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Rivan V. Stinson

Associate Online Editor, Kiplinger.com

Rivan joined Kiplinger on Leap Day 2016 as a reporter for Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. She's now a staff writer for the magazine and helps produce content for Kiplinger.com. A Michigan native, she graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014 and from there freelanced as a local copy editor and proofreader, and served as a research assistant to a local Detroit journalist. Her work has been featured in the Ann Arbor Observer and Sage Business Researcher.

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Becoming a Homeowner

How to Give a First-Time Home Buyer a Hand

With home prices soaring, newbies may need financial help from their family. Here’s how to do it right.

July 30, 2021

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Long-Term Care Insurance

Plan Now for Long-Term Care

You could buy insurance to finance future costs, but policies are pricey. Here’s how to decide whether you need coverage.

July 28, 2021

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taxes

10 States with the Highest Gas Taxes

COVID-19 has made us appreciate driving our cars more, but filling up the tank will cost you more in these states.

July 28, 2021

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taxes

10 States With the Lowest Gas Taxes

Saving money is a marathon not a sprint. And even low gas taxes can help keep money in your pocket.

July 28, 2021

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Financial Planning

Fintech: The Bank Disrupters

Fintechs offer mostly free accounts with tantalizing yields and slick features, but don’t expect much hand-holding.

July 25, 2021

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Smart Buying

New Perks From Our Best Rewards Cards

No annual fee, new tiered rewards and more cash back are some of the offerings.

July 24, 2021

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Travel

22 Secrets to Save Money on Travel

We all dream of taking that perfect solo or family vacation, but planning on a budget can be hard.

July 10, 2021

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Travel

24 Best Travel Websites to Save You Money

Traveling is fun and you can do it without breaking the bank — you just have to know where to go online first.

July 9, 2021

A woman is sitting at a dining table with a laptop, a credit card, and financial statements.

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Smart Buying

Think Twice Before You Close a Credit Card

Even if you’re no longer using it, closing an account could ding your credit score.

June 24, 2021

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retirement

How Teens Can Start Investing Through a Roth IRA

By beginning to invest in a Roth IRA at an early age, today’s teens can become tomorrow’s millionaires.

June 14, 2021

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Scams

Pandemic Brings New Scams, Too

Billions in stimulus funds create new opportunities for fraud ranging from unemployment benefits to vaccine cards.

May 24, 2021

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Coronavirus and Your Money

How to Fix Your Credit Reports

Before you apply for a mortgage or car loan, check your credit files for errors that could derail your plans.

May 24, 2021

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Financial Planning

Do You Need Life Insurance When You're Young?

As millennials have families and take on financial obligations, we need life insurance to protect those we may leave behind.

May 24, 2021

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Smart Buying

Home Upgrades that Pay Off

Some affordable renovations recoup most of their cost when you sell.

April 24, 2021

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real estate

11 Places That Will Pay You to Live There

Working remotely? You may want to check out these places that'll pay you to move there.

April 23, 2021

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Financial Planning

Tap Home Equity for Extra Income

Home is where the heart is, but it’s also a source of regular income for many retirees.

March 25, 2021

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Coronavirus and Your Money

Behind on Debts? Know Your Rights

There are limits on what debt collectors can do to recoup what you owe. If you have medical debts, you have even more rights.

March 20, 2021

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Coronavirus and Your Money

Renters: Help Is On The Way

Renters worried about being evicted from their homes or apartments can breathe a sigh of relief as the new $1.9 trillion stimulus package sets aside m…

March 11, 2021

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Becoming a Homeowner

Protect Your Home From Nature's Wrath

Not all damage is covered by standard homeowners policies. Make sure you’re prepared before it’s too late.

March 4, 2021

Phone with coronavirus crisis news headline over a foreclosure notice

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Coronavirus and Your Money

Update: Biden Administration Extends Eviction and Foreclosure Moratorium, Again

Getting to work right after the inauguration ceremony was over, President Joe Biden included assistance for renters and homeowners among a slew of exe…

February 16, 2021

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real estate

10 Places That Will Pay You to Live There

Working remotely? You may want to check out these places that'll pay you to move there.

February 9, 2021

Couple at a table working on their taxes on a laptop

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Tax Breaks

Kiplinger’s Best Values in Tax Software, 2021

We ranked the most popular tax-prep packages to help you find the ones that provide the best experience at the lowest cost.

January 27, 2021

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Business Costs & Regulation

Stephanie Creary: Making the Case for Diversity on Corporate Boards

Adding underrepresented voices can improve a company’s bottom line.

January 23, 2021

Man with past due bills and foreclosure notice

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Coronavirus and Your Money

When Is Bankruptcy the Right Move?

Seeking protection from creditors can provide a lifeline, but there are plenty of trade-offs.

January 21, 2021

Photograph of certified financial planner Mari Adam, client advisor and branch manager at Mercer Advisors in Boca Raton, Florida.

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Starting a Family

Getting Married or Moving In Together? Time to Talk About Money

Sharing a life means it’s time to talk finances.

December 22, 2020

Young couple Daniel Bortz and his wife, Alexandra, sitting on a park bench overlooking Washington, D.C.

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Making Your Money Last

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

If you’ve added a dog or cat to your family, consider pet insurance to manage routine and unexpected veterinary bills.

December 16, 2020

Millennial couple consulting with a senior financial adviser

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Financial Planning

Financial Planning We Can Afford

You don't have to be a wealthy baby boomer to hire a financial adviser.

December 15, 2020