Kiplinger.com

Associate Editor Jerry Idaszak explores the factors that will add up to another rough year for real estate.; Reporter Laura Kennedy looks at a coming boom in natural personal care products.; Senior Associate Richard Sammon looks at how the now wide-open presidential race will unfold; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon looks at the looming battles between Congress and the president this year over Iraq and other issues; Editor-in-Chief Knight Kiplinger discusses how the economy can muster some growth this year despite a variety of challenges.; On market turmoil and politics, Kiplinger forecasts were right on. But we missed a few calls, too.; Senior Editor Mark Willen looks at new efforts to keep orbital junk from creating a billion-dollar accident.; Associate Editor Matthew Mogul discusses new SEC-led effort to bring clarity to fund prospectuses.; Associate Editor Andrew Schneider looks at the long-term prospects for the greenback.; Associate Editor Jim Ostroff talks about how rising fossil fuel prices and global warming concerns are giving nuclear power a lift. ; What's roiling stocks? Kiplinger's Personal Finance Senior Editor Jeff Kosnett discusses.; As mortgages pains worsen, what will Washington do? Associate Editor Matthew Mogul explores the options.; Deputy Managing Editor Mark Sfiligoj discusses how the Pacific ocean phenomenon will shape weather here on land.; Senior Editor Mark Willen looks at what the polarizing debate means for the election -- and business.; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon looks at forces that will help Democrats boost their numbers.; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon looks at the long odds for Republicans in 2008.; Associate Editor Jerry Idaszak looks at when we might see a recovery in the mortgage markets. ; A big sellout of small firms is coming. Who will take the reins? Senior Editor Peter Goldstein explores a generational shift.; Senior Editor Peter Goldstein takes the temperature of an economy running both hot and cold.; Associate Editor Richard Sammon discusses how despite doing well in the polls, Rudy Guliani doesn't hold the lead.; Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor Peter Blank sees some action from Congress this year. But no outright repeal of the hated minimum tax.; Right now, business can still borrow, but that might not last. Associate Editor Matthew Mogul looks at how banks are trying to stop a selloff. ; Managing Editor Melissa Bristow says supply and demand will continue to rise dispite the industries recent woes. ; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon on how the Democratic nomination is Clinton's to lose.; Senior Editor Peter Goldstein delivers a one minute update. Which car maker will fare best? GM.; Associate Editor Jim Ostroff looks at how a weak dollar and other factors will make for a tough winter.; Senior Editor Peter Goldstein gives our analysis of how the economy will fare heading into the holiday season.; Associate Editor Jerry Idaszak looks at housing's tough times, and how some home buyers can take advantage.; Associate Editor Matthew Mogul has insights on where the bright spots are in a generally bleak third quarter.; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon looks at what the 2008 presidential candidates have to say on taxes on the economy.; State attorneys general are burning the midnight oil. Reporter Laura Kennedy looks at where they'll crack down.; Associate Editor Jerry Idaszak looks at what rate cuts can -- and can't -- do to help housing.; Associate Editor Jerry Idaszak examines the current state of our economy and predicts what kind of growth can be expected.; Tainted food, leaded toys ... now problems with a key component of our infrastructure. Associate Editor Jim Ostroff looks at the risks.; What differences exist between Republican and Democratic candidates when it comes to regulating greenhouse gases?. Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon discusses.; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon looks at where the presidential candidates disagree -- and agree -- on tax policy.; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon examines the fast-moving races for president -- and control of Congress.; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammons examines how this years Presidential primaries will be competing with Christmas and News Years for voters attention.; Senior Editor Mark Willen discusses how a crackdown aimed at illegal immigrants could have firms worried that the sky is falling.; Associate Editor Jerry Idaszak gives our updated economic outlook in the wake of recent volatility in the financial markets.; The correction will continue, creating buying opportunities for smart investors. But this isn't the start of a bear market. ; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon examines what benefits could come from this historic combination.; Associate Editor Jerry Idaszak gives our mid-year economic update.; Associate Editor Jim Ostroff explains how buying and selling car leases has become less of a headache and more of a money saver.; How are Chinese and U.S. officials reacting to product safety concerns? And, how will U.S. firms be affected?; Senior Editor Jeff Kosnett says quality will cushion investors in a volatile market.; Associate Editor Andrew Schneider explains why there's no reason to leave all the benefits of exporting to the big guys.; andrew; exports; inports; schneider; small business; Kiplinger's Editor in Chief Knight Kiplinger talks about the dangers that heavily leveraged firms pose to the whole economy.; An unpopular war has both Democrats and Republicans in some awkward spots as they define their presidential candidacies. ; Senior Editor Mark Willen explains some of the plans for immigration and if there's a resolution in sight.; Senior Editor Mark Willen explores where the Presidential candidates stand on this vital issue.; Associate Editor Martha Craver discusses how a consensus to tame soaring health costs will emerge -- no matter who wins in 2008.; Associate Editor Matthew Mogul discusses how peer-to-peer lending sites are giving entrepreneurs a new way to raise cash.; Senior Editor Peter Goldstein looks at how next year's economic growth hangs on the housing sector finding a bottom.; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon discusses the balance of power in the 2008 Congressional Election.; Senior Editor Mark Willen looks at how former Senator Fred Thompson would fare if he decides to make a go of running for president.; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon discusses America's widespread drought, how long it will last, and how businesses will adapt.; Associate Editor Andrew Schneider discusses India's growing promise as a market, and what hurdles still remain for U.S. firms who want to set up shop there.; Associate Editor Jerry Idaszak looks at whether rates will continue to climb, if this reflects growing inflation dangers, and the impact on the housing market.; Associate Editor Jerry Idaszak looks at prospects for the U.S. manufacturing sector, from sales abroad to employment.; Senior Editor Peter Goldstein explores what weak GDP figures in the first quarter, other indicator's mean for the rest of the year's economic outlook.; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon examines how businesses will fare this year under a democratic Congress.; Senior Tax Editor Joan Pryde discusses the $300 billion discrepancy that IRS is currently experiencing with its audits.; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon looks at who's emerging from the pack, and what campaign hurdles they'll face.; Associate Editor Jim Ostroff explains why problems with oil refineries are causing gas prices to steadily increase.; Senior Editor Mark Willen explains how businesses will be affected by the new immigration bill.; Ward Hubbell, President of Green Building Initiative, lays out the benefits of constructing energy efficient buildings.; Associate Editor Jim Ostroff details the future of Chrysler after the sale to Cerberus.; Peter Blank, Editor of The Kiplinger Tax Letter, discusses the Democrats' priorities -- and their odds for acheiving them.; Associate Editor Jim Ostroff discusses how global warming is affecting the business community.; Senior Associate Editor Richard Sammon discusses the reversal of roles between the parties in terms of funding.; Senior Editor Peter Goldstein gives us an update on the U.S. economic situation so far this year.; Foreign auto manufacturers are gaining ground over the US. Associate Editor Jim Ostroff discusses the future of the US auto industry.; Associate Editor Andrew Schneider on the likely outcome of Bush's fight with Congress over Iraq.; The airline industry will see profits this year, but travelers should expect some more congestion in the terminals.; Associate Editor Martha Craver sees health care costs continuing to go up, but some companies are keeping that rise to a minimum.; Associate Editor Matthew Mogul says companies will get a bit more flexibility. But not much.; Even though the stock market went through a bit of a rough first quarter, Senior Editor Jeff Kosnett sees a promising rest of the year.; Things are still too early to call, but the 2008 presidential elections are starting to heat up.; How are energy prices going to fare in 2007? Jim Ostroff gives Kiplinger's energy forecast for this year.; Kiplinger senior editor Peter Goldstein sees tighter restrictions on mortgage loans, delaying any housing rebound until next year. But a recession? We don't think so.; Watch Peter Goldstein, senior editor, discuss how this year will shape up economically. ; See what Mark Willen, senior editor, believes will be the future of immigration this year. ; Knight Kiplinger welcomes you to our new Business Resource Center; Sellers are using ads and the Internet to drum up interest in penny stocks, then selling. Stay away!; This lets you use some of your contributions to build an annuity for lifetime income. Is it a good idea?; With a lot of uncertainty about the state of the U.S. economy, look for more volatility than normal.; With the Fed cutting rates, yieldson super-safe investments are heading down.; The environment is a political football. But you can score a touchdown investing in "green" companies.; It's getting harder to shift investment income to your kids.; Tax-smart ways to save money with your investments.; Last-minute ways you can reduce your tax bill.; Earl Crawley, 69, earns $20,000 a year as a parking-lot attendant. But he has amassed a stock portfolio worth more than $500,000.; What to look for when you want help plotting your financial future. ; Janet; business; financial; planner; What should you do when long-term rates are low and short-term rates relatively low? ; Lump sum or monthly check? Depends on several factors. Learn what's best for you. ; There are thousands to choose from. How to decide which are best for you. ; In a volatile market, it depends on your time horizon - and your patience & courage.; It's not for every body, but done right can be a good deal.; Kiplinger Editor Manny Schiffres discusses what to expect in the months ahead.; manny; market; outlook; Use a flexible spending account to pay medical and child-care bills with pre-tax dollars. ; FSA; Mary Beth; care; child; Health Savings Accounts let you pay medical costs with pre-tax dollars and save for retirement. ; HSA; Mary Beth; Retirement; business; Kiplinger editors discuss what to expect in the months ahead.; Finance; business; manny; market; stock; Exchange Traded Funds offer new ways to invest and diversify, but not without some negatives.; ETF; Finance; business; manny; Watch Bob Frick, senior editor for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, discuss the finer business points of the only guitar store you'll ever need.; Finance; bob; bob frick; business; frick; guitar center; guitars; Interest rates have changed. Here's the lowdown on what you'll pay now.; Finance; Jane Bennet; business; loans; student; How to maximize return on your money when it's between investments.; Finance; Mary Beth; accounts; business; sweep; Sifting through the alphabet soup of mutual funds to find the best type for you.; Finance; Mutual Funds; business; manny; A lot depends on how much help you want. Here are some tips for making your choice.; Finance; broker; business; discount; manny; Why you should put a portion of your portfolio in international stocks--and how to do it.; Finance; Stocks; business; international; manny; If you qualify, Stafford rates are dropping. Even if you don't, they are still a good deal.; After graduation, students who have several loans can consolidate them. Is this a good idea?; These state-sponsored college savings plans are becoming increasingly popular. Here's why.; Dying without a will - or an outdated one - or a guardian often leaves a big mess for loved ones.; Here's how parents can help with the downpayment, satisfy lenders and not pay any gift tax.; In a bad market, this couldbe a good time to buy. Here's what to look for to get the best deal.; The subprime fiasco's made things tougher. Lenders are more careful and you should be, too.; Do you see trouble ahead? Here are some things to do now to make it through.; When your employer's coverage stops, what to do to be sure you're protected.; As many employers look to cut costs, make sure you select the best policy for you and your family.; This guarantees a good payout if you're concerned you'll outlive your money. But is it a good deal?; Like everything else they've done, Boomers are reshaping retirement. Here's what they're up to.; Plan members won't be able to move accounts to outside providers, but will have more investment choices.; Tips for making your home more attractive to sellers to help you close the deal quickly. ; As we live longer, more and more of us will need long-term care. Here's how to figure how much of this expensive insurance you should get. ; It's a convenient way+B618 to make charitable donations without all the paperwork. ; How to get the most for your house without overpricing and driving buyers away. ; Should you count on the equity in your home to feather your nest egg? That depends. ; A reverse mortgage might be just the thing for seniors who need money and want to stay in their home.; Finance; Mary Beth; business; mortgage; reverse; Card companies can find ways to get more of your money. Here's how to tell if your issuer wears a black hat or a white hat.; What you should put into a contract to protect yourself, and why you shouldn't over do it.; Card companies are offering them, saying it's a good way to teach responsible spending. We're not so sure. ; In most cases, you can't get to retirement funds before you're 59.5. Here are some ways you can. ; This "do-it-yourself pension" provides steady income, but be sure you know what you're getting. ; Annuity; Mary Beth; business; pension; College costs keep rising. But the schools offer grants and loans. Here are tips for shopping to get the most you can. ; When do you need it, and when can you do without?; When do you need it, and when can you do without?; How to protect yourself if someone steals your ATM card number and wipes out your checking account. ; You need one to be ready in case something unexpected happens.; Finance; Janet; business; emergency; fund; Uncle Sam probably owes you a telephone tax return. If you didn't claim it, here's how to do it now. ; What to do when your parents pass away and you need to sell their home.; Should you always have it? At what stages do you need it? How much?; Why are more young adults living with their parents.; Intended to ensure the rich paid their share, this tax hits more Americans each year. Are you one?; AMT; Finance; business; tax; Follow these tips to ensure that your vacation home is one you can enjoy for years to come. ; Housing; Pat; business; house; mortgage; How boomers can handle possibly receiving inheritance money.; Many boomers are turning hobbies into careers.; 529 plans and prepaid tuition plans both save you money. Which is better for you?; You need costly private mortgage insurance if your down payment's under 20%. Can you ever drop it?; Finance; PMI; Pat; business; mortgage; Good records, detailed claims and persistence help you get your money faster and avoid problems. ; budget; business; insurance; kim; Here's a simple, no-cost way to boost the earning power of your Individual Retirement Account.; Finance; IRA; Janet; business; Dont give Uncle Sam an interest-free loan Here's how to keep more of your money.; Finance; Janet; Tax cut; business; taxes; Watch Bob Frick, senior editor for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, discuss the finer business points of the only guitar store you'll ever need.; Finance; bob; bob frick; business; frick; guitar center; guitars; There's a good time and a bad time. Knowing the difference can mean success.; Finance; Janet; business; raise; Here's how to find the right homeowners insurance at the best price and avoid cancellation. ; budget; business; home; kim; protect; Where to go to get free reports and how to interpret them when you've got one. ; Finance; Janet; business; credit; report; New congress changes means inheriting a 401(k) is easier if you are a named beneficiary.; Many companies are freezing or dropping pensions. What to do if it happens to you.; Finance; Mary Beth; business; pensions; Redefining retirement for baby boomers; boomer; Mary Beth; Retirement; When do you need it? How much? Term or whole life?; Finance; Janet; business; insurance; How to be sure your parents are getting the care they need when you're not nearby.; Finance; Mary Beth; business; long-term care; Will you need it? Probably, as nursing-home costs keep rising. What to look for in a policy.; Finance; Mary Beth; business; insurance; long-term care; nursing; Military families have unique opportunities to save for retirement and new rules to boost amounts. ; Military; budget; business; kim; When you move on to another job, what should you do with your 401(k)? ; A survey of your home's energy use will help you cut costs and make your home more comfortable. ; Pat; budget; business; energy; home; Why not? If the kid has earned income, sock the money in a Roth and the kid's on the way to wealth.; Finance; IRA; Janet; business; kids; Retirement can last decades. Here are tips to help you live well as long as yours lasts. ; Mary Beth; Retirement; business; What to look for when you want help plotting your financial future. ; Janet; business; financial; planner; Ask someone who shares your values and circumstances and make it official in a will. ; business; guardian; jane; kids; What can boomers expect to get from pensions and social security--and what can they do to build their nest egg?; Finance; Mary Beth; Retirement; boomer; business; You can save thousands in interest. When does it make sense? Can you do better with the money? ; Finance; Housing; Pat; business; mortgage; Now even the dead aren't safe. Learn how to keep thieves from stealing a departed loved one's name.; Finance; ID Theft; Mary Beth; business; What you pay your agent is negotiable, but in a slowing market will you want to pay less? ; Pat; budget; business; real estate; Practical tips for getting your credit back if you're a victim.; Finance; ID Theft; Jane Bennet; business; identity; They're both good retirement savings tools, but which one's better for you?; Finance; IRA; Mary Beth; Roth; business; Costs are increasing. Will you lose out if you save a lot? Should you keep money in your kid's name?; Finance; Janet; business; college; Here's how to get the most for your money.; Finance; business; home; insurance; A top-of-the-line tie will last you a lifetime. But not all silk ties are alike. Let's go to the tie store with Kiplinger writer Jane Bennett Clark and see what's available.; Finance; business; ties; vintage vines; Your kid can have the experience of a lifetime, for about the same cost as studying at home. ; business; jane; study abroad; What to do when things go wrong. Here are tips for getting satisfaction without blowing your top.; COmplaining; Finance; Jane Bennet; business; The market is slowing and prices are falling. Wait if you can, but if you must buy, go for value ; Pat; budget; business; mortgage; If you've got outstanding loans, why you should consider consolidating now.; Finance; Jane Bennet; business; loans; student; It's a new retirement savings plan great for youngsters starting and high paid employees.; 401k; Finance; Mary Beth; Roth; business; Cutting through the confusion with sensible ways to select a plan and register in time.; Finance; Medicare; Medicare D; business; Where's your money going? Would some of it be better going somewhere else?; Finance; Janet; budget; business; From cultural events and reduced-cost classes to sporting events and more, these places have plenty to offer retirees.; Why are more young adults living with their parents.; If you can't get the forms done on time, now you have until October, But you still must pay by April. ; Depending on your income, this can save you money. Find out if you qualify. ; You can split your refund and have some go to your retirement or vacation account, pay bills, etc.; Rules designed to make sure the rich paid their share are beginning to affect the not-so-rich. Are you one? ; When you sell inherited property, the value for tax purposes is what it was when the deceased died.; If your child had earned income, you can open an IRA for him or her and watch the money grow. ; Depends on their income. And they should if they had tax withheld and can get it back. ; Take all the deductions you're entitled to, and if you don't cheat chances are slim youll be audited. ; Congress renewed some too late to make the forms. Here's how to find out what you're entitled to. ; Paying a tax bill by credit card can cost a lot, and instant refunds can wipe out what you get. ; Card companies can find ways to get more of your money. Here's how to tell if your issuer wears a black hat or a white hat.; How to protect yourself if someone steals your ATM card number and wipes out your checking account. ; You really can get an advanced degree for little or no out-of-pocket expense. Here's how. ; Janet; business; graduate; school; Where to go to get free reports and how to interpret them when you've got one. ; Finance; Janet; business; credit; report; What to look for when you want help plotting your financial future. ; Janet; business; financial; planner; They're both good retirement savings tools, but which one's better for you?; Finance; IRA; Mary Beth; Roth; business; It's a new retirement savings plan great for youngsters starting and high paid employees.; 401k; Finance; Mary Beth; Roth; business; Where's your money going? Would some of it be better going somewhere else?; Finance; Janet; budget; business; When you think about how much you can afford to pay, don't leave yourself with empty pockets.; Finance; Housing; Pat; business; home; mortgage; With credit tightening, getting a car loan can be tough. Here are some things to do to get the loan.; We answer the big questions: When to start, how much to pay, and should the money be tied to chores.; Kids should manage cash first, then move on to credit when they're mature enough to handle it.; Three easy steps to a stellar score that will get you the best rates.; It could be a good deal. But there are other things you should consider besides price. Here are some.; Having trouble paying all your bills? Here are some tips for dealing with that debt.; Tuition is just the beginning. Who pays for books, fraternity dues, the cell phone and the rest?; You'll get more accurate mpg info, along with data about crash test results.; Hybrids are cleaner, but also expensive. Here are some alternatives to consider to drive "green."; You can contribute to environmental causes to offset some polution you create. Does it make any sense?; Getting a good deal on price isn't the only consideration. Here are some other things to look for.; Adding collision damage waiver to a rental car bill can double the cost. Is it worth it? ; Rates are always changing. What you should do to get the best rate. ; No one gets the miles per gallon shown in the ads. The EPA has new standards starting with '08 models. ; It's a leading cause of divorce. Here are some suggestions for avoiding them.; Janet Bodnar; Kiplinger; Love; Spousal Spat; hate; money; How to maximize your savings without buying a lifetime supply of mayonnaise.; Which ones get the environmentalists' nod as best. You might be surprised. ; They've had a bad rep, but new ones perform better and can save you money.; It can be done. And can save you money too. Here's how.; Improving your credit score and shopping around can help you benefit from new pricing rules. ; business; credit; insurance; kim; The deduction's no longer so great. Are you better off selling then making a generous cash donation? ; Mark; business; car; donate; While they're away, you might be able to save a bundle on insurance. Here's how. ; Mark; business; cars; college; kids; The generous credit for some gas-electric hybrids is getting less generous. ; Mark; budget; business; hybrids; tax break; This corn-based fuel sounds like the solution to our addiction to oil, but its payoff is years away ; Mark; business; ethanol; problem; The rule covers kids up to age 18, but you still save by keeping some investments in their name. ; Mary Beth; business; kiddie; tax; Here are ways to keep them covered until they¿ve got a job that offers them health insurance. ; Health; Janet; adult; business; insurance; Single, married, widowed, divorced, you'll likely face different challenges for a secure retirement. ; Janet; Retirement; Women; business; It's not just the rich who can benefit from these agreements. Here's why you might need one, too. ; Janet; Prenup; agreements; business; You really can get an advanced degree for little or no out-of-pocket expense. Here's how. ; Janet; business; graduate; school; Probably not. But you can avoid some hidden costs. Here's how.; Finance; Mark; business; speeding; ticket; When you think about how much you can afford to pay, don't leave yourself with empty pockets.; Finance; Housing; Pat; business; home; mortgage; Improvements add to the value of your home. Some might add too much. Should you care?; Finance; Pat; business; home; project; What to do to be sure you get on and what you might get in case you don't.; Finance; Jane Bennet; airplane; bumped; business; As rates inch up, the choice is not so clear, and much depends on how long you'll be in the house.; Finance; Fixed; Pat; adjustable; business; house; mortgage; rate; Not really. Balance some would say sanity is returning to the housing market. It's not a bad thing.; Finance; Housing; Pat; business; real estate; Kiplinger offers a look at the year ahead for the housing market.; Finance; Pat; business; house; real estate; Hybrids get great mileage and help the environment, but are they worth the higher price? ; Finance; business; cars; gas; hybrid; price; Depends on how long you keep it. And if you lease, here's how to get the best deal.; Finance; Mark; business; buy; car; lease; Kimberly Lankford debunks misconceptions about getting health insurance on your own and explains how people can get coverage as long as they know the steps to take.; Richard Florida explains why choosing the right city is important to your financial future and how his creative class and lifestages were used in selecting the Kiplinger/Richard Florida 25 Best Cities. ; Best Cities; Editors; Florida; Kiplinger; richard; San Francisco; Washington; washington dc; buying; Finance; home; Live; places; rent; A top-of-the-line tie will last you a lifetime. But not all silk ties are alike. Let's go to the tie store with Kiplinger writer Jane Bennett Clark and see what's available.; Finance; business; ties; vintage vines; Watch Bob Frick, senior editor for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, discuss the finer business points of the only guitar store you'll ever need.; Finance; bob; bob frick; business; frick; guitar center; guitars; Bored with leisure time, Jay Franklin, 69, went back to work. Senior Editor Mary Beth Franklin gets the story from a special source.; Executive editor Manny Schiffres discusses the characteristics of great mutual funds -- including superior long-term performance, proven managers and low fees.; Associate Editor Jane Bennett Clark explains how we picked our top 100 schools.; See how Kiplinger's magazine art department made energy conservation and recycling into a festive decorating theme.; test player http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid572031303http://www.brightcove.com/channel.jsp?channel=174424181
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