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Not everyone wants to sit still in retirement. It sounds relaxing, until prices go up, healthcare surprises you, or boredom kicks in. That’s why more retirees are figuring out ways to stay busy ...
Various kinds of workers are available to help a loved one stay at home. It's necessary to distinguish what each level of worker is trained to do before you hire anyone....
Today we answer a question from Peter about what happens when a parent dies with a fully planned estate that avoids probate — and how the Small Estate Affidavit process works in practice. We dis...
In our latest Ask the Editor round-up, Joy Taylor, The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor, answers questions on gifts, the estate tax and stepped-up basis upon death....
How retirees can use reverse mortgages or HELOCs to unlock tax-free income, preserve portfolios, and boost financial flexibility in uncertain markets....
Two bills supported by both ICI and IRI among two dozen being considered by House Financial…...
Answering reader questions about how to know if a real estate deal is too good to be true, the importance of doing thorough due diligence before investing in any real estate deal, and whether all-in-o...
I believe that housing is expensive because too many people are skipping the first step. Starter homes used to be how you got in the game. Now everyone wants their dream house on the first try, and th...
When you decide to sell a house, you might encounter a preemptive offer—a bid that arrives before you list publicly on the open market or reach your set offer due date. This scenario often unfol...
In the final installment of our 3-part estate planning series, we dive into one of the most overlooked—but critically important—aspects of planning: protecting your heirs’ inheritanc...
FROM THE ARTICLE: Pressing Need Understood: Making Housing More Affordable. 2025 AARP National Survey of Adults Ages 50 and Older. By Joanne Binette, AARP Research. Published May 20, 2025. Lack of aff...
Should you file an estate tax return when your spouse dies to preserve the unused estate tax exemption? Form 706 is costly, the exemption is high, but will the laws change in the future?...
About once a month, I get an email or comment from a reader criticizing adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) as a poor financial choice. Since I’ve been a proponent of ARMs since starting Financial ...
Real estate prices, insurance, taxes and fees can add up when you’re considering a move....
The wording of any law that repeals or otherwise changes the federal estate tax could have an impact on all of us. Here's what you need to know, courtesy of an estate planning and tax attorney....
Today we answer Jeff’s question about using home equity to pay for end-of-life care — from tapping into equity for in-home support to selling the home to cover nursing home costs. In high-...
Low-income workers who leave their jobs or reduce their hours to care for loved ones risk losing their own Medicaid benefits....
This estate planning attorney explains why proper asset titling and beneficiary designations make a big difference when it's time to transfer your wealth....
I'm bullish on real estate. Yet I recently sold another rental property. This type of incongruence between thought and action can feel unsettling and even counterproductive to wealth creation. But it ...
The latest news from Pontera, OneDigital, SageView, and Edelman Financial Engines...
In this episode, we shine the light on common estate planning mistakes that can derail even the best intentions. We discuss the risks of failing to update beneficiary designations and why relying sole...
An estate plan that covers everything from guardianship to digital assets and taxes — and is discussed openly — will give you and your family peace of mind....
Should they stay or should they go? More than half of homeowners have a mortgage rate sweet spot to make a move....
With almost 21 million empty nest homes across the country, a real estate opportunity could be in the works....
A quiet housing evolution is taking place in backyards across the U.S., as new zoning laws and permitting process make it easier to build accessory dwelling units, also known as ADUs....
Congress has just proposed a $15 million permanent exemption for gift, estate and GST taxation. What does that mean to your planning now?...
The clock is ticking on the estate and gift tax provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, so the sooner you act on removing assets from your estate, the better....
Specialized housing guidance from an expert can transform your move into an empowering new beginning....
In this episode, we cover key tax considerations around wealth transfer. We cover the differences between federal estate tax and state inheritance tax, and explain why the stepped-up basis is such a p...
Upsizing, or buying a bigger home, can make your retirement feel more luxurious. There's room for grandkids and projects, but run the numbers carefully....
Although a will is crucial to making sure your assets go where you want them when you die, you are likely to need something else, too: designated beneficiaries....
An emailer asked about the best way to buy a $3 million home without selling their current home. Here are seven options to think about. The post How to Move Up to the Next Level and Buy a Multi-Millio...
As the housing market starts to sway in buyers’ favor, sellers are getting creative with concessions at near-record rates....
Some first-time buyers are “rentvesting” — prioritizing the purchase of a rental or vacation property first as an investment while continuing to pay rent themselves....
I have my eye on a small but beautiful cottage. Will I regret tying up my money?...
Remote work is terrific for your health and income. You're also likely to retire later, which might convince your employer to let you work from home....
For those retired in the Plains (for cost of living background) how much do you really need. Currently, 55. Owe 10 years on house. No other debts. 401k max, IRA, and too much cash in the bank. I want ...
Family loans are a common transaction that if not handled properly could create IRS issues for gift, estate or income tax, and issues with creditors or ex-spouses....
Sometimes industry jargon can turn otherwise understandable concepts into stumbling blocks. Here are simplified explanations, definitions and uses for some estate planning tools....
Just like the title says, I have a few crystal awards, framed letter of commendations and different plaques of appreciation. When you retire, are you going to bring them home? I am not planning to bri...
We're almost halfway through the year. Is your estate in order? If not, here are some tips to get it done in 2025....
President Trump's immigration policies may wallop your pocketbook if you rely on a home healthcare aide....
In this episode, we explore how to pass on your assets smoothly and efficiently—without dragging your loved ones through probate court. You’ll learn why probate can be costly and time-cons...
A serious medical diagnosis calls for updates of your financial, health care and estate plans as well as open conversations with those who'll fulfill your wishes....
I received many questions after concluding in my post “How Much is Enough to FIRE in San Francisco” that $5,654,000 was enough to cover my current and planned future spending needs....
The decade before retirement is the home stretch in the race to quit work — but there are crucial financial decisions to make before you reach the finish line....
Money alone doesn’t make someone upper class. A leased luxury car and a big mortgage might fool some people, but the truly wealthy don’t need to fake it. Real wealth moves differently, and...
I ask an expert financial planner if my retirement dreams are realistic — or if my head is in the clouds....
Getting on the same page now means fewer potential problems when it counts....
Owning a home is great until it starts falling apart one little issue at a time. Leaky pipes, mystery drafts, broken appliances, most of it’s preventable if you just stay on top of the basics. T...