Your Money's Worth

Retail stock investors are said to be living in a golden age when it comes to the convenience and cost of trading. But picking a broker should still be a conscious decision. We look at today's options. Links mentioned in this episode: The Best Online Brokers and Trading Platforms, 2022 https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/wealth-management/online-brokers/605136/the-best-online-brokers-and-trading-platforms Who Are the Best Small Online Brokers? https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/wealth-management/online-brokers/605137/who-are-the-best-small-online-brokers How a Stock Trade Actually Works https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/stocks/601905/anatomy-of-a-stock-trade

If you've dutifully socked away money in a 401(k) or IRA for years, you could be in for an unpleasant shock when it comes time to take money out of those accounts. Also, the IRS is sending out a surprise round of checks. Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605146/watch-out-rmds-can-trigger-massive-medicare-means-testing https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/tax-refunds/605135/irs-tax-refunds-for-late-filing-penalty https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/602937/you-can-appeal-a-medicare-premium-surcharge

Kalman Chany, author of the Princeton Review's Paying for College will help you find every bit of tax relief available. Also, the USPS raises rates for the holidays. Links mentioned in this episode: USPS to Raise Rates for "Holiday" Season Again https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/605110/usps-to-raise-rates-for-holiday-season-again Paying for College, 2023: Everything You Need to Maximize Financial Aid and Afford College https://www.amazon.com/Paying-College-2023-Everything-Admissions/dp/0593516494 Fight Inflation with Series I Bonds https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/banking/savings/savings-bonds/603848/fight-inflation-with-series-i-bonds IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf Grandparents: Now is the Time to Contribute to Your Grandkid's 529 Plans https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/careers/college/605082/grandparents-now-is-the-time-to-contribute-to-your

You don't have to be ready to retire to consider where you might go. We'll talk about how and why we make our lists of great destinations. Links mentioned in this episode: Can You Trust TikTok's Advice? https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/cryptocurrency/603519/can-you-trust-tiktoks-advice How to Shop for Life Insurance https://www.kiplinger.com/article/insurance/t034-c000-s002-how-to-shop-for-life-insurance.html 7 Standout Places to Retire https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/happy-retirement/604819/7-standout-places-to-retire 12 Smart Places to Retire https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/retirement/t006-s002-12-smart-places-to-retire/index.html

"Professor Cope" – NFL player and Kiplinger editor– joins us for the latest on his ventures and videos. Also, we clarify some of the terms around Series I bonds. Links mentioned in this episode: Fight Inflation with Series I Bonds https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/banking/savings/savings-bonds/603848/fight-inflation-with-series-i-bonds Vladimir Ilyich Lenin: Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch08.htm Cope'ing with Money by Brandon Copeland https://www.kiplinger.com/brandon-copeland YouTube: Bry-Bry Tries! Highlight Reel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV3GPe0pYxs

Steady income, moderate growth, manageable risk — those are the goals that Jeffrey Kosnett, the editor of Kiplinger's Investing for Income, has been pursuing for decades. Also, a quick look at holiday shopping strategies. Links mentioned in this episode: Kiplinger's Investing for Income https://store.kiplinger.com/kiplingers-investing-for-income.html Don't Overlook Preferred Stocks https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/etfs/603643/dont-overlook-preferred-stocks Stay Above the Interest Rate Fray https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/bonds/603317/stay-above-the-interest-rate-fray

With cars both scarce and expensive these days, what should you do if you want – or need – a new ride? Car-buying strategist Jenni Newman of cars.com shares some tips. Also, more on the magical 9% bond. Links mentioned in this episode: Kiplinger's Economic Outlooks: Inflation https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts/inflation Fight Inflation with Series I Bonds https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/banking/savings/603848/fight-inflation-with-series-i-bonds TreasuryDirect: Buying Series I Savings Bonds https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/research/indepth/ibonds/res_ibonds_ibuy.htm Cars.com: Buckle Up With Jenni Newman, Our Editor-in-Chief https://www.cars.com/articles/buckle-up-with-jenni-newman-our-editor-in-chief-1420699390000/ Electric Vehicles Take Charge in 2022 https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/shopping/cars/604265/electric-vehicles-take-charge-in-2022 Cars.com: Your Guide to EV Batteries https://www.cars.com/articles/your-guide-to-ev-batteries-premature-death-range-loss-and-preservation-446126/

College graduates looking to land that first real job will need to know how to ace the virtual interview and be prepared to do good old-fashioned research and networking. Also, gas prices are high, but try a little global perspective. Links mentioned in this episode: Gas Prices Around the World https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/shopping/cars/604410/gas-prices-around-the-world Gas-Saving Tips That Actually Work https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/how-to-save-money/604390/gas-saving-tips-that-actually-work Beth Hendler-Grunt https://nextgreatstep.com/about-us/ Kiplinger's Economic Outlooks: Jobs https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts/jobs

With a lot of recession talk out there, we might just talk ourselves into one. We take that risk with Jim Patterson of the Kiplinger Letter. Also, dollar stores: deal or no deal? Links: 15 Best Things to Buy at Dollar Stores (Dollar Tree Included) https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/how-to-save-money/602810/best-things-to-buy-at-dollar-stores-dollar-tree 17 Worst Things to Buy at Dollar Stores (Dollar Tree Included) https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/spending/602750/worst-things-to-buy-at-dollar-stores Kiplinger's Economic Outlooks: GDP https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts/gdp Why Inverted Yield Curve Panic Is Overdone https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/stocks/604484/inverted-yield-curve-stocks Kiplinger's Economic Outlooks: Fuel Prices https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts/energy How Gas Prices Are Determined https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/604688/how-gas-prices-are-determined

Fyooz Financial, the husband and wife team of Dan and Natalie Slagle have carved out a niche advising other couples with the money questions that come with pairing up. Links mentioned in this episode: Midyear Investing Outlook: Where to Invest Now https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/stocks/stocks-to-buy/602844/midyear-investing-outlook-where-to-invest-now Sell in May and Go Away? Here We Go Again … https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/602700/sell-in-may-and-go-away-2022 5 Stocks to Sell or Avoid Now https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/stocks/stocks-to-sell/604659/stocks-to-sell-or-avoid-now Fyooz Financial https://www.fyoozfinancial.com/ Getting Married? Don't Forget to Talk Money First https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/how-to-save-money/family-savings/604596/the-money-talk-new-couples-need

A speedy recovery from disaster can depend on your financial recordkeeping. Kiplinger's Personal Finance writer Rivan Stinson tells us how to keep our affairs in order. Also, will you be able to invest your 401(k) money in bitcoin? Links mentioned in this episode: Now You Can Own Bitcoin in 401(k)s. Should You? https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/cryptocurrency/604597/now-you-can-own-bitcoin-in-401ks-should-you Trading Options for Your 401(k) https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-plans/401ks/603514/more-choices-in-your-401k News release from the Department of Labor on cryptocurrencies in 401(k) plans https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ebsa/ebsa20220310 Which Tax Documents Should I Save, Which Should I Shred? https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/tax-planning/604270/what-to-save-and-what-to-shred How to Protect Your Home from Natural Disasters with the Right Insurance https://www.kiplinger.com/real-estate/home-improvement/602297/protect-your-home-from-natures-wrath

Environmental, social and governance investing is simpler than it sounds, and has a profitable track record to boot. Links mentioned in this episode: 7 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/tax-refunds/602762/money-smart-ways-to-spend-your-tax-refund Amy Domini on the Secrets of Sustainable Investing https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/esg/604272/secrets-of-sustainable-investing Double Your ESG Impact With Funds Tied to Charities https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/esg/604114/double-your-esg-impact-with-funds-tied-to-charities 5 'Blue Economy' Stocks and Funds https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/esg/604278/blue-economy-stocks-funds Kiplinger ESG 20: Our Favorite Picks for ESG Investors https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/esg/603525/kiplinger-esg-20 EWG Skin Deep Database https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

Consumers are feeling the pinch at the pump; how long will prices stay high? Plus, Congress starts to fiddle with retirement-savings rules again. Links mentioned in this episode: SECURE Act 2.0: 14 Ways the Proposed Law Could Change Retirement Savings https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-plans/602821/secure-act-2 How the SECURE Act Will Impact Your Retirement Plan https://www.kiplinger.com/podcast/retirement/t049-c000-s002-how-secure-act-impacts-retirement-planning.html Kiplinger's Economic Outlooks: Energy Prices: https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts/energy U.S. Energy Information Administration, weekly update https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/supply/weekly/ Gas-Saving Tips That Actually Work https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/how-to-save-money/604390/gas-saving-tips-that-actually-work Electric Vehicles Take Charge in 2022 https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/shopping/cars/604265/electric-vehicles-take-charge-in-2022

Daniel Bortz doesn't just write about home sales and housing prices – he's been in the business. He'll share insights about the real estate outlook for 2022 and "how-to" tips for both buyers and sellers. Also, the pain of high gas prices. Links mentioned in this episode: Kiplinger's Economic Outlooks: Energy Prices https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts/energy How Much Will Home Prices Continue to Rise in 2022? https://www.kiplinger.com/real-estate/buying-a-home/604252/home-prices-will-continue-to-rise-in-2022 Home-Sale Prices in the 50 Largest Metro Areas https://www.kiplinger.com/real-estate/buying-a-home/604280/home-sale-prices-in-the-50-largest-metro-areas Kiplinger's Economic Outlooks: Inflation https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts/inflation

Not all financial advice is the same. We talk with the chair of the CFP Board about what she's doing to preserve her brand and extend its reach. Also, the right way to file your tax returns for free. Links mentioned in this episode: IRS Free File: Do your Taxes for Free https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free How to File Your Taxes for Free (Kiplinger) https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/tax-filing/604124/how-to-file-your-taxes-for-free Extending Financial Planning's Reach https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/604223/extending-financial-plannings-reach About CFP Board: History https://www.cfp.net/about-cfp-board/history CFP Board: Center for Financial Planning https://www.cfp.net/the-center-for-financial-planning

There's no escaping your credit score, so what can you do to make it better? Kiplinger's credit expert joins us to talk strategy. Also, a number of new electric cars are joining the market this year. Will one work for Sandy? Links mentioned in this episode: Save Money With an Electric Car https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/shopping/cars/601936/save-money-with-an-electric-car Federal Tax Credits for New All-Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml What Does Your Credit Score Really Mean? https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/credit-debt/loans/credit-reports/603964/what-does-your-credit-score-really-mean Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Credit reports and scores https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/ AnnualCreditReport.com AnnualCreditReport.com

Your tax dollars are at work funding a government bureau to help you deal with the IRS. Strange but true! Also, the price of Amazon is going up. Links mentioned in this episode: Amazon Raising Annual Fees for Amazon Prime Membership https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/spending/604171/amazon-raising-annual-fees-for-amazon-prime-membership 40 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2022 https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/spending/602399/best-amazon-prime-benefits Erin M. Collins, National Taxpayer Advocate, bio page https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/about-us/our-leadership/ Taxpayer Advocate Service qualifier tool https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/can-tas-help-me-with-my-tax-issue/ How to Cut Your 2021 Tax Bill https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/tax-filing/604122/how-to-cut-your-2021-tax-bill

Pandemic pressures (and high stock and real estate values) are leading many to try to move up retirement. Plus, tax-filing season gets under way. Links mentioned in this episode: When Can You File Your Taxes This Year? https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/tax-filing/604041/when-can-you-file-your-taxes-this-year Child Tax Credit FAQs for Your 2021 Tax Return https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/602431/child-tax-credit-2021-faqs Talking With the Taxpayer Advocate: The IRS Is Under Stress https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/tax-filing/602438/talking-with-the-taxpayer-advocate-the-irs-is-under-stress Take This Job, I'm Retiring https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/603931/take-this-job-im-retiring Pew Research Center: Amid the pandemic, a rising share of older U.S. adults are now retired https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/11/04/amid-the-pandemic-a-rising-share-of-older-u-s-adults-are-now-retired/

What to expect from the U.S. economy and an election-year Congress, as well as the outlook for cryptocurrency regulations, TikTok and more. Plus, we give the Elizabeth Holmes verdict a think. Links mentioned in this episode: Kiplinger's Economic Outlook: GDP https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts/gdp Kiplinger's Economic Outlook: Inflation https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts/inflation Kiplinger's Economic Outlook: Jobs https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts/jobs Kiplinger's Economic Outlook: Interest rates https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts/interest-rates Kiplinger on tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@kiplingerfinance

Sure, measuring stock markets by calendar years is a bit artificial, but it's still a good way to give your portfolio a checkup. Two Kiplinger investing editors join us to forecast what stocks and sectors will fare well in 2022. Also, did you know how the 401(k) got its start? Links mentioned in this episode: Meet the Architect of the 401(k) Plan https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-plans/401ks/603971/meet-the-architect-of-the-401k-plan Kiplinger's Investing Outlook https://www.kiplinger.com/kiplingers-investing-outlook PODCAST: Investing for Income with Jeffrey Kosnett https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/603852/podcast-investing-for-income-with-jeffrey-kosnett James K. Glassman's 10 Stock Market Picks for 2022 https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/stocks/stocks-to-buy/603817/james-glassmans-10-stock-market-picks-for-2022 The 22 Best Stocks to Buy for 2022 https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/stocks/stocks-to-buy/603893/22-best-stocks-to-buy-for-2022 5 Stocks to Sell for 2022 https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/stocks/603878/5-stocks-to-sell-for-2022