Kiplinger's Personal Finance - September 2026

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.

Publisher:: Future
Category:: Investment
Language:: English
Frequency:: Monthly

In this issue

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PREDICTION MARKETS ARE COMING FOR YOU

As these platforms expand, they're targeting an older, more affluent audience. But it pays to be wary of the hype.

1 min

SPEND MORE IN RETIREMENT WITHOUT FEAR OF RUNNING OUT

Creating an income stream that mimics a paycheck can help you safely loosen the purse strings.

1 min

RENOVATIONS BOOM AS THE HOUSING MARKET STALLS

Thinking about remodeling? Here's how to pick the right project and nab the best price.

1 min

THE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND EDGES CLOSER TO RUNNING DRY

The outlook for the trust fund that pays out Social Security benefits to retirees is getting more grim. Without intervention, the fund will be depleted at the end of 2032, according to projections in the 2026 annual report from the program’s board of trustees.

1 min

A COLOSSAL SHIFT TOWARD ETFs

In the fast-changing world of exchange-traded funds, our favorites stand out.

1 min

HOW TO CASH IN ON THE FINAL FRONTIER

Space stocks come with big promise—and even bigger caveats.

1 min

A COLORFUL, CONTROVERSIAL LEGACY

Alan Greenspan, the five-time Fed chair, left a huge mark on the U.S. economy.

1 min

TECH IS DRIVING THESE FUNDS HIGHER

THERE are no new stories, just old ones with new characters. Consider this: Three stock funds in the Kiplinger 25, our favorite actively managed, no-load mutual funds, have each returned nearly 60% or better over the past 12 months, trouncing the 22% gain in the S&P 500.

1 min

The Appeal of a Fund Manager

I'LL start with what you already know: Index funds, with portfolios determined by computer algorithms to reflect categories of stocks and bonds, have a much better track record than funds whose stocks and bonds are selected by human beings—so-called actively managed funds.

1 min

The First Half, Somehow, Passes Our Tests

Since 2012, we have written that the 2-2-2 pattern of 2% economic growth, 2% inflation and 2% interest rates is ideal for income investors.

1 min

The Greatest Generation of Bond Funds, in Twilight

Through the 2010s, and as recently as our February 2020 letter, we extolled a sextet of classic funds and their leaders as The Greatest Generation.

1 min

Ask Jeff

Readers are invited to send questions about income investments to jkosnett@kiplinger.com. I'll answer you personally if there's no space here for a published reply.

1 min

Model Portfolio: Dividend-a-Month

We review each of our model portfolios every four months. This check-up and analysis was published in the April, 2026, issue and covers the period ending March 20, 2026. For the latest data and to keep up to date, subscribe to Kiplinger Investing for Income.

1 min

Model Portfolio: Juiced Up Cash

We review each of our model portfolios every four months. This check-up and analysis was published in the July, 2026, issue and covers the period ending June 18, 2026. For the latest data and to keep up to date, subscribe to Kiplinger Investing for Income.

1 min

Model Portfolio: Tax-Exempt Income

We review each of our model portfolios every four months. This check-up and analysis was published in the May, 2026, issue and covers the period ending April 17, 2026. For the latest data and to keep up to date, subscribe to Kiplinger Investing for Income.

1 min

Model Portfolio: Going for the Max

We review each of our model portfolios every four months. This check-up and analysis was published in the June, 2026, issue and covers the period ending May 15, 2026. For the latest data and to keep up to date, subscribe to Kiplinger Investing for Income.

1 min

INFLATION IS STICKY. FIGHT IT WITH THESE FUNDS.

THE specter of inflation seems likely to haunt the economy for the foreseeable inflation-proof future.

1 min

The Sweet Spot for Dividends

LAST month I proclaimed short (but not ultra-short) maturities as the ideal place along the present fixed-income curve. Is there also an ideal target for yield-seeking stock investors?

1 min

FIND THE BEST BANK FOR YOU

We studied interest rates, fees, premium services and other account features. These institutions rose to the top.

1 min

TAX BREAKS FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED

The editor of The Kiplinger Tax Letter responds to readers asking about deductions for retirees who work part-time for themselves.

1 min

A Financial Helpline for Women

SAVVY Ladies is a nonprofit organization providing resources for women to build their financial knowledge.

1 min

Switch Cards, Keep Your Credit History

AS your spending habits evolve, you may find that a credit card that once served you well is no longer a good fit.

1 min

THRIVE IN YOUR FIRST YEAR OF RETIREMENT

As a record number of Americans turn 65, staying flexible—in your finances and your plans—will be key to achieving your best post-work life.

1 min

Getting My Affairs in Order

DURING my long career in journalism, I was good at meeting deadlines, which made me popular with editors.

1 min

HOW TO READ AN IPO PROSPECTUS

IPOs are back—and so is the hype.

1 min

A Final Gift to Your Family

By planning your own funeral, you can spare your loved ones some stress and create a meaningful send-off.

1 min

HOMEOWNERS: DON'T SKIP THIS PROTECTION

An owner’s title insurance policy shields your finances in the event of a dispute.

1 min

THE ALLURE OF A RIVER CRUISE

Small ships, personalized service and compelling destinations are a few of the reasons to travel on inland waterways.

1 min

What's the best investment you've ever made?

My best stock investment was purchasing Apple in 2006 at the urging of my wife, who loved her Apple computer for composing music.

1 min

Read all stories from Kiplinger's Personal Finance

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