Rivan V. Stinson
Staff Writer, Kiplinger's Personal Finance
Rivan joined Kiplinger on Leap Day 2016 as a reporter for Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. She's now a staff writer covering insurance, millennial money needs and credit. She also helps produce newsletters and other 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.
FWRLX: Shopping the Telecommunications Bargain Bin
mutual funds
FWRLX: Shopping the Telecommunications Bargain Bin
This fund invests in stocks in the communications services sector, which have been drastically marked down.
May 25, 2022
Sometimes Renting Is Better Than Buying
investing
Sometimes Renting Is Better Than Buying
A home is an asset that generally appreciates in value, but it might not be the most optimal way to build wealth from an investment point of view.
May 25, 2022
10 States with the Highest Gas Taxes
state tax
10 States with the Highest Gas Taxes
Inflation is hitting hard – especially at the gas pump. But crossing state lines to avoid higher gas taxes is one way to soften the blow.
May 9, 2022
Create a Financial Plan for Natural Disaster
personal finance
Create a Financial Plan for Natural Disaster
If disaster strikes, do you have your important financial documents safeguarded in case you need to leave your home in a hurry? Here’s what you’ll nee…
May 4, 2022
BlackRock Event Driven Equity Profits from Corporate Change
mutual funds
BlackRock Event Driven Equity Profits from Corporate Change
BALPX capitalizes on mergers, executive turnover and other events.
April 29, 2022
Two Updates to Credit Reports
credit & debt
Two Updates to Credit Reports
The major credit bureaus are changing how they report information about medical debt and buy now, pay later.
April 26, 2022
How to Get a Car Deal in This Market
Buying & Leasing a Car
How to Get a Car Deal in This Market
Low inventories mean it’s hard to haggle on price, but you can still negotiate on financing when shopping for a new or used car.
March 28, 2022
Hello 30: Time to Start Saving for Retirement
retirement planning
Hello 30: Time to Start Saving for Retirement
You haven't missed your chance to save for retirement just because you've gotten older.
March 25, 2022
How to Open a Stock Market Account
investing
How to Open a Stock Market Account
Investing can be fun, but you need a brokerage account to do it. Fortunately, it’s easy to get started.
March 25, 2022
Keep Your Savings Safe
savings
Keep Your Savings Safe
If your wealth exceeds FDIC limits, it may be time to open multiple accounts. But make sure your money is earning something, too.
March 25, 2022
10 States With the Lowest Gas Taxes
state tax
10 States With the Lowest Gas Taxes
With gas prices surging, people are looking for any way to save a few bucks at the pump. Low gas taxes are a start.
March 10, 2022
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Bill
health insurance
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Bill
You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
February 24, 2022
Which Tax Documents Should I Save, Which Should I Shred?
tax planning
Which Tax Documents Should I Save, Which Should I Shred?
You’ll need supporting documents in case you’re audited, but you don’t need to save them forever.
February 24, 2022
Davenport Equity Opportunity Hunts for Cash Generators
mutual funds
Davenport Equity Opportunity Hunts for Cash Generators
This fund looks for firms that generate cash and know how to use it.
February 23, 2022
Credit Card Interest Rates to Rise, Too
Making Your Money Last
Credit Card Interest Rates to Rise, Too
Many cardholders don't know their interest rates. Now would be a good time to know yours.
February 18, 2022
How to Benefit from Rising Interest Rates
Financial Planning
How to Benefit from Rising Interest Rates
Savers will get the best rates from top-yielding savings and money market deposit accounts at online banks.
January 27, 2022
Make the Most of the New Workplace
Employee Benefits
Make the Most of the New Workplace
In the wake of the pandemic, employers are willing to be more flexible and inclusive.
January 26, 2022
Con Artists Target People Who Owe The IRS Money
Scams
Con Artists Target People Who Owe The IRS Money
In one scheme, thieves will offer to "help" you pay back taxes, only to leave you on the hook for expensive fees in addition to the taxes.
January 24, 2022
Overdraft Fees Are On Their Way Out
Smart Buying
Overdraft Fees Are On Their Way Out
New overdraft policies are emerging as consumers and government officials pressure banks to get rid of the fees.
January 24, 2022
Time to Reshop Your Home and Auto Insurance
Making Your Money Last
Time to Reshop Your Home and Auto Insurance
Comparing prices on policies and bundling your coverage may save you money.
December 22, 2021
How Does Marriage Affect Your Credit Score?
Starting a Family
How Does Marriage Affect Your Credit Score?
While credit reports aren’t merged for married couples, individual records can affect joint loans. Learn the rules to ensure good credit goes along wi…
December 21, 2021
How to Nix Checking Fees
Making Your Money Last
How to Nix Checking Fees
Strictly free accounts aren’t the only way to bank - almost all banks and credit unions offer ways around paying fees.
December 20, 2021
Shop for a New Wireless Plan and Save Big
Smart Buying
Shop for a New Wireless Plan and Save Big
Competition is fierce, and carriers are dangling free phones and streaming subscriptions.
November 23, 2021
Where to Find Emergency Cash
Making Your Money Last
Where to Find Emergency Cash
Even if you're debt-averse, having a credit card to pay for emergencies could be an important lifeline.
November 22, 2021
What to Do If Your Credit Card Is Closed
Making Your Money Last
What to Do If Your Credit Card Is Closed
The issuer may restore your account with the previous terms, or it may request that you reapply for the card.
November 22, 2021
10 Ways to Save On Your Cell Phone Plan
family savings
10 Ways to Save On Your Cell Phone Plan
We’ve rounded up 10 techniques to cut expenses on both your cell phone plan and your device.
November 10, 2021
Virtual Numbers Make Cards Safer
Technology
Virtual Numbers Make Cards Safer
Some mobile wallets offer this feature, which randomly generates virtual digits that are linked to your credit card.
November 1, 2021