
Sandra Block
Sandra Block, senior editor for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, has covered personal finance for more than 20 years. In her current role at Kiplinger’s, she covers retirement, taxes and a range of other personal finance issues. She also edits the Ahead section of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine and contributes to Kiplinger’s.com and Kiplinger’s Retirement Report.
Before joining Kiplinger, Sandy was a personal finance reporter and columnist for USA TODAY. During that time, she was a regular guest on CNN, Fox Business News and NPR. Before joining USA TODAY, Sandy worked as a business reporter for the Akron Beacon-Journal, where she covered businesses in northeastern Ohio and assisted in the newspaper’s coverage of the 1995 World Series. While Cleveland lost in six games, Sandy still considers this the highlight of her journalism career.
In her early years, Sandy was a reporter for Dow Jones News Service in Washington, DC, where she covered the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Treasury and the Federal Reserve.
Sandy graduated cum laude from Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia., and was a fellow in the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economics and Business at Columbia University. She is co-author of the “Busy Family’s Guide to Money” and “Easy Ways to Lower Your Taxes: Simple Strategies Every Taxpayer Should Know.”
Sandy divides her time between Arlington, Va., and her home state of West Virginia. In her spare time, Sandy is a voracious reader and tries to keep her rescue border collie from getting into trouble.
Latest articles by Sandra Block
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Dental Cost Advice for New Retirees, From a New Retiree
What I faced in my first dental bill after retiring.
By Sandra Block
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Four Reasons to Roll Over Your 401(k) into an IRA (And Four Reasons Not To)
401(k)s We tell you when it makes sense to move your 401(k) account to an IRA — and when it’s smart to stay put.
By Sandra Block
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Manage an Inheritance Like a Pro in Just Seven Steps
inheritance How you handle an inheritance is key. A bequest could change your life, but don’t quit your day job.
By Sandra Block
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17 States With Scary Estate and Inheritance Taxes
Estate Tax Over a dozen states currently impose estate or inheritance taxes on heirs. Here’s where you’ll have to pay.
By Sandra Block
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The Basics of Estate Planning
If you have a will or trust, congratulations. But you’re not done with estate planning.
By Sandra Block
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Five Ways to Catch Up on Retirement Savings
If you’re in your highest-earning years, you can make up for lost time.
By Sandra Block
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Seven Things You Should Do Before 2026 Because of One Big Beautiful Bill Changes
The new law ushers in significant changes for most taxpayers. Make these moves now to take advantage of them.
By Sandra Block
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Why Turning 65 Isn't What It Used to Be, According to an Expert
With more than 4 million people turning 65 in 2025, an expert in psychology and aging explains why so many of them are thriving like never before.
By Sandra Block
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How to Appeal the IRMAA for Medicare Parts B and D
Medicare There’s a good chance you can get your IRMAA eliminated or reduced if your income has dropped in the past two years.
By Jackie Stewart
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'Rich' Tricks to Volunteer and Donate in Retirement
There may be some tax benefits to giving back in retirement.
By Sandra Block
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Eight Strategies for Deciding When to File For Social Security
Applying at age 70 maximizes your monthly payout, but claiming early could provide advantages that can’t be quantified on a spreadsheet.
By Sandra Block
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The Eight Best Places to Retire for Renters
Kiplinger looked at great places to retire in the United States for people planning to rent their living space.
By Sandra Block
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Nine Things You May Not Know About Social Security
Even if you’ve been collecting benefits for years, you may have more to learn.
By Sandra Block
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Six Steps to Appeal Your Property Tax Bill
Property Tax As home values increase nationwide, property taxes are also on the rise.
By Lisa Gerstner
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13 Answers to Pressing Social Security Questions
From smart claiming strategies for couples to tips on maximizing your monthly check, we have advice that can help you.
By Sandra Block
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My Lesson Learned: Retirees Need a Budget
A new retiree explains why retirees need a budget.
By Sandra Block
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What You Should Know About Spousal IRAs
Without spousal IRAs, you would need earned income to contribute to your retirement account.
By Sandra Block
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Does It Make Sense to Rent In Retirement?
Making Your Money Last Renting isn't right for all retirees, but it does offer flexibility, and it frees up cash.
By Sandra Block
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My Advice for Enrolling in Medicare Part B — Based on Experience
Enrolling in Medicare is notoriously complicated and can result in penalties if you get the timing wrong. Here are some valuable tips for first-timers.
By Sandra Block
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No Cash? No Problem
More and more Americans have abandoned paper money and coins, but there are risks to using peer-to-peer digital payments.
By Sandra Block
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What Retirees Need to Know About Taxes
Take steps to avoid a surprise tax bill and underpayment penalties.
By Sandra Block
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Planning Summer Travel? Use These Strategies
To save money on summer travel, book your tickets well ahead of time, use technology and avoid popular destinations.
By Sandra Block
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Why You Should Take Extra Care With Your Tax Return
Filing Taxes You can minimize your tax bill and avoid unwanted attention from the IRS by watching out for common errors and oversights.
By Sandra Block
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The Outlook for Home and Auto Insurance in 2025?
Home and auto insurance premiums may not increase as much as in recent years, but the industry remains under pressure.
By Sandra Block
