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.
Protect Your Home From Nature's Wrath
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
Update: Biden Administration Extends Eviction and Foreclosure Moratorium, Again
mortgages
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
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.
February 12, 2021
10 Places That Will Pay You to Live There
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
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.
February 9, 2021
Kiplinger’s Best Values in Tax Software, 2021
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
Stephanie Creary: Making the Case for Diversity on Corporate Boards
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
When Is Bankruptcy the Right Move?
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
Getting Married or Moving In Together? Time to Talk About Money
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
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
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
Financial Planning We Can Afford
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
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
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