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.
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.
May 6, 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.
May 6, 2021
Estate-Planning Your Stuff with T. Eric Reich
Empty Nesters
Estate-Planning Your Stuff with T. Eric Reich
What to do with the house, the vacation house and the china? We talk with a financial adviser who's got some wise counsel. Also, who makes up the so-c…
May 2, 2021
The Benefits of Working Longer
Empty Nesters
The Benefits of Working Longer
Delaying retirement for a couple of years—or even a few months—is the most effective way to improve your retirement security.
April 29, 2021
Stimulus Plan Has Health Insurance Benefits, Too
Coronavirus and Your Money
Stimulus Plan Has Health Insurance Benefits, Too
The plan’s health care provisions could deliver big savings for early retirees and laid-off workers.
April 29, 2021
Our "K-Shaped," Uneven Economic Recovery
Economic Forecasts
Our "K-Shaped," Uneven Economic Recovery
Confidence is key to the recovery, but the sentiment depends on consumers’ financial circumstances.
April 29, 2021
How to Invest Green in a White-Hot Market, with Anne Kates Smith
Kiplinger's Investing Outlook
How to Invest Green in a White-Hot Market, with Anne Kates Smith
Sustainable stocks are going gangbusters. In an era of triple-digit gains for many market favorites (it's not just Tesla), we look for value options. …
April 15, 2021
11 Surprising Things That Are Taxable
Tax Breaks
11 Surprising Things That Are Taxable
If you picked up any of the income or property on our list, make sure you declare it on your next tax return.
April 12, 2021
Bitcoin: Should You Invest? With Tyrone Ross
Becoming an Investor
Bitcoin: Should You Invest? With Tyrone Ross
Pretending it’s a fad that will go away didn't work for the internet, and it won’t work for cryptocurrency, either. But there are still so many questi…
April 6, 2021
This Hot Housing Market with Daniel Bortz
Becoming a Homeowner
This Hot Housing Market with Daniel Bortz
Home sales and prices have been on a tear and are forecast to continue to rise in 2021. Whether you're hoping to sell, buy or refi, contributing write…
March 31, 2021
Talking with the Taxpayer Advocate: The IRS Is Under Stress
Financial Planning
Talking with the Taxpayer Advocate: The IRS Is Under Stress
The pandemic and new stimulus-driven responsibilities are straining IRS resources.
March 24, 2021
States Eye Higher Taxes for Top Earners
Tax Breaks
States Eye Higher Taxes for Top Earners
The tax revenue could close budget gaps, but the measures could drive away mobile workers.
March 24, 2021
How the Gig Economy Is Faring, with Kathy Kristof
Employee Benefits
How the Gig Economy Is Faring, with Kathy Kristof
As with so many things, the pandemic has had a big effect on side hustles and contract work. We talk with an expert in the field on finding a good gig…
March 24, 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…
March 22, 2021
6 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Third Stimulus Check
Coronavirus and Your Money
6 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Third Stimulus Check
If you don't have to use your third stimulus check for basic necessities, consider putting the money to work for you. You'll thank yourself later.
March 20, 2021
Fund Your IRA, Cut Your Taxes
Tax Breaks
Fund Your IRA, Cut Your Taxes
Now that the tax return filing deadline has been extended, there's even more time to make a 2020 IRA contribution and lower your tax bill.
March 19, 2021
Max Out Your Stimulus Check with Rocky Mengle
Tax Breaks
Max Out Your Stimulus Check with Rocky Mengle
You probably know you're getting a stimulus check, but did you know you can have an impact on its amount? Senior tax editor Rocky Mengle talks about t…
March 17, 2021
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 15, 2021
New Financial Challenges for Women with Marguerita Cheng
Women & Money
New Financial Challenges for Women with Marguerita Cheng
The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying recession have been particularly hard on women, who've lost millions of jobs. Financial planner Marguerita Chen…
March 8, 2021
Having the Money Talk with Your Parents, with Cameron Huddleston
Financial Planning for Alzheimer's
Having the Money Talk with Your Parents, with Cameron Huddleston
Managing your parents' finances can be a difficult situation. Doing so if you haven't laid down a plan for how to do it is worse.
March 2, 2021
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
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