for an ailing family member. But there are ways to lighten that burden.…
December 9, 2021
Medicare Basics: 11 Things You Need to Know
Medicare
Medicare Basics: 11 Things You Need to Know
There's Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. We sort out the confusion about signing up for Medicare --…
November 16, 2021
The Forces Shaping Retirement in the 2020s
Coronavirus and Your Money
The Forces Shaping Retirement in the 2020s
Gone are the days of retiring with a pension and gold watch. What retirement means has changed significantly and not always for the better.
September 28, 2021
2 Essential Strategies for Taking Your RMDs
Financial Planning
2 Essential Strategies for Taking Your RMDs
Whether you need to take required minimum distributions to live or find them to be a nuisance, here are some tips to make the most of withdrawing thes…
June 10, 2021
Annuities: How They Could Work for You
Financial Planning
Annuities: How They Could Work for You
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 r…
May 6, 2021
What's Your Strategy for Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits?
social security
What's Your Strategy for Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits?
Deciding when to start taking your Social Security benefits can have significant financial consequences. Here are some of the factors you should think…
May 6, 2021
A Retiree’s Guide to Key Dates in 2021
Basics
A Retiree’s Guide to Key Dates in 2021
It's critical -- and financially sound -- to hit these important financial deadlines spaced throughout the year.
January 8, 2021
What You'll Pay for Medicare in 2021
Healthy Living on a Budget
What You'll Pay for Medicare in 2021
For Medicare premiums 2021, look for modest increases in premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
December 16, 2020
Big Changes Likely for Social Security, Medicare Under a Biden Presidency
Making Your Money Last
Big Changes Likely for Social Security, Medicare Under a Biden Presidency
The new president and a fresh Congress will sooner or later have to face the twin safety net programs, both sorely in need of help.
November 10, 2020
What Happens to Medicare If the Affordable Care Act Is Overturned?
Medicare
What Happens to Medicare If the Affordable Care Act Is Overturned?
Experts say if the ACA is repealed or rescinded "it would be devastating for Medicare." Here's what might happen -- and how it could be costly for you…
November 4, 2020
High-Tech Aids for Aging in Place
Caregiving
High-Tech Aids for Aging in Place
Apple Watch and other technology provides fast feedback, comfort for older users, and a powerful assist for caregivers.
October 1, 2020
Your Guide to Open Enrollment
health insurance
Your Guide to Open Enrollment
Your options may look a little different this fall. Meanwhile, the cost of coverage continues to climb.
October 1, 2020
How to Pick the Right Medicare Plans for You
Healthy Living on a Budget
How to Pick the Right Medicare Plans for You
As you're signing up for Medicare, you must learn the basics of Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and even doug…
September 30, 2020
Medicare Basics: 11 Things You Need to Know
Medicare
Medicare Basics: 11 Things You Need to Know
There's Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. We sort out the confusion about signing up for Medicare --…
September 16, 2020
Gifts for Grads to Build Good Money Habits
Financial Planning
Gifts for Grads to Build Good Money Habits
Today’s graduates aren’t destined to share the same fate as past generations, so it’s important for them to ramp up their money skills.
May 13, 2020
IRS Provides Additional RMD Relief for Retirees
Tax Breaks
IRS Provides Additional RMD Relief for Retirees
Some seniors who withdrew money from a retirement account in 2020 before RMDs were suspended for the year can still roll the money back into an IRA.
April 10, 2020
A Hidden Benefit of the Coronavirus Stimulus Bill: You Can Wait to Take Your RMD
required minimum distributions (RMDs)
A Hidden Benefit of the Coronavirus Stimulus Bill: You Can Wait to Take Your RMD
Legislation is expected to waive required minimum distributions from retirement savings accounts for 2020.
March 30, 2020