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Contributing Editor Kiplinger's Personal Finance
As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
After you turn age 70½, you need to start taking required minimum distributions from your IRAs and 401(k)s every year. But the calculations and rules can be complicated, and you’ll be hit with a penalty ...
See More From: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
With some year-end planning, you may still find it worthwhile to file an itemized return to lower your 2018 tax bill.
See More From: Ask Kim
Medicare covers the majority of your medical expenses after you turn 65 (and covers some people who are younger than 65 and disabled). But it still requires you to pay deductibles and co-payments, and...
See More From: Medicare
Fees aren’t just annoying—they’re expensive. A few monthly surcharges can add up to hundreds of dollars a year. That’s money you could use to save for retirement, give to charity, or enjoy a really ...
See More From: Saving Money
You may be able to use the 529 money for more expenses than you thought. But you must take withdrawals in the calendar year you incur the expense.
If you sock away money in a retirement plan, you may be eligible for a tax credit from Uncle Sam worth up to $1,000 per person.
Employers and insurers are offering more online tools and smartphone apps that steer you to the lowest drug prices.
There may be contribution minimum requirements to set up a scholarship in your area. Here's what you need to know.
Before renting out your home, familiarize yourself with the tax implications.
If your son or daughter plans to attend college abroad, here's what you should know.
As you navigate new low-cost choices, weigh the risks.
See More From: Health Care & Insurance
Members of the military have a lot of special financial challenges that most people don’t encounter. However, they have access to many special benefits, tax breaks and legal protections that can make ...
See More From: Family Finances
Now is a good time to boost savings and double-check your benefits. But the most important decision to make is whether to sign up for the new Blended Retirement System.
Retirement savers can stash an extra $500 in IRA and 401(k) plans, and the income limits for contributing to a Roth are higher.
When you’re choosing a health plan for the year -- whether you get coverage through your employer or on your own -- one option may be a high-deductible plan that makes you eligible to contribute to a ...
Use our guide to save on taxes, avoid probate and keep peace among your heirs.
See More From: Estate Planning
Invest in a child’s future with gifts of stock or contributions to a Roth IRA or college savings.