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.
How to Safely Socialize (and Work) at Home During the Pandemic
home
How to Safely Socialize (and Work) at Home During the Pandemic
Tips for transforming your backyard area into a social distancing hang out, as well as creating a work-from-home haven.
November 25, 2020
10 States with the Highest Gas Taxes
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 state.
November 23, 2020
10 States With the Lowest Gas Taxes
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.
November 21, 2020
9 Places That Will Pay You to Live There
real estate
9 Places That Will Pay You to Live There
Working remotely? You may want to check out these places who'll pay you to move there.
October 30, 2020
13 Costs of Owning a Cat
how to save money
13 Costs of Owning a Cat
Housecats may be known for their aloofness and low-maintenance attitude, but they're not cheap. Here's what you can expect to spend if you plan on ado…
October 29, 2020
How to Negotiate a Break on Rent
Healthy Living on a Budget
How to Negotiate a Break on Rent
The downward trend in rents has me thinking it's time to ask my apartment manager to reduce my rent.
October 19, 2020
Beirut Explosion: Avoid Charity Scams
personal finance
Beirut Explosion: Avoid Charity Scams
With the recent explosion in Beirut kicking off calls for aid, beware of scammers trying to take advantage.
August 10, 2020
How to Avoid a Charity Scam
personal finance
How to Avoid a Charity Scam
Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
August 7, 2020
Vote by Mail: A State-by-State Guide to Absentee Ballot Voting
Politics
Vote by Mail: A State-by-State Guide to Absentee Ballot Voting
With health authorities recommending people continue to social distance, the idea of voting by mail is becoming an increasingly hot topic.
August 4, 2020
Understanding Tax Planning
tax planning
Understanding Tax Planning
The importance of tax planning goes beyond keeping cash out of Uncle Sam’s hands. You’re also preparing yourself for a secure retirement. Here are a c…
August 3, 2020
This Olympian Has a New Goal: Closing the Wealth Gap
Financial Planning
This Olympian Has a New Goal: Closing the Wealth Gap
She encourages advisers to introduce students to financial planning.
July 21, 2020
24 Best Travel Websites to Save You Money
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.
June 12, 2020
Millennials Face Their Second Recession
Making Your Money Last
Millennials Face Their Second Recession
Forty percent of millennials say the pandemic will likely cause them to delay payments on their debts. Does that include you? Time to take action.
June 4, 2020
16 Ways to Get Your Finances in Better Shape for the New Normal
how to save money
16 Ways to Get Your Finances in Better Shape for the New Normal
With some states slowly opening back up their economies while others extend shelter in place orders, you may have lots of free time on your hand even …
May 21, 2020
The Best Tax Software Values for 2020
tax software
The Best Tax Software Values for 2020
We tested nine of the most popular tax software programs to see which ones offer the best overall value. You might be surprised who's #1.
April 22, 2020
This Doctor Will Heal Your Portfolio
investing
This Doctor Will Heal Your Portfolio
A physician turned financial planner says the coronavirus is an opportunity for you to tackle “fixable risks.”
April 3, 2020
If You Need a Real ID, Visit the DMV Soon
business
If You Need a Real ID, Visit the DMV Soon
2020 is the year Real ID goes into effect for air travel. So having a star on your license will become more important if you don’t have a passport.
March 29, 2020
22 Secrets to Save Money on Travel
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.
March 27, 2020
How Much Can You Contribute to a 457 Retirement Plan for 2020?
retirement
How Much Can You Contribute to a 457 Retirement Plan for 2020?
State and local government workers can contribute $500 more to their 457 plans in 2020 than they could in 2019. Some workers can make additional catch…
February 24, 2020
How Much Can You Contribute to a 403(b) for 2020?
retirement
How Much Can You Contribute to a 403(b) for 2020?
Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute $500 more to their 403(b) retirement savings plan in 2020 than they could in 2019. Plus, the catch-up co…
February 24, 2020
How Much Can You Contribute to a SIMPLE IRA for 2020?
simple IRA
How Much Can You Contribute to a SIMPLE IRA for 2020?
The maximum amount workers at small businesses can contribute to a SIMPLE IRA for 2020 is $500 higher than it was for 2019.
February 24, 2020
How Much Can You Contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan for 2020?
retirement
How Much Can You Contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan for 2020?
Federal workers and military personnel can save more in their TSP retirement accounts in 2020.
February 24, 2020
Top Tax Software Programs for Your 2018 Tax Return
tax software
Top Tax Software Programs for Your 2018 Tax Return
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowered tax rates, eliminated some popular tax deductions and nearly doubled the standard deduction, which will sharply redu…
January 31, 2020
Why You Need a Renters Insurance Policy
insurance
Why You Need a Renters Insurance Policy
The average monthly premium for renters insurance is about $17 a month for $40,000 in personal property coverage, according to Insurance.com.
January 30, 2020
How Much Can You Contribute to a SIMPLE IRA for 2019?
simple IRA
How Much Can You Contribute to a SIMPLE IRA for 2019?
The maximum amount workers at small businesses can contribute to a SIMPLE IRA for 2019 is $500 higher than it was for 2018.
January 10, 2020
How Much Can You Contribute to a 403(b) for 2019?
retirement
How Much Can You Contribute to a 403(b) for 2019?
Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute $19,000 to a 403(b) for 2019, but catch-up contributions and employer contributions can further boost re…
January 10, 2020
How Much Can You Contribute to a 457 Retirement Plan for 2019?
retirement
How Much Can You Contribute to a 457 Retirement Plan for 2019?
State and local government workers can contribute $19,000 to 457 plans for 2019. Some workers can make additional catch-up contributions.
January 10, 2020