Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Written to help you do a better job of managing your personal and family financial affairs and to help you get more for your money. You get ideas on saving, investing, cutting taxes, making major purchases, advancing your career, buying a home, paying for education, health care and travel, plus much, much more. Special issues cover the latest information about car buying (December) and Mutual Funds (March and September).

Kiplinger.COM

Letters

We’re Better Off Together

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP? • If you’re weary of widespread prompts to leave a gratuity, follow these guidelines on when it’s customary—and when you can skip it.

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR SOCIAL SECURITY • Bipartisan collaboration on a mix of reforms will likely be needed to keep the system solvent and benefits intact.

WHEN HELPING MOM AND DAD HURTS YOUR WALLET • New research shows how assisting an aging parent with expenses can strain your own finances.

DECEMBER 2025

BYPASS FEES AT THE BANK

CHECKING IN ON THE KIPLINGER DIVIDEND 15 • Our favorite dividend payers have had a good year on average, beating the market and yielding twice as much.

8 DIVIDEND FUNDS TO CONSIDER NOW • Our picks deliver a diversified portfolio of dividend stocks.

Position Your Portfolio for Lower Interest Rates • The Federal Reserve is far from done with its rate-cutting regime.

A NEW WAVE OF ETFs IS ON THE WAY • FUND TRENDS

Bullish on Trillion-Dollar Stocks • STREET SMART

THIS FUND FERRETS OUT HIGH-QUALITY STOCKS • KIPLINGER ETF 20 UPDATE

Same Story, Different Year • INCOME INVESTING

HANG IN THERE WITH THIS VALUE FUND • KIPLINGER 25 UPDATE

21 SMART MOVES TO MAKE BEFORE YEAR-END • These steps can help trim your tax bill, boost your savings, lower your health care costs and set you up for financial success in 2026.

SHOP AMAZON LIKE A PRO • Save money with these tricks, from scoring free shipping to finding deals on the virtual bargain rack.

Paying by Credit Card? Avoid Extra Charges

A GUIDE TO LAUNCHING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS AFTER 50 • Age can be an advantage for older entrepreneurs looking to extend their careers or supplement income in retirement.

Will You Outlive Your Money?

WHAT TO MAKE OF A HOT IPO MARKET • This year’s crop of initial public offerings could be even dicier than usual because of a skew toward tech and crypto.

New Ways to Use 529 Funds • Tax-free withdrawals from these plans could help you sharpen your job skills.

CUT YOUR CAR INSURANCE BILL • With premiums up sharply, these strategies can help lower your expenses.

HOW TO GIVE BETTER HOLIDAY GIFTS (ACCORDING TO SCIENCE) • These strategies, backed by behavioral finance, can help you find presents that your loved ones will truly enjoy.

Grab a Deal on a Winter Getaway • In the early months of the year, travel demand dips—and so do prices.

Small Acts Can Make a Big Difference • GivingTuesday encourages generosity in any form, from donating to charity to helping your neighbors.