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Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine - May 2026

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In this issue

Why I Invest in a 529 Plan
You can use funds from these tax-advantaged accounts for more than just college expenses.

Active Managers Prove Their Mettle
We review the Kiplinger 25, our favorite actively managed, noload mutual funds, and welcome two new members to the group.
PLUS Model portfolios to help you reach your goals.

Sustainable Investing Is in Survival Mode
The stocks and funds in the Kip ESG 20 soldier on in tough times.

Street Smart
The meaning of Dow 50,000,by JAMES K. GLASSMAN.

Why I Invest in a 529 Plan

IN this issue, we have a generous helping of stories with a family focus. On page 66, you'll find tips to plan a vacation that family members of all generations will enjoy.

2 mins

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR 2026 REFUND

With record amounts expected to be returned to taxpayers this year, having a plan for the money in advance is key.

4 mins

SLASH YOUR GROCERY BILLS WITH THESE HACKS

A host of tools and strategies can help you save up to 50% on some food items-without sacrificing good taste.

3 mins

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT MEDICARE CAN COST YOU

Many people are confused about important facts regarding the federal health insurance program for older adults.

3 mins

WILL MOUNTING MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT SINK STOCKS?

The broad U.S. stock market showed resilience as investors mulled the potential impact of escalated conflict in the Middle East, sparked by U.S.-Israeli air strikes on Iran that commenced at the end of February.

2 mins

THE KIPLINGER 25 ACTIVE MANAGERS PROVE THEIR METTLE

In a shifting market, most of our mutual fund picks did well.

10+ mins

SUSTAINABLE INVESTING IS IN SURVIVAL MODE

THE KIPLINGER ESG 20 UPDATE

5 mins

I Have Seen This All Before

I am writing four days after the attack on Iran, and although chaotic and volatile trading days surely lie ahead, I assert that your most constructive stance is to muse about the eventual opportunities and not lose your nerve in the meantime.

2 mins

A Market Guru Talks Stocks

JEREMY GRANTHAM, 87, studied economics at the University of Sheffield and attained an MBA at Harvard Business School before entering the investment field in the 1960s.

5 mins

WE ADD A NEW CORE BOND FUND

KIPLINGER ETF 20 UPDATE

1 mins

The Meaning of Dow 50,000

ON February 6, the Dow Jones industrial average breached 50,000 before falling back as geopolitical uncertainty took its toll.

4 mins

FUNDS TO HELP CALM FRAYED NERVES

THE year so far has been a choppy one for stock investors, with one worry after another cutting into the bullish trend. Investors went into 2026 with a renewed interest in defensive stocks, which can thrive even in a slow economy.

1 mins

7 SECRETS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR WEALTH

Here's what science reveals about the hidden emotions that drive financial behavior-and how you can use them to build lifelong security.

10+ mins

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HOME SALE GAINS

The editor of The Kiplinger Tax Letter responds to readers asking about an exclusion that can shield a seller's profits from taxes.

2 mins

Advice for Handling an Inheritance

LATELY I've been getting a lot of news releases about what's being called the Great Wealth Transfer—upwards of $124 trillion that could change hands between generations over the next 10 to 20 years. And much of that inheritance will likely end up in the hands of women—wives, daughters, siblings, granddaughters—if for no other reason than women tend to outlive men.

2 mins

Find a Missing Bank Account

FOR any number of reasons, you may have lost track of a bank account. Maybe you switched banks and never closed your checking or savings account at the former institution. Or perhaps when a parent or other relative died, their account slipped under the radar.

1 mins

HOW TO HELP YOUR ADULT KIDS WITHOUT HURTING YOUR RETIREMENT

Closing the Bank of Mom and Dad can be challenging- financially and emotionally. These tips pave the way.

10+ mins

Smart Ways to Give to Charity

THE NEW WORLD OF RETIREMENT

2 mins

FOREIGN STOCKS ARE HOT: HERE'S HOW TO TRADE THEM

FOR more than a year, going global with your portfolio has meant going gangbusters—many international equity markets, in a reversal of recent history, outperformed U.S. stocks. This overseas overachievement may have you looking beyond your international funds and mulling some specific stocks beyond our borders.

5 mins

Great Gifts for Graduates

Help a new grad get off on the right financial foot with these ideas.

2 mins

RUN A HOME INSURANCE CHECKUP

If you don't have sufficient coverage, your out-of-pocket costs in a claim could be through the roof.

4 mins

FAMILY VACATIONS FOR EVERY GENERATION

Use our guide to plan a trip the whole group– from toddlers to grandparents– will love.

10+ mins

Read all Stories from Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine Description:

Publisher: Future

Category: Investment

Language: English

Frequency: Monthly

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting on your financial journey, Kiplinger's Personal Finance offers guidance tailored to your needs. From tips on saving for college and buying a home to optimizing your portfolio and planning for a secure retirement, the magazine equips readers with the knowledge and tools to achieve financial stability and prosperity.

With a legacy spanning over 70 years, Kiplinger's Personal Finance has been a go-to resource for individuals seeking practical advice, expert insights, and valuable tips to manage their money effectively.

Within the pages of Kiplinger's Personal Finance, you'll find a wealth of information on topics such as budgeting, investing, retirement planning, taxes, and much more. The magazine offers a mix of engaging articles, expert analysis, and real-life success stories, providing readers with actionable strategies to navigate the complexities of personal finance.

Discover the power of Kiplinger's Personal Finance and unlock the secrets to financial success. Let the magazine be your trusted companion as you embark on a path toward financial well-being and take control of your financial future.