Sandra Block
Senior Editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance
Block joined Kiplinger in June 2012 from USA Today, where she was a reporter and personal finance columnist for more than 15 years. Prior to that, she worked for the Akron Beacon-Journal and Dow Jones Newswires. In 1993, she was a Knight-Bagehot fellow in economics and business journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has a BA in communications from Bethany College in Bethany, W.Va.
Which States' Taxes Are Going Down
Tax Breaks
Which States' Taxes Are Going Down
State lawmakers are cutting income, sales and property taxes to return budget surpluses to residents.
May 25, 2022
This Couple Tackles Love and Money as a Team
Getting Married
This Couple Tackles Love and Money as a Team
Fyooz Financial, the husband and wife team of Dan and Natalie Slagle, have carved out a niche advising other couples with the money questions that com…
May 24, 2022
Buying Annuities in Your 401(k)
Financial Planning
Buying Annuities in Your 401(k)
More plans are offering annuities that could provide income in retirement. Here’s what you need to know.
May 24, 2022
9 States with No Income Tax
Tax Breaks
9 States with No Income Tax
Your hard-earned money is safe from state income tax if you live in one of these states…but watch out for other state and local taxes.
May 17, 2022
12 States That Tax Social Security Benefits
social security
12 States That Tax Social Security Benefits
You may have dreamed of a tax-free retirement, but if you live in one of these states, your Social Security benefits may be subject to state taxes.
May 17, 2022
12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Basics
12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Claiming Social Security benefits at the right time means more money in your pocket. Here’s a guide to everything from knowing your full retirement ag…
May 4, 2022
Which Documents to Keep, Which to Shred and Which to Scan
home insurance
Which Documents to Keep, Which to Shred and Which to Scan
A speedy recovery from disaster can depend on your recordkeeping. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance writer Rivan Stinson tells us how to get our papers in …
May 4, 2022
401(k)s: 10 Things You Must Know About These Retirement Savings Plans
401(k)s
401(k)s: 10 Things You Must Know About These Retirement Savings Plans
These accounts can be a great way to save for retirement while giving you a tax break now. But beware of the fees plan providers charge for 401(k)s.
May 2, 2022
7 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Tax Breaks
7 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Nearly 60% of taxpayers expect a refund this year, and many will receive a larger amount.
April 22, 2022
Decoding ESG Investing with Ellen Kennedy
Becoming an Investor
Decoding ESG Investing with Ellen Kennedy
Environmental, social and governance investing is simpler than it sounds, and has a profitable track record to boot.
April 19, 2022
There's Still Time to Contribute to Your IRA and Cut Your Taxes
Tax Breaks
There's Still Time to Contribute to Your IRA and Cut Your Taxes
Although you need to act quickly, you still have time to make a 2021 IRA contribution and lower your tax bill.
April 6, 2022
High Gas Prices with The Kiplinger Letter’s Jim Patterson
cars
High Gas Prices with The Kiplinger Letter’s Jim Patterson
Why are we paying so much more at the pump? How long will it last? What can you do? Plus: Congress is making changes to retirement-savings rules again…
April 5, 2022
Why Your Tax Refund Could Be Bigger This Year
tax refunds
Why Your Tax Refund Could Be Bigger This Year
Expanded credits and stimulus checks are boosting some tax refunds this year. But if you get a big refund, consider investing it.
April 4, 2022
When Do Living Trusts Make Sense?
estate planning
When Do Living Trusts Make Sense?
A trust can solve a lot of problems. But like all tools, it can also be misused.
March 24, 2022
Living Trusts: The Myths, the Benefits and the Rest
estate planning
Living Trusts: The Myths, the Benefits and the Rest
Living trusts don't reduce estate taxes or negate the need for a will. But a charitable trust does provide tax benefits.
March 23, 2022
The 2022 Real Estate Market with Daniel Bortz
Becoming a Homeowner
The 2022 Real Estate Market with Daniel Bortz
Daniel Bortz doesn’t just write about home sales and housing prices – he’s been in the business. He’ll share insights about the real estate outlook fo…
March 23, 2022
33 States with No Estate Taxes or Inheritance Taxes
retirement
33 States with No Estate Taxes or Inheritance Taxes
Even with the federal exemption from death taxes raised, retirees should pay more attention to estate taxes and inheritance taxes levied by states.
March 21, 2022
8 Steps to Appeal Your Property Tax Bill
taxes
8 Steps to Appeal Your Property Tax Bill
Home values are rising across the country, which means many homeowners’ property taxes are now going up, too.
March 10, 2022
The Future of Certified Financial Planners with Kamila Elliott
Becoming an Investor
The Future of Certified Financial Planners with Kamila Elliott
CFPs will tell you (and we’d agree) that not all financial advice is the same. We talk with the chair of the CFP Board about what she’s doing to prese…
March 8, 2022
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Military Retirees
retirement
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Military Retirees
Unfortunately, some states aren't very generous when it comes to helping retired veterans at tax time.
March 1, 2022
You Can Appeal a Medicare Premium Surcharge
Medicare
You Can Appeal a Medicare Premium Surcharge
If your income has dropped in the past two years, there’s a good chance you can get your
surcharge eliminated or reduced.
February 25, 2022
Extending Financial Planning’s Reach
Financial Advisers
Extending Financial Planning’s Reach
The challenge is to attract more women and minorities as professionals—and clients.
February 24, 2022
There’s No Escaping Your Credit Score (So Make It Count)
Financial Planning
There’s No Escaping Your Credit Score (So Make It Count)
Kiplinger’s credit expert, Lisa Gerstner, joins us to talk credit strategy. Also, a number of new electric cars hit the market this year. Will one wor…
February 24, 2022
18 States With Scary Death Taxes
inheritance
18 States With Scary Death Taxes
Federal estate taxes are no longer a problem for all but the extremely wealthy, but several states have their own estate taxes and inheritance taxes t…
February 23, 2022
National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins Wants to Help
Financial Planning
National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins Wants to Help
Your tax dollars are at work funding a government bureau to help you deal with the IRS. Strange but true! Also, the price of Amazon is going up.
February 10, 2022
How to Cut Your 2021 Tax Bill
Tax Breaks
How to Cut Your 2021 Tax Bill
Our guidance could help you claim a higher refund or reduce the amount you owe.
January 29, 2022
How to File Your Taxes for Free
tax filing
How to File Your Taxes for Free
If you had adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less in 2021, you can e-file your federal return without charge.
January 29, 2022