Features
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Social Security Payment Schedule for 2026
Find out when you can expect your 2026 Social Security payments and the date you get paid when your scheduled day falls on a holiday.
By Donna LeValley
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The Average Monthly Social Security Check: December 2025
The average monthly Social Security check amount might surprise you. Here's a look at December's numbers and why they matter.
By Donna LeValley
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SALT Deduction Changes: Three Key Tax Points to Know Now
Tax Deductions Changes to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction in the so-called 'big beautiful bill' have put this tax break in the spotlight.
By Kelley R. Taylor
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When to Apply for Social Security Payments? Your Age Matters
Do you know when to apply for Social Security benefits? What's the best age to start receiving monthly payments? Part of the answer lies in your birth year.
By Donna LeValley
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3 Reasons to Use a 5-Year CD As You Approach Retirement
A five-year CD can help you reach other milestones as you approach retirement.
By Sean Jackson
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4 Questions to Ask Before You Spend Your Kids' Inheritance
If your kids are successful, do they need an inheritance? Ask yourself these four questions before passing down another dollar.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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4 Estate Planning Documents Every High-Net-Worth Family Needs
The key to successful estate planning for HNW families isn't just drafting these four documents, but ensuring they're current and immediately accessible.
By Howard A. Enders
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Love and Legacy: What Couples Rarely Talk About (But Should)
Couples who talk openly about finances, including estate planning, are more likely to head into retirement joyfully. How can you get the conversation going?
By Lawrence Sprung, CFP®, CEPA®
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How to Get the Fair Value for Your Shares in This Situation
When a sale of substantially all corporate assets is approved by majority vote, shareholders on the losing side of the vote should understand their rights.
By Lan Kennedy-Davis
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9 Types of Insurance You Don't Need
Financial Planning If you're paying for these types of insurance, you may be wasting your money. Here's what you need to know.
By David Rodeck
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All 30 Dow Jones Stocks Ranked: Buy, Sell or Hold?
blue chip stocks Microsoft, Amazon and Nvidia lead the list of Wall Street's top Dow Jones stocks to buy now. Some other names might surprise you.
By Dan Burrows
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Best Dividend Kings for Decades of Dividend Growth
dividend stocks Dividend Kings are the crème de la crème of dividend growers and should be top of mind for any investor who puts income stability above all else.
By Jeff Reeves
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Why You May Want to Stop Saving for Retirement Sooner Than You Think
Your money may be better served outside of a retirement account.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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The Kiplinger 25: Our Favorite No-Load Mutual Funds
The Kiplinger 25 The Kiplinger 25 is a list of our top no-load mutual funds that have proven capable of weathering any storm.
By Nellie S. Huang
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What Is a Debt-to-Equity Ratio, and How Do Investors Interpret the Number?
A debt-to-equity ratio is a way to measure a company's financial position. What does the ratio tell us? How do investors use it?
By Coryanne Hicks
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Want to Be a 401(k) Millionaire? Here’s How
Join the 401(k) millionaires' club by following these 4 steps.
By Adam Shell
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The Cost of Leaving Your Money in a Low-Rate Account
Why parking your cash in low-yield accounts could be costing you, and smarter alternatives that preserve liquidity while boosting returns.
By Choncé Maddox
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I want to sell our beach house to retire now, but my wife wants to keep it.
I want to sell the $610K vacation home and retire now, but my wife envisions a beach retirement in 8 years. We asked financial advisers to weigh in.
By Maurie Backman
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How to Add a Pet Trust to Your Estate Plan
Adding a pet trust to your estate plan can ensure your pets are properly looked after when you're no longer able to care for them. This is how to go about it.
By Adam Frank
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Avoid Leaving Chaos in Your Wake: Keep an Updated Estate Plan
An outdated or incomplete estate plan could cause confusion for those handling your affairs at a difficult time. This guide highlights what to update and when.
By Leslie Gillin Bohner
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Why I Became an Advocate for Fee-Only Financial Advice
Can financial advisers who earn commissions on product sales give clients the best advice? For one professional, changing track was the clear choice.
By David Bromelkamp
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Medicare Premiums 2026: IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D
Do you have to pay the monthly Medicare premium surcharge this year? It depends.
By Donna LeValley
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These Claiming Strategies Could Add Thousands to Your Social Security Checks
social security Deciding when to start taking your Social Security benefits can have significant financial consequences. Here are some of the factors you should think through.
By Catherine Siskos
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What’s the Best Medigap Plan for You?
Medicare The 10 Medigap plans offer different levels of benefits that pay for expenses, such as co-payments, not covered by original Medicare.
By Jackie Stewart
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IRS Income Tax Refund Schedule: When Will Your Refund Arrive?
Tax Refunds Your IRS tax refund may arrive sooner than you think. Here’s a schedule for when you can expect your check or direct deposit.
By Kate Schubel
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The 401(k) Mistake That Could Cost You Millions in Retirement Savings
Thinking about reducing your 401(K) contributions? Here are six reasons why you might want to reconsider.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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Should You Do Your Own Taxes This Year or Hire a Pro?
Taxes Doing your own taxes isn’t easy, and hiring a tax pro isn’t cheap. Here’s a guide to help you figure out whether to tackle the job on your own or hire a professional.
By Roxanne Bland
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Quiz: Are You Ready for the 2026 401(k) Catch-Up Shakeup?
Quiz If you are 50 or older and a high earner, these new catch-up rules fundamentally change how your "extra" retirement savings are taxed and reported.
By Donna LeValley
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Can I Deduct My Pet On My Taxes?
Tax Deductions Your cat isn't a dependent, but your guard dog might be a business expense. Here are the IRS rules for pet-related tax deductions in 2026.
By Kate Schubel
