Janet Bodnar
Editor-at-Large, Kiplinger's Personal Finance
Janet Bodnar is editor-at-large of , a position she assumed after retiring as editor of the magazine after eight years at the helm. While editor, Bodnar was honored by as one of its Top Women in Media. She is a nationally recognized expert on the subjects of women and money, children's and family finances, and financial literacy. She is the author of two books, and . As editor-at-large, she writes two popular columns for Kiplinger, "Money Smart Women" and "Living in Retirement." Bodnar is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and is a member of its Board of Trustees. She received her master's degree from Columbia University, where she was also a Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Business and Economics Journalism.
What Kids Need to Know About Finances
Women & Money
What Kids Need to Know About Finances
In a digital world, it's even more critical to teach children how to handle cold, hard cash.
May 24, 2021
The Virtues of Volunteering
Empty Nesters
The Virtues of Volunteering
To find your niche, focus on activities that pique your interest, and don't overcommit.
April 29, 2021
Put an Estate Plan in Place
Financial Planning
Put an Estate Plan in Place
Begin with the basics, starting with a will. You may even be able to use an online will-writing program.
March 19, 2021
Fulfilling Ways to Spend Retirement
Empty Nesters
Fulfilling Ways to Spend Retirement
Community service, religious pursuits and personal interests top the list.
February 19, 2021
A Talk With Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
Women & Money
A Talk With Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
Investing is the key to building a nest egg that will last a long lifetime, says Schwab-Pomerantz.
January 27, 2021
Closing the Confidence Gap
Women & Money
Closing the Confidence Gap
Since the start of the pandemic, women have become more involved in their financial futures.
December 24, 2020
Finding a Sense of Purpose in Retirement
Healthy Living on a Budget
Finding a Sense of Purpose in Retirement
Religion and mentorship are both fulfilling paths for retirees.
December 22, 2020
Peering Past the Pandemic
Travel
Peering Past the Pandemic
I’m looking forward to a time when lunches with the girls (or guys), volunteering and travel will resume.
November 24, 2020
Women, Invest in Yourself
Women & Money
Women, Invest in Yourself
Morningstar's Christine Benz tells women to match investment risk to their longer life expectancy.
October 1, 2020
Fulfilling Ways to Spend Your Time in Retirement
Healthy Living on a Budget
Fulfilling Ways to Spend Your Time in Retirement
Human creativity is unlimited: Just look at the activities retirees find to fill their days.
September 29, 2020
Fresh Voices in Personal Finance
Women & Money
Fresh Voices in Personal Finance
An impressive number of young women have entered the personal finance field via blogs, websites and social media.
August 26, 2020
The Joys of Being Retired
Empty Nesters
The Joys of Being Retired
More freedom, being able to give back, and time to deepen relationships are common themes in your e-mails.
July 30, 2020
Lessons for Kids From the Crisis
savings
Lessons for Kids From the Crisis
One of the greatest opportunities presented by the pandemic is to give children an appreciation for the workings of the economy.
June 5, 2020
Staying Calm in a Crisis
retirement
Staying Calm in a Crisis
Keep a stock allocation that you can live with and still sleep well.
May 8, 2020
A Salute to Money Smart Moms
savings
A Salute to Money Smart Moms
Today's mothers are in a perfect position to share their experiences in the workforce and as investors.
April 3, 2020
Expect Surprises in Retirement
retirement
Expect Surprises in Retirement
Financially, your experiences have been mixed—and sometimes eye-opening.
March 6, 2020
Family Finances Are a Joint Project
savings
Family Finances Are a Joint Project
Make sure you have access to key accounts, and keep things as simple as possible.
March 5, 2020
Make Time for a Retirement Checkup
retirement
Make Time for a Retirement Checkup
Retirees are inclined to invest more conservatively, so chances are you don’t have as much money in stocks as you should.
December 23, 2019
Advice From Confident Investors
investing
Advice From Confident Investors
Take advantage of publications, podcasts, adult ed classes and other resources, including family members.
November 26, 2019
Hitting My Stride In Retirement
retirement
Hitting My Stride In Retirement
We’ve visited nine national parks since we retired, and next year we’re heading to Acadia in Maine.
October 31, 2019
What Women Want in a Financial Adviser
investing
What Women Want in a Financial Adviser
They’re put off by aggressive sales tactics and excessive jargon.
October 3, 2019
How to Be a Confident Investor
Investor Psychology
How to Be a Confident Investor
You don’t have to be an expert. Start with your employer’s retirement savings plan.
August 29, 2019
Retired and Single: Readers Weigh In
retirement
Retired and Single: Readers Weigh In
Retired life as a single person doesn't have to be lonesome. Finding hobbies that require you to socialize can make all the difference.
August 29, 2019
Should You Move or Stay Put in Retirement?
retirement
Should You Move or Stay Put in Retirement?
Before buying in a new place, rent for at least one year, or one season, to see if you like it.
July 3, 2019
Make Sure Your Spouse Has Your Passwords
insurance
Make Sure Your Spouse Has Your Passwords
It’s critical for women to have access to key financial information as well as passwords to electronic records and devices.
June 10, 2019
Tips for Retirees Who Are Single
investing
Tips for Retirees Who Are Single
Some retirees work part time or take a class to maintain social connections.
May 9, 2019
How to Raise Money-Savvy Girls
savings
How to Raise Money-Savvy Girls
When parents talk to their kids about money, they often speak differently to their sons and daughters.
April 4, 2019