Rodrigo Sermeño
The Kiplinger Letter
Rodrigo Sermeño covers financial services, housing, small business, and franchising industries for The Kiplinger Letter. He previously covered Congress for PJ Media. Before switching to journalism, he worked for several think tanks and non-profit organizations in Washington, D.C., including the New America Foundation, the Streit Council, and the Arca Foundation. Rodrigo graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in international affairs. He also holds a master's in public policy from George Mason University's School of Public Policy.
Kiplinger's Economic Outlooks
Economic Forecasts
Kiplinger's Economic Outlooks
Regularly updated insights on the economy’s next moves.
June 9, 2021
PPP Loan Basics for Small Business Owners
Coronavirus and Your Money
PPP Loan Basics for Small Business Owners
Although uncertainty and confusion have surrounded the Paycheck Protection Program since its launch, that shouldn't stop small business owners from pa…
March 30, 2021
Biden Steers PPP Loans to Smallest Businesses
Coronavirus and Your Money
Biden Steers PPP Loans to Smallest Businesses
For two weeks, mom-and-pop businesses will move to the front of the line for Paycheck Protection Program loans.
February 22, 2021
A Second Round of PPP Loans is Coming (With Some Improvements)
Coronavirus and Your Money
A Second Round of PPP Loans is Coming (With Some Improvements)
PPP loans are getting a second life. There will be some helpful changes, like tax deductions for expenses paid with forgiven loan proceeds.
December 23, 2020
PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications are Now Easier
Coronavirus and Your Money
PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications are Now Easier
Small businesses that received PPP loans of $50,000 or less can now apply for forgiveness using a simplified application form.
October 16, 2020
Answers to PPP Loan FAQs (Now That There's Fresh Funding for the Loans)
small business loans
Answers to PPP Loan FAQs (Now That There's Fresh Funding for the Loans)
Small business owners are getting another crack at Paycheck Protection Program loans. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the lo…
July 21, 2020
8 Tips and Warnings on PPP Loan Forgiveness
loan forgiveness
8 Tips and Warnings on PPP Loan Forgiveness
Not having to pay back Paycheck Protection Program loans is a huge benefit for small-business owners. But there are a lot of rules that must be follow…
July 21, 2020
7 Ways PPP Loans Just Got Better
small business loans
7 Ways PPP Loans Just Got Better
The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act makes a number of changes to the popular small-business loan program. See how your business might bene…
June 5, 2020
PPP Program Is Out of Funds — But Firms Should Keep Applying
business
PPP Program Is Out of Funds — But Firms Should Keep Applying
There’s a reason the money’s all gone — the terms of the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses are generous.
April 17, 2020
Another COVID-19 Victim: The Touch Screen
Technology
Another COVID-19 Victim: The Touch Screen
Consumers will look askance at anything they’re asked to touch, leading to a surge in app usage and other alternatives to contacting public screens.
April 16, 2020
What Small Businesses Must Know About the SBA's New Stimulus Loans
business
What Small Businesses Must Know About the SBA's New Stimulus Loans
CARES Act expands select loan programs administered by the Small Business Administration. See if you qualify.
April 3, 2020
11 Places to Find Funding for Your Small Business
business
11 Places to Find Funding for Your Small Business
When you’ve got a big new idea that you want to get off the ground or an existing operation that requires an influx of capital to keep charging ahead,…
May 7, 2018
A Housing Shortage Looms: Builders Can’t Keep Up
business
A Housing Shortage Looms: Builders Can’t Keep Up
Starter homes especially are becoming scarce.
September 20, 2016
Improving Prospects for Most Small Businesses
business
Improving Prospects for Most Small Businesses
Firms in the housing and tourism sectors can prosper as home sales surge and low gas prices encourage more travel.
March 29, 2016
2016: A Second Good Year for Housing
business
2016: A Second Good Year for Housing
The housing market picked up last year in many areas of the U.S. Look for it to grow as well or better this year.
February 29, 2016
Where the Housing Market Is Headed in Late 2015
business
Where the Housing Market Is Headed in Late 2015
First-time home buyers will be a big driver of this market's recovery.
July 25, 2015
Housing Market Gets Stronger in 2015
Economic Forecasts
Housing Market Gets Stronger in 2015
An improving economy and attractive home features will draw first-time and move-up buyers.
March 4, 2015
Small Business Revving Up in 2015
business
Small Business Revving Up in 2015
Many firms with fewer than 50 workers have plans to expand, venture into new markets and add to payrolls.
January 29, 2015