Jim Patterson
Managing Editor, The Kiplinger Letter
Jim joined Kiplinger in December 2010, covering energy and commodities markets, autos, environment and sports business for The Kiplinger Letter. He is now the managing editor of The Kiplinger Letter and The Kiplinger Tax Letter. He also frequently appears on radio and podcasts to discuss the outlook for gasoline prices and new car technologies. Prior to joining Kiplinger, he covered federal grant funding and congressional appropriations for Thompson Publishing Group, writing for a range of print and online publications. He holds a BA in history from the University of Rochester.
Kiplinger's Economic Outlooks
Economic Forecasts
Kiplinger's Economic Outlooks
Regularly updated insights on the economy’s next moves.
August 4, 2022
How Gas Prices Are Determined
personal finance
How Gas Prices Are Determined
Who controls gas prices in the U.S.? There's no puppeteer, just several factors that combine to pull and push on what you pay at the pump.
June 23, 2022
Will Gas Prices Ever Go Down?
personal finance
Will Gas Prices Ever Go Down?
A few catalysts could theoretically relieve current pressures at the fuel pump, but don’t expect gas prices to go meaningfully lower soon.
June 22, 2022
Prepare for Painful Utility Bills, Gas Station Visits
spending
Prepare for Painful Utility Bills, Gas Station Visits
While brutal pump prices are dominating the headlines, consumers also are absorbing rapidly escalating utility bills.
June 14, 2022
Why Are Gas Prices Still Going Up?
spending
Why Are Gas Prices Still Going Up?
The cost of a gallon of gas is at an all-time high. What’s driving the surge and will gas prices go down anytime soon?
June 13, 2022
Are Today's Pump Prices Higher Than 2008's Gas Prices?
spending
Are Today's Pump Prices Higher Than 2008's Gas Prices?
Americans haven't felt this much pain at the pump in well more than a decade, but by one measure, gas prices still haven't topped 2008's highs.
June 2, 2022
COVID-19 Drives Used-Car Sales Boom
Buying & Leasing a Car
COVID-19 Drives Used-Car Sales Boom
Commuters afraid of public transportation in a pandemic have been scooping up wheels.
October 19, 2020
The Nation's Crumbling Infrastructure: 6 Examples in Need of Upgrades Right Away
Business Costs & Regulation
The Nation's Crumbling Infrastructure: 6 Examples in Need of Upgrades Right Away
In his State of the Union address, President Obama once again stressed the need to spend more federal funds on crumbling infrastructure in coming year…
August 14, 2018
Recession Proof
Markets
Recession Proof
So what makes a recession a recession, anyway? This book explains all in plain language, giving readers an understanding of what recessions are, why t…
August 25, 2017
The Frackers
Markets
The Frackers
The Frackers is an excellent, non-technical history of the shale oil and gas boom that revolutionized the American energy industry.
August 25, 2017
Brighter Spots in Energy's Slow Recovery
Economic Forecasts
Brighter Spots in Energy's Slow Recovery
With crude oil likely coming off its lows, some money is returning to the oil patch.
November 11, 2016
As Drought Takes a Toll, Water Prices Will Rise
Economic Forecasts
As Drought Takes a Toll, Water Prices Will Rise
Conservation and technological advances will help utilities meet needs, but at a cost.
April 29, 2015
Budget for Higher Electric Bills
Economic Forecasts
Budget for Higher Electric Bills
Mounting strains on the electric grid will hit consumers in their wallets but will lead to new business opportunities, too.
May 15, 2014
Countering Russia With Natural Gas
Economic Forecasts
Countering Russia With Natural Gas
What the coming boost in exports spells for U.S. consumers, gas producers and investors.
April 7, 2014
Fracking Boom Spells New Tech Investments
Economic Forecasts
Fracking Boom Spells New Tech Investments
Solutions to energy and safety concerns will be in hot demand.
March 14, 2014
Rising Production Helping to Keep Fuel Prices in Check
Economic Forecasts
Rising Production Helping to Keep Fuel Prices in Check
Energy costs should be relatively easy on your wallet in 2014.
January 6, 2014
North America's Next Energy Hot Spots
Economic Forecasts
North America's Next Energy Hot Spots
An energy revolution is under way in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. And it’s not just energy companies that are benefiting.
October 30, 2013
Automakers Put the Great Recession in the Rearview Mirror
Economic Forecasts
Automakers Put the Great Recession in the Rearview Mirror
Sales are closing in on prerecession highs, as shoppers flock to showrooms and dealers roll out hot new models.
August 16, 2013
Lower Oil Prices on the Horizon
Economic Forecasts
Lower Oil Prices on the Horizon
More crude produced in the U.S. and lower demand for it both here and overseas spell relief for consumers.
July 3, 2013
The Mounting Economic Toll of Erratic Weather
Economic Forecasts
The Mounting Economic Toll of Erratic Weather
A harsher climate spells new costs for businesses and homeowners, especially as government aid dries up.
April 12, 2013
Solar and Wind Power Going Mainstream
business
Solar and Wind Power Going Mainstream
Both industries are surviving on economic merits, not government help.
June 12, 2012
America’s Changing Energy Picture
business
America’s Changing Energy Picture
Ramped-up efforts to diversify U.S.
January 1, 2012
Technologies That Will Rock Your World
Technology
Technologies That Will Rock Your World
For 88 years, subscribers have relied on The Kiplinger Letter for insights into emerging technologies that will change the way Americans live and do b…
December 19, 2011
America's Failing Infrastructure: A Scary Picture
Economic Forecasts
America's Failing Infrastructure: A Scary Picture
Just how safe is the bridge you crossed on your way to work today? You may not want to know.
November 4, 2011
A Lost Season for the NBA?
Economic Forecasts
A Lost Season for the NBA?
The prospect of empty basketball arenas spells revenue losses for many businesses.
October 11, 2011
8 Ways We're Using Less Oil
business
8 Ways We're Using Less Oil
America will keep reducing its thirst for oil, both foreign and domestic.
March 25, 2011
U.S. Oil Output Down to a Trickle?
Economic Forecasts
U.S. Oil Output Down to a Trickle?
With permits to drill slowed down or in limbo, the Gulf's contribution is dwindling.
January 12, 2011