MONEY MOVES TO MAKE NOW You still have time to save money and improve your finances before the end of the year. We show you how to cut your taxes, boost your retirement savings and shore up your investments—and generally start 2019 in better financial shape.
PLUS: How to protect and enhance your credit.

ESTATE PLANNING: A FAMILY AFFAIR Leaving a legacy can be complicated, but we tell you how to update your estate plan, minimize taxes, avoid probate and make sure your heirs get all the money you want them to have.

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IS A DEBT BOMB TICKING? Companies have loaded up on a record amount of debt in recent years, thanks in part to superlow interest rates. Investors should exercise caution when choosing bonds and dividend-paying stocks.

YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO SAVE ON YOUR TAXES Tackling your return soon will give you enough time to claim all the tax breaks available
to you. PLUS: Know what you’ll owe for 2020.

MUTUAL FUND WINNERS Investors pushed U.S. markets to record highs in 2019, and most foreign markets dazzled, too. We list the topperforming
stock funds in 11 categories over one-, three-, five- and 10 years.

Don’t Go Into Retirement Blind
Get the most out of your next chapter without running out of money.

MOVING TO ANOTHER STATE? CHECK OUT TAXES FIRST State taxes can have a significant impact on your retirement income. We tell you where you can keep more of your money.

WHERE TO INVEST Eight trends for 2020 you should know. PLUS: 10 best stocks of the past 10 years—and 10 promising ones for the next decade.

RETIREMENT SAVINGS FOR THE SELFEMPLOYED No employer-sponsored plan? No problem. You have several options for putting away tax-deferred money for retirement.

THE BEST FUNDS FOR YOUR 401(K) How good are your retirement plan’s choices? We looked at the track records of the biggest actively managed funds in defined-contribution plans to see which ones deserve a place in your portfolio.

MONEY MOVES TO MAKE NOW As 2019 winds down, it’s time to take care of a few things: Trim your taxes, give to charity, take advantage of holiday sales, and improve your finances for the coming year. PLUS: Schedule a family money talk.

5 WAYS TO MAX OUT YOUR CREDIT CARD REWARDS Do you like getting cash back? Or do you prefer using points for travel? Our tips and strategies will help you get the most out of your rewards cards. PLUS: Best ways to cash in.

SPECIAL REPORT YOUR GUIDE TO OPEN ENROLLMENT This year you’re likely to have more choices among health plans. Make sure you choose one that meets your needs. PLUS: How to lower your health care costs. 

7 STEPS TO A BETTER PORTFOLIO Bad habits can undermine investing. Find success by focusing on the fundamentals. PLUS: Advice from the pros. 

DISCOVER YOUR ROOTS A DNA test can reveal a lot about your family history. Just be aware of the privacy risks—and the possible unintended consequences.

HOW TO COMPLAIN AND GET RESULTS Raising your voice won’t get you what you want. Getting a company to respond favorably is the better way to go.

HOW TO NAVIGATE OVERSEAS INVESTING Low-volatility foreign stock funds and ETFs are a low-stress way to approach uncertain markets.

WE RANK THE ONLINE BROKERS Which broker is best for you? We rate 10 brokers on commissions, research, fund selection and more.

SIMPLIFY YOUR FINANCES Check out our strategies to cut out financial clutter that can keep you from earning better returns, eliminating debt and paying lower fees.

NAVIGATING THE UNIVERSE OF ETFS We scoured the expanding world of exchange traded funds to update the Kiplinger ETF 20, the list of our favorites. Use our four ETF portfolios to help you reach your goals. PLUS: Smart ways to invest in ETFs.

SAFE CARS FOR LESS THAN $30,000 We looked at the test results of late-model used sedans, pickups, and small and large SUVs to find the safest vehicles at the best price.

RX FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO Health care stocks are inexpensive, and they are good bets for the long term. We found eight that are likely to prosper, from drugmakers to heath care service providers to medical device makers.

WHEN TO FIRE YOUR ADVISER If you lack chemistry, have trouble communicating or spot red flags, it may mean that it’s time for a breakup.

SMART PLACES TO RETIRE We found 10 cities with colleges that offer a wide variety of intellectual and cultural activities for retirees. Most have a moderate cost of living, and all are near top hospitals and located in states with retiree friendly taxes.

MAKING IT IN THE GIG ECONOMY Finding the perfect side hustle is just the beginning. To make the most of it, you’ll need to use new budgeting strategies, follow different tax rules and perhaps find new insurance policies.

WHERE TO PUT YOUR MONEY NOW The economy is humming and the Fed has stopped raising rates, but trade wars loom and the aging bull market can’t go on forever. It’s time to think more defensively about your investments. PLUS: Q&A with Brian Nick and five stocks to buy now. 

GREAT SIDE HUSTLES Looking for something beyond the well-known gig-economy jobs? You have a wealth of choices, says our expert.

THE BEST REWARDS CARDS FOR YOU Which credit cards are most rewarding? We found ones that can really pay off, whether you spend the most on gas, groceries or going places. PLUS: Category exceptions to watch out for.

THE PERKS OF OFF-SEASON TRAVEL Take a cruise during hurricane season? Visit a ski resort in summer? Go to Thailand during the rainy season? Absolutely. Save money and beat the crowds by thinking outside the travel box.

HOW TO GET HIGHER YIELDS Even though interest rates have reached a plateau for now, we found 33 income investments that will put a little more money in your pocket, ranging from super safe to a little out there on the risk scale.

HOW TO MAKE A MILLION (OR MORE!) Some reach the million-dollar milestone by saving and smart investing, others by parlaying a great idea into a thriving business. We share the stories of people who succeeded by being passionate, patient and persistent—and by having a clear vision of what their wealth could achieve. PLUS: How you can make a million by saving, starting a business, investing in real estate and more.

THE KIPLINGER 25 FUNDS: A WELL-TENDED FUND PORTFOLIO Our annual update of our favorite no-load mutual funds and how they fared over the past year. PLUS: Portfolios to reach your goals, and a new fund joins the Kip 25.

ID THEFT Identity thieves are more skilled at their nefarious craft than ever. We tell you how to prevent tax and medical ID theft, credit and debit card fraud, and phishing. PLUS: How to protect yourself by freezing your accounts.

DE-RISK YOUR FINANCES A financial crisis, such as job loss, a catastrophic illness or divorce, can be devastating if you’re not prepared for it. Use our guide to shock-proof your finances. PLUS: Strategies for dealing with a crisis.

10 STRATEGIES FOR IRA WITHDRAWALS Turning 70½ means taking required minimum distributions—and paying long-deferred taxes. Fortunately, there are ways to limit the tax hit.

A TAX GUIDE FOR INVESTORS Taxes on investments can be complex. Here’s what you need to know to keep more of your profits.

DINNER AND A SALES PITCH Financial advisers sometimes use high-pressure tactics to sell complicated—and expensive—annuities that might not be right for you.

OUR GUIDE TO SAVING ON YOUR TAXES The new tax law’s many changes could make filing this year’s returns . . . well, taxing. Use our guide to find out how to avoid headaches and score the biggest refund—or pay the lowest bill.

MUTUAL FUND GUIDE The latest trends in fund-dom range from zero-fee funds to new quantitative strategies. We tell you how to navigate a rapidly changing investment marketplace. PLUS: The best funds in 11 categories.

COUNTDOWN TO RETIREMENT Our checklist of financial moves to make 10 years, five years and one year before retirement will show you what to do. PLUS: Take a look at the most and least friendly states for retiree taxes.

GENERATION X: TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE Those born between 1965 and 1980 were hit hard by the Great Recession. But Gen Xers still have time to save for a secure retirement.

THE BOND FUND ROCK STAR The flagship funds of DoubleLine routinely trounce the competition. So when CEO Jeffrey Gundlach speaks, fixed-income investors listen.

WHERE TO INVEST IN 2019 A bear market could come in 2019 or later. Either way, it makes sense to prepare your portfolio. PLUS: 8 stocks to buy and 5 to sell.

NEW STRATEGIES FOR SMART BORROWING Rates are rising, and the new tax law changes the rules for writing off interest.

CASH IS NO LONGER TRASH Higher interest rates have an upside: Cash now generates more income, with little or no risk.

WHAT’S YOUR NEXT MOVE? After a nine-year bull market in stocks, it’s time to think about the next bear market. Some strategic adjustments now can cut the risk in your portfolio and keep it aligned with your goals.

HOW TO NAVIGATE EMERGING MARKETS Rising interest rates and a stronger dollar have been tough on emerging-markets stocks. But if you are patient and can ride out the ups and downs, this could be a good buying opportunity.

SPECIAL REPORT PICK A BETTER HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY Whether you get your health insurance from your employer or on your own, our strategies can help you get the best coverage at the best price.

MAKE YOUR MONEY LAST We look at three things new retirees need to know: how much you can safely withdraw from savings, how to avoid selling investments in a down market, and how to lock in guaranteed income for life.

THE BEST ONLINE BROKERS In a photo finish, TD Ameritrade edges the competition. But every broker in our ranking shines in one or more categories. PLUS: Find the broker that’s right for you.

CO-OPS PUT COLLEGE STUDENTS TO WORK Students in these programs often receive a job offer before graduation.

50 QUICK AND EASY MONEY TIPS Getting your financial life in order doesn’t have to take a lot of time. We’ve found 50 things you can knock out on your lunch hour—from boosting your credit score to putting your saving on autopilot.

ETFS WITH STAR POWER We add five new exchange-traded funds to the list of our 20 favourites. PLUS: Four portfolios to reach your goals.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR TERM IS UP Many are finding that they need life insurance longer than they thought they would.

9 GREAT PLACES TO RETIRE We searched from the shores of Maine to the Desert Southwest, and from the heart of Washington State to Florida’s Gulf Coast, to look for promising retirement destinations—and found smaller, affordable cities with access to great health care that could be perfect for your next stage of life. 

THE BEST BANK FOR YOU Banks and credit unions have different strengths that work well for different customers. Find out which institutions are best overall and which are best for seven distinct profiles.

65 AND STILL WORKING Not ready to retire in your mid sixties? Knowing the rules for Social Security, Medicare and retirement accounts will help you avoid potential pitfalls.

BAD NEWS. WHAT NOW? When a stock is embroiled in controversy, it’s either time to run or time to buy. We evaluate six companies that are in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. 

READY, WILLING AND ABLE Special taxfree accounts let people with disabilities save while preserving their government benefits.

DISASTER-PROOF YOUR HOME We run down the most effective ways to prepare and how to get help with the cost. 

HOW TO EARN UP TO 11% Our 35 incomegenerating ideas range from low-risk muni bonds to higher-risk REITs and MLPs. 

MAKING IT IN THE MIDDLE CLASS It’s tough to cover family needs and plan for financial goals on a modest income. We profile families across the country who are making it work.

THE RIGHT ADVICE AT THE RIGHT PRICE Sorting through the alphabet soup of financial adviser credentials and opaque fee structures can be daunting. So we shopped around to see how you can find the best fit for you.

EARLY ALERT SYSTEMS FOR IDENTITY THEFT Credit monitoring services sound the alarm if they spot fraud. But are they worth it? 

SMART WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR STUDENT LOANS Refinancing can lower payments, but first consider the pros and cons.

THE NEW RULES OF PHILANTHROPY Fewer people will itemize under the new tax law, but our strategies will help you get the most out of your charitable giving.

HOME PRICES KEEP CLIMBING Most areas are on the upswing, but rising interest rates and the new tax law may slow the market.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BITCOIN Don’t invest more than you can afford to lose.

FIDELITY’S GAME PLAN Amid the rising popularity of index investing, the fund company famous for its stock pickers is betting on actively managed funds. 

ARE YOU ON TRACK? With retirement getting closer, it’s time to crunch the numbers. We show you how to assess whether you’ve saved enough—and what to do if you haven’t. PLUS: How to overcome three retirement derailers.

GET A DEAL ON A NEW SET OF WHEELS Automobiles cost more than ever, but a combination of manufacturer incentives and smart negotiating can land you a bargain.

COVER STORY GREAT IDEAS FOR $1,000, $10,000 OR $100,000 Whether you have some extra cash or a major stash, we suggest how to invest, spend and splurge, plus ways to give back.

FINANCIALLY HAPPY EVER AFTER To avoid conflict, couples need to communicate about how they handle money. 

KIPLINGER’S BEST COLLEGE VALUES 2018 We rank the 300 top values among colleges and universities.

CONSIDER THE ALTERNATIVES Diversify your portfolio with these nontraditional funds.

WHERE TO INVEST IN 2018 The slow-and-steady  bull market rolls on. But investors would be wise to be selective and emphasize quality.  

RIDE ALONG WITH THE SCAM POLICE We spent time with the investigators tracking down the bad guys who engage in ID theft, investment fraud and elder abuse. 

THE VACATION LESS TRAVELED Beat the crowds by trading a popular destination for one that may not be on your radar screen.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 401(K) As the retirement savings plan turns 40, we ask, Is it working?

THE BEST LIST Our annual potpourri of stocks, bonds and funds, rewards credit cards, and deals on phone plans, cars and tech. 

YOUR EQUIFAX DEFENSE After the credit bureau’s massive data breach, take these steps to minimize the threat of ID theft.

THE RIGHT PRICE FOR ADVICE Overwhelmed by the marketplace of investment advisers? We can help. 

CROWDSOURCING What’s the best piece of financial advice you ever received?

INVESTING AT EVERY AGE We offer advice— and portfolios—whether you’re just starting out, raising a family, or in or near retirement.

DOG FOOD, TP AND INSURANCE? Warehouse clubs are offering discounts on financial services. Which ones are worth a try?

RENOVATIONS DONE RIGHT Your home remodel is more likely to come in on time and on budget if you follow these seven steps.

MORE ABOUT LIVING Hire a travel pro to plan your next trip. Buy the gasoline your car deserves.

GREAT DIVIDENDS, FAIR PRICES These six stocks pass the YARP test—they offer decent, and rising, yield at a reasonable price. 

WHEN IT PAYS TO BEND THE RULES There are times when it’s okay to defy these seven personal finance truisms. 

GET INCOME FOR LIFE You’ve amassed a sizable nest egg. Now the challenge is to make the money last as long as you do. Our 12 strategies will help you extend the life of your portfolio.

USE YOUR HOME TO GET MORE INCOME A reverse mortgage lets you tap your home equity without moving or selling your house.

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December 2018

KIPLINGER'S PERSONAL FINANCE provides down-to-earth advice on managing money and achieving financial security. We provide our readers with trustworthy information and practical guidance on saving, investing, planning for retirement, paying for college, buying an automobile, home and other major purchases, as well as reliable advice for all stages of their financial lives. Our readers are affluent and influential men and women who are actively involved in their personal-finance decisions, and we are guided by the expectation that they will act on what we write about and benefit from doing so.

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Kiplinger's Personal Finance - December 2018

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