Guides

Should You Have a Backup Internet Plan?

Kiplinger Approved - Sponsored Offer Tracfone

Home internet outages can happen unexpectedly. Some households are turning to wireless backup plans to stay connected when service goes down.

By Carla Ayers

What Your Tax Refund Could Earn Instead of Sitting With the IRS

Many taxpayers celebrate a large refund. But that same money might have quietly earned interest or investment returns all year long.

By Choncé Maddox

Heat Pumps vs Solar Panels: Which Saves You More on Energy Bills?

Debating heat pumps vs solar panels? Whichever one you choose, it just got easier to save on energy bills.

By Ben Demers

5 DIY Home Security Upgrades That Lower Insurance Costs

Boost home security with these five DIY upgrades — some may even qualify for a home insurance discount.

By Paige Cerulli

5 of the Best Places to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

We take a look at some of the most popular destinations to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Did your favorite make the list?

By Brittany Leitner

Could Your Family Live on One Income? What It Takes in Each State

Raising a family on one paycheck may feel out of reach. But new data shows where a single income can still support a stay-at-home parent and where it is most difficult.

By Paige Cerulli

Protecting Your Nest Egg Matters as Much as Building It

Sponsored by American National

Retirement planning once focused on saving and investing. Today, protecting those savings from inflation, taxes, market volatility and rising costs is just as important.

By Paige Cerulli

Online Banks Still Lead on Rates, But Is Switching Worth it Now?

As interest rates trend down, online banks keep an edge on yields, but service, access and flexibility still matter. Here’s how the trade-offs stack up.

By Paige Cerulli

Best Rewards Credit Cards

The best rewards credit cards provide generous perks on everyday purchases, helping you protect your money from rising prices. Here are Kiplinger's top picks.

By Sean Jackson

How Much Savings Do You Actually Need to Feel Financially Secure? Start With These 3 Benchmarks

From your first $1,000 cushion to a full emergency fund, here's how to build savings in stages and why each level matters.

By Choncé Maddox

The Wealth-Building Roadmap That Works at Any Age

A phase-based approach tied to your finances — not your birth year — can help you build wealth whether you’re just starting out or catching up.

By Paige Cerulli

Who Counts as Family on a Mobile Phone Plan?

Sponsored

Family phone plans aren’t just for parents and kids anymore. Here’s who can share a plan, how much you can save and what to watch out for before you bundle.

By Paige Cerulli

Costco's Auto Program: Can Membership Pricing Really Save You Money on a Car?

Costco's Auto Program can simplify the car-buying process with prearranged pricing and member perks. Here's what to know before you use it.

By Paige Cerulli

What Is an Assumable Mortgage and Could It Save You Thousands?

With mortgage rates still elevated, taking over a seller’s existing home loan could lower monthly payments — if the numbers work.

By Choncé Maddox

Adoption Tax Credit: What You Need to Know for 2025 and 2026

Tax Credits Due to a new tax law and annual IRS inflation adjustments, adoption tax credit amounts are higher.

By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez

Is Prepaid Wireless Making a Comeback — and Can It Lower Your Phone Bill?

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Once seen as a budget alternative, prepaid wireless is attracting new attention as networks improve and shoppers look for flexible, lower-cost options.

By Paige Cerulli

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 2025 and 2026: How Much Will You Get?

Tax Credits The refundable amount for workers with or without children is slightly higher this year. Here’s what you need to know.

By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez

How Much It Costs to Host a Super Bowl Party in 2026

Hosting a Super Bowl party in 2026 could cost you. Here's a breakdown of food, drink and entertainment costs — plus ways to save.

By Choncé Maddox

Why Your Home Insurance Might Not Protect You If Someone Else Lives There

Letting a relative stay in a second home or inherited property can quietly change your insurance coverage and leave you exposed to costly liability claims.

By Paige Cerulli

7 Habits Rich People Swear By to Build and Maintain Wealth

Unlock the secret to lasting financial success by adopting the wealth-building habits of a high-net-worth individual.

By Ben Luthi

7 Signs You’re Secretly Getting Rich (and Don’t Even Know It)

From reduced financial stress to smart investing, here’s how to spot the subtle signs that your wealth is growing.

By Paige Cerulli

Mortgage Protection Insurance: What It Covers and When It Makes Sense

How mortgage protection insurance works, what it costs, and when it’s actually useful in a financial plan.

By Paige Cerulli

Builders Are Offering Big Mortgage Incentives — What Homebuyers Should Watch For

Builder credits and below-market mortgage rates can ease affordability pressures, but the savings often come with trade-offs buyers should understand before signing.

By Choncé Maddox

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for $4.99 a Month: A Closer Look at Verizon’s Deal

Sponsored

Verizon’s aggressive pricing makes Samsung’s top-tier phone tempting, but the real cost depends on your plan and how long you stay.

By Carla Ayers

Are T-Mobile's Prepaid Perks a Home Run or a Strikeout?

Sponsored

T-Mobile's prepaid lineup promises MLB.TV, T-Mobile Tuesdays and hotspot data. But do the perks make it worth switching?

By Choncé Maddox

Verizon Home Internet Is Offering Free Tech to New Customers

Sponsored

Verizon’s latest home-internet promotion includes free tech, but the real savings depend on pricing, speed needs and how long you stay.

By Paige Cerulli

Verizon’s 4-Line Phone Promo Offers Strong Value for Families Upgrading to Premium Devices

Families can upgrade to top-tier smartphones for $25 a line with Verizon’s newest offer.

By Paige Cerulli