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.
Love and Money with Financial Planner Mari Adam
Getting Married
Love and Money with Financial Planner Mari Adam
Financial planner Mari Adam helps couples work together to have a good relationship with each other – and their finances. Also, some twists for 2020 t…
February 25, 2021
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.
February 24, 2021
Student Loans: Pay Down or Hold Pat?
Paying for College
Student Loans: Pay Down or Hold Pat?
Before you tell your lender you want to resume payments, consider whether there are better uses for your money.
February 22, 2021
The Case for Indexed Annuities
Financial Planning
The Case for Indexed Annuities
These products may offer better returns than traditional fixed-income investments. But there are trade-offs.
February 19, 2021
Why Pay Money to File Your Taxes?
Tax Breaks
Why Pay Money to File Your Taxes?
Far more people could be filing their federal returns for free; maybe even their state taxes. Also, the latest from Brandon Copeland and the not-so-se…
February 17, 2021
How 10 Types of Retirement Income Get Taxed
retirement
How 10 Types of Retirement Income Get Taxed
When you're planning for retirement, it's fun to contemplate all the travel and rounds of golf ahead of you, but don’t forget about taxes.
February 9, 2021
Unpacking the GameStop Blowup with Kyle Woodley
Markets
Unpacking the GameStop Blowup with Kyle Woodley
Senior investing editor Kyle Woodley breaks down the latest short squeeze and its broader implications. Also, General Motors says it’s going all-elect…
February 9, 2021
Handling Taxes and Insurance When Working from “Home”
Tax Breaks
Handling Taxes and Insurance When Working from “Home”
Working remotely in a new state, maybe even a new country? That can lead to complications, particularly when it comes to taxes. Also: why the IRS is s…
February 2, 2021
There's Still Time to Save on 2020 Taxes
Tax Breaks
There's Still Time to Save on 2020 Taxes
The tax code didn’t change last year, but just about everything else did. We’ll guide you to a lower tax bill.
January 27, 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
Taxes on Retirees — What’s New?
Budgeting
Taxes on Retirees — What’s New?
In this episode of Your Money's Worth, senior tax editor Rocky Mengle talks about the latest update of the Kiplinger Retiree Tax Map. Will states with…
January 26, 2021
10 States With the Highest Sales Taxes
Tax Breaks
10 States With the Highest Sales Taxes
Before you embark on a shopping spree in any of the 10 worst states for sales taxes, make extra room in your budget.
January 25, 2021
9 States with No Income Tax
Tax Breaks
9 States with No Income Tax
If you choose to live in these states, every penny you earn is safe from state income tax (although two of the states do tax some dividends and intere…
January 25, 2021
13 States That Tax Social Security Benefits
social security
13 States That Tax Social Security Benefits
You may have dreamed of a tax-free retirement, but if you live in these 13 states, your Social Security benefits are subject to a state tax. That's on…
January 24, 2021
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…
January 24, 2021
How Much Tax You Will Pay on Your Lottery Winnings?
taxes
How Much Tax You Will Pay on Your Lottery Winnings?
The federal government will take a big tax bite out of your $1 billion Mega Millions payout. Your state might, too.
January 22, 2021
The Financial Aid Form Gets a Makeover
Paying for College
The Financial Aid Form Gets a Makeover
Starting with the FAFSA available for filing in October 2022, the number of questions will be reduced from 108 to 36.
January 21, 2021
Jim Patterson on The Kiplinger Letter’s 2021 Forecasts
Economic Forecasts
Jim Patterson on The Kiplinger Letter’s 2021 Forecasts
What to expect from the U.S. economy, the new Congress and next administration, as well as the outlook for bitcoin, self-driving trucks and more.
January 19, 2021
Fund Your IRA, Cut Your Taxes
Tax Breaks
Fund Your IRA, Cut Your Taxes
There’s still time to make a 2020 IRA contribution and lower your tax bill.
January 13, 2021
Is a Fix Coming Soon for Social Security?
Smart Buying
Is a Fix Coming Soon for Social Security?
Social Security has funding problems the COVID-19 pandemic has made worse. What are the prospects for the next Congress and administration doing somet…
January 12, 2021
James K. Glassman’s Stock Picks for 2021
Kiplinger's Investing Outlook
James K. Glassman’s Stock Picks for 2021
Kiplinger columnist James K. Glassman has been picking 10 stocks a year for decades now. We talk about what’s on his 2021 list, and how previous picks…
January 7, 2021
6 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Second Stimulus Check
Coronavirus and Your Money
6 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Second Stimulus Check
If you don't have to use your second stimulus check for basic necessities, consider putting the money to work for you. You'll thank yourself later.
December 28, 2020
Get Your Retirement Back on Course
Coronavirus and Your Money
Get Your Retirement Back on Course
Even the most diligent savers can encounter obstacles on the road to retirement, but the past few months have delivered unprecedented hazards. We’ll h…
December 26, 2020
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.
December 24, 2020
Doug Glanville on Race, Sports — and Personal Finance
personal finance
Doug Glanville on Race, Sports — and Personal Finance
Kiplinger contributor (and former Major League Baseball player) Doug Glanville shares insights from years playing the game — and investing. Also, what…
December 22, 2020
Smaller IRA Withdrawals Coming Up
Coronavirus and Your Money
Smaller IRA Withdrawals Coming Up
Starting in 2022, the amount you’ll be required to withdraw from your retirement accounts after age 72 will decline modestly—which means your tax bill…
December 20, 2020
11 Tax Breaks for the Middle Class
Tax Breaks
11 Tax Breaks for the Middle Class
Tax breaks aren't just for the rich. There are plenty of them that are only available to middle- and low-income Americans.
December 17, 2020