Rivan V. Stinson

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 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
How Much Can You Contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan for 2019?
retirement

How Much Can You Contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan for 2019?

Federal workers and military personnel can save up to $19,000 in TSP retirement accounts for 2019. Some savers can make additional catch-up contributi…
January 10, 2020
Retirement Savings for the Self-Employed
retirement

Retirement Savings for the Self-Employed

If you don’t have access to a retirement plan through your employer, you have other options.
December 3, 2019
16 People You Should Tip for the Holidays
Picture of tiny gift box next to dollar bill and loose change
spending

16 People You Should Tip for the Holidays

The holiday season is prime time to give back.
December 2, 2019
15 Cheap Late Fall & Winter Dates
spending

15 Cheap Late Fall & Winter Dates

Date nights — even for married couples who may not be trying to impress — can be expensive.
November 15, 2019
How Teens Can Start Investing Through a Roth IRA
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.
October 3, 2019
Giving to Charity When You're on a Budget
spending

Giving to Charity When You're on a Budget

Don’t forget that your time has value, too. Volunteering is the best way to see if you like how the charity is run.
September 12, 2019
A REIT Fund Checks Out of Hotels
investing

A REIT Fund Checks Out of Hotels

Real estate stocks are sizzling. But TIAA-CREF Real Estate Securities is playing defense.
August 30, 2019
Protecting Your Privacy in the Wake of FaceApp
savings

Protecting Your Privacy in the Wake of FaceApp

Revelations about FaceApp have rekindled debate over how to protect your data.
August 29, 2019
10 Best Values in Public Colleges, 2019
college

10 Best Values in Public Colleges, 2019

No matter how eager you are to leave the nest, you can save a lot of money by going to an in-state school.
July 25, 2019
How to Find Buyers for Your Baseball Card Collection
"Collection of baseball cards and baseball on old wooden table.Shallow dof, focus on stack of cards baseball in background is out of focus."
business

How to Find Buyers for Your Baseball Card Collection

The first step to selling baseball cards is finding out the value of what you own.
July 19, 2019
Waterville, Me: A Smart Place to Retire
retirement

Waterville, Me: A Smart Place to Retire

Retirees have access to ample extracurricular activities including music, sports and arts in this Maine town along the Kennebec River, home to Colby C…
July 9, 2019
Oberlin, Ohio: A Smart Place to Retire
retirement

Oberlin, Ohio: A Smart Place to Retire

Stellar health care options, affordable living and engaging community activities make this Ohio town a great choice for retirees.
July 9, 2019
Olympia, Wash.: A Smart Place to Retire
retirement

Olympia, Wash.: A Smart Place to Retire

Enjoy the tax-friendly city's wine trails and college courses.
July 9, 2019
States Step in to Boost 401(k) Savings
retirement

States Step in to Boost 401(k) Savings

Some states are providing a savings option for workers without an employer-sponsored plan.
July 3, 2019
Building Wealth With a Higher Purpose
investing

Building Wealth With a Higher Purpose

This former monk found out the hard way that money is not the root of all evil.
June 7, 2019
Cash-Back Card Coming for Apple Fans
credit & debt

Cash-Back Card Coming for Apple Fans

But rival rewards cards are a better deal for non-Apple purchases.
May 9, 2019
How to Right Size Next Year’s Tax Return
taxes

How to Right Size Next Year’s Tax Return

Adjust your W-4 form to avoid an unpleasant surprise when you file your 2019 return.
April 4, 2019
7 Free Programs for Filing Your Taxes
tax filing

7 Free Programs for Filing Your Taxes

There are more ways than ever to prepare and e-file your tax return at no charge.
March 14, 2019
America Lurches Toward a Cashless Future
spending

America Lurches Toward a Cashless Future

Electronic payments are increasing, but a cashless economy has drawbacks.
March 7, 2019