Kaitlin Pitsker
Washington, D.C.
Communications professional, board game addict, kitchen experimenter, dog lover. Former Associate Editor at Kiplinger. Syracuse University Newhouse alumna
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Articles by Kaitlin Pitsker
Don’t Leave Your Benefits Behind
When changing jobs, lock down health insurance and don’t forget your 401(k). Getty Images By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor April 3, 2020 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance After almost eight years at Kiplinger, where I started my career as an intern, I’m moving on to a new job. I had to tie up a lot of loose ends as I eyed the exit, and one of the most important was figuring out what to do with workplace benefits, including health insurance and my retirement savings account.
Good Debt, Bad Debt: Knowing the Difference
With U.S. household debt at a record-breaking $14 trillion at the end of 2019, more Americans are learning to live with and manage debt. Since the financial crisis, consumer credit in its many forms--from student loans and mortgages to auto loans and credit cards--has grown. In recent years, a strong economy and job market have encouraged many people to spend and borrow more. SEE ALSO: Does Your Credit Card Measure Up? Not all debt is harmful to your financial health.
Good Debt, Bad Debt: Knowing the Difference
Illustration by Harry Campbell By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor March 6, 2020 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance With U.S. household debt at a record-breaking $14 trillion at the end of 2019, more Americans are learning to live with and manage debt. Since the financial crisis, consumer credit in its many forms—from student loans and mortgages to auto loans and credit cards—has grown. In recent years, a strong economy and job market have encouraged many people to spend and borrow more.
Tapping the Power of a Health Savings Account
Health savings accounts help defray the cost of high-deductible health plans. They’re also a powerful way to invest for retirement. By Nellie S. Huang, Senior Associate Editor and Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor March 5, 2020 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Lower Your Health Care Costs High-deductible health plans have a well-deserved reputation as a way for employers to pass along some of the burden of spiraling health costs to you.
Is College Still a Good Investment?
Douglas Webber is an associate professor in the economics department at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he focuses on labor and the economics of higher education. See Also: 20 Best College Values in the U.S. A recent study from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis suggested that the value of a college education has declined. Is college still worth the cost? For the average person, college is still overwhelmingly a good decision. But like any investment, there are risks.
Is College Still a Good Investment?
Rising college costs and heavy debt have raised doubts about the payoff from a college degree. Douglas Webber, an associate professor at Temple University in Philadelphia Photo by Jeff Wojtaszek By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor March 5, 2020 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Douglas Webber is an associate professor in the economics department at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he focuses on labor and the economics of higher education.
How to Shop for Life Insurance
No one needs to tell you why you should have life insurance: If you die and your family or anyone who depends on you for support could no longer count on your income, life insurance would replace that income--assuming you choose a policy with the amount of coverage that is right for you. SEE ALSO: Life Insurance: Beyond Just Estate Planning In addition to deciding on the coverage amount, you have a few more hoops to jump through--namely, whether to buy a whole life or term life policy.
A New Way to Repay College Loans
A little-known provision tucked into a law enacted at the end of 2019 allows parents to use money from their 529 college-savings plans to help their children pay off their student loans. SEE ALSO: Pros, Cons and Possible Disasters after the SECURE Act A provision in the SECURE Act (see Some Heirs Could Face a Tax Squeeze) allows owners of 529 plans to withdraw up to $10,000, tax-free, to make payments on the plan beneficiary's student loans.
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
No one needs to tell you why you should have life insurance: If you die and your family or anyone who depends on you for support could no longer count on your income, life insurance would replace that income — assuming you choose a policy with the amount of coverage that is right for you. Use these three easy steps to shop for a life insurance policy that's right for you.
A New Way to Repay College Loans
Parents may now use money from their 529 college-savings plans to help their children pay off student loans. Getty Images By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor January 30, 2020 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance A little-known provision tucked into a law enacted at the end of 2019 allows parents to use money from their 529 college-savings plans to help their children pay off their student loans.
Should You Buy or Rent a Home?
Zillow's economic research director Skylar Olsen joins our hosts Sandy Block and Ryan Ermey to discuss what factors to consider when deciding to buy or rent a home. Also, the pair offers money-smart travel tips to help you save. Episode Length: 00:29:56 | Links and resources mentioned in this episode SUBSCRIBE: Apple Google Play Spotify Overcast RSS Listen to more Your Money's Worth Podcasts Ryan Ermey: When it comes to homes, is it better to rent or buy?
Should You Bank With Google?
Daniel Latimore is a senior vice president for banking at research and consulting firm Celent. SEE ALSO: Best National Banks, 2019 Why are Apple, Google, Facebook and other tech companies interested in offering banking and financial services? It's not that banking is where the money is, but rather that banking is where the data is. Big tech has grown by monetizing data.
Great Getaways That Won't Break the Bank
Budget-minded travelers looking to get away in 2020 will find plenty of deals, thanks to new airline routes, increased competition among hotels and airlines, and a strong U.S. dollar. SEE ALSO: 34 Best Travel Websites to Save You Money To get the best fares and rates, you'll want to sign up for fare alerts, compare flight and hotel prices on search sites, and be flexible with your travel dates. Not sure where you want to go?
Should You Bank With Google?
Tech companies may offer better deals than traditional banks. But there’s a trade-off. Daniel Latimore, vice president for banking at Celent. Photograph by Adam Detour By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor December 27, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Daniel Latimore is a senior vice president for banking at research and consulting firm Celent. SEE ALSO: Best National Banks, 2019 Why are Apple, Google, Facebook and other tech companies interested in offering banking and financial services?
Great Getaways That Won't Break the Bank
A strong dollar and more competition are creating travel bargains here and abroad. Illustration by Iker Ayestaran By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor December 27, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Budget-minded travelers looking to get away in 2020 will find plenty of deals, thanks to new airline routes, increased competition among hotels and airlines, and a strong U.S. dollar.
Drone Delivery Gets Closer to Reality
What’s that up in the sky? A bird? A plane? Nah, just your drugstore order. Courtesy Walgreens By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor November 29, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Drones aren’t just for hobbyists anymore. Companies are racing to be among the first to use these lightweight, unmanned aircraft to deliver everything from medical supplies to food and electronics.
How to Run for Local Office
When Kathy Tran decided to run for the Virginia state legislature two years ago, the only political experience she could cite was serving as president of the PTA at her children's school. Tran says she didn't have political ambitions--until after the 2016 election.
How to Run for Local Office
If you’ve ever thought that you could do a better job than the elected officials currently in office, here’s how to launch a campaign—and win. By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor November 26, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance When Kathy Tran decided to run for the Virginia state legislature two years ago, the only political experience she could cite was serving as president of the PTA at her children’s school. Tran says she didn’t have political ambitions—until after the 2016 election.
Health Plans for Early Retirees
[Question]My wife and I plan to retire at age 55. Our main concern is what to do about health care until we are eligible for Medicare. What are our options? [Answer]As early retirees, you'll have several options for health insurance coverage until you qualify for Medicare at age 65. The biggest challenge is finding affordable health insurance coverage.
Health Plans for Early Retirees
Finding coverage until Medicare kicks in isn’t hard, but policies can be pricey. Getty Images By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor November 9, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance QMy wife and I plan to retire at age 55. Our main concern is what to do about health care until we are eligible for Medicare. What are our options? AAs early retirees, you'll have several options for health insurance coverage until you qualify for Medicare at age 65.
Time Your Package Delivery Right
Thanksgiving is late this year, which means shoppers will have less time to cruise the malls. But if you're getting a late start, you have reason to rejoice: More retailers than ever are offering fast and speedy shipping. The Kiplinger Letter forecasts that online purchases will surge 24% during this year's holiday season from a year earlier.
Time Your Package Delivery Right
Online shoppers who procrastinate get a reprieve, but it may not be free. Getty Image By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor October 31, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Thanksgiving is late this year, which means shoppers will have less time to cruise the malls. But if you’re getting a late start, you have reason to rejoice: More retailers than ever are offering fast and speedy shipping.
How to Lower Your Health Care Costs
As the cost of health care continues its upward march, insurers continue to raise premiums and shift a larger share of the bill to consumers. Mounting costs have fueled the national conversation, and health care is shaping up to be a key issue in the 2020 presidential election. See Also: 10 Myths About Health Savings Accounts Even with employer-provided insurance, your expenses--including premiums and out-of-pocket costs--will likely go up this year.
How to Lower Your Health Care Costs
Choosing the right insurance policy is key to managing higher deductibles and co-pays. By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor October 3, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance As the cost of health care continues its upward march, insurers continue to raise premiums and shift a larger share of the bill to consumers. Mounting costs have fueled the national conversation, and health care is shaping up to be a key issue in the 2020 presidential election.
Another Plus for High-Deductible Health Insurance Plans
New rules for plans with health savings accounts could trim your out-of-pocket costs. Getty Images By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor August 29, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance High-deductible health insurance plans with health savings accounts could become more attractive to people with chronic illnesses.
Drowning in Streaming Fees
With so many options to stream TV, movies and other programs, you could pay as much as you did for cable. Use our tips to save money and find the best services for you. By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor August 29, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Not so long ago, parting ways with your cable or satellite television provider left you with just a handful of viewing options.
HSA Investing When You Are Over 65
Older savers should revisit the investment mix in their health savings account as their tolerance for risk falls and their health care spending rises. Getty Images By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor August 29, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance QWhat are my investment options after age 65 with the remaining balance in my health savings account? AAs with your retirement accounts, you’ll generally want to shift toward a less-aggressive portfolio as you age to match your risk tolerance.
The Best College Values
Associate editor Kaitlin Pitsker joins the show to discuss Kiplinger’s annual college value rankings. Plus, Sandy and Ryan discuss tax holidays and other back-to-school shopping deals. Episode Length: 00:25:13 | Links and resources mentioned in this episode SUBSCRIBE: Apple Google Play Spotify Overcast RSS Listen to more Your Money's Worth Podcasts SEE ALSO: Kiplinger's Best College Values, 2019 Ryan Ermey: The hard-partying state university or the quaint liberal arts college?
How We Rank the Best College Values, 2019
This year, we've expanded our annual rankings to include 400 schools. Here's how we narrowed down our list to select the top colleges and universities for academics and affordability. To come up with our best values, we start with data on nearly 1,200 public and private four-year schools from Peterson’s Undergraduate Database, then add our own reporting. This year, we expanded our list to include 400 schools, plus 100 schools that just missed our list but also deliver great value.
20 Best College Values in the U.S., 2019
The cost of college has skyrocketed. Over the past 30 years, the average cost of tuition and fees at private four-year colleges has more than doubled, and costs for in-state students attending public colleges have tripled after adjusting for inflation, according to the College Board. For the 2018-19 academic year, the average sticker price at private nonprofit colleges, including tuition, fees, and room and board, was $48,510.
FAQs on Our Best College Value Rankings
Here are the answers to your questions about how we pick the schools on the list. Because so many variables affect what you'll pay for college -- including the type of school your child attends, your eligibility for financial aid, the kind of financial aid the school offers and the school's sticker price -- it's critical to start the college search by looking at the universe of colleges and not limit yourself to just private or just public schools.
20 Best College Values in the U.S., 2019
Slide Show By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor | July 25, 2019 Advertisement The cost of college has skyrocketed. Over the past 30 years, the average cost of tuition and fees at private four-year colleges has more than doubled, and costs for in-state students attending public colleges have tripled after adjusting for inflation, according to the College Board.
FAQs on Our Best College Value Rankings
Here are the answers to your questions about how we pick the schools on the list. Because so many variables affect what you'll pay for college -- including the type of school your child attends, your eligibility for financial aid, the kind of financial aid the school offers and the school's sticker price -- it's critical to start the college search by looking at the universe of colleges and not limit yourself to just private or just public schools.
Academic Showstopper: Hamilton College
Stellar academics, generous financial aid packages and impressive four-year graduation rate, help make this small liberal arts college a top notch pick for new students. Hamilton College, located in Clinton Hill, N.Y. Wikimedia Commons By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor July 25, 2019 From Kiplinger's Personal Finance Hamilton College, perched atop a hill and surrounded by the rolling farmlands of central New York, is a fixture on Kiplinger’s best college values list.
Kiplinger's Best College Values, 2019
Our expanded ranking names hundreds of colleges where you can get a quality education at an affordable price. When Kiplinger's began ranking colleges for best value two decades ago, concerns about the price of college weren't in the spotlight. Since then, the cost of attending college has skyrocketed. Over the past 20 years, the average cost of tuition and fees at private four-year colleges has increased 58% after adjusting for inflation.
How We Rank the Best College Values, 2019
This year, we've expanded our annual rankings to include 400 schools. Here's how we narrowed down our list to select the top colleges and universities for academics and affordability. To come up with our best values, we start with data on nearly 1,200 public and private four-year schools from Peterson's Undergraduate Database, then add our own reporting. This year, we expanded our list to include 400 schools, plus 100 schools that just missed our list but also deliver great value.
Academic Showstopper: Hamilton College
Stellar academics, generous financial aid packages and impressive four-year graduation rate, help make this small liberal arts college a top notch pick for new students. Hamilton College, perched atop a hill and surrounded by the rolling farmlands of central New York, is a fixture on Kiplinger's best college values list. Named for the founding father celebrated in the Broadway musical, the small liberal arts school attracts stellar students.
Kiplinger's Best College Values, 2019
Our expanded ranking names hundreds of colleges where you can get a quality education at an affordable price. When Kiplinger’s began ranking colleges for best value two decades ago, concerns about the price of college weren’t in the spotlight. Since then, the cost of attending college has skyrocketed. Over the past 20 years, the average cost of tuition and fees at private four-year colleges has increased 58% after adjusting for inflation.
Family finances: How to decipher a financial aid letter
Figuring out how much college will cost can be complicated, especially when some schools blur the lines between loans and grants. College websites and promotional materials publish sticker prices, which can easily top $65,000 a year at a private college or $25,000 a year for a public state school. But most families will pay far less. Need-based financial aid awards often cut a school's sticker price in half for families who qualify.
How to Use a Grandparent's 529 Account to Reimburse College Expenses
Through timely withdrawals and good recordkeeping, a grandparent's 529 college-savings plan can help families recoup money spent on college. [Question]Our daughter is the beneficiary of her grandfather's 529 college-savings account. We're paying the college bills, but can he reimburse us for those paid qualified education expenses? [Answer]Yes, he can reimburse you for qualified expenses, such as tuition, textbooks and fees, that you paid on your daughter's behalf.
How to Use a Grandparent's 529 Account to Reimburse College Expenses
Through timely withdrawals and good recordkeeping, a grandparent’s 529 college-savings plan can help families recoup money spent on college. Getty Images By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor July 23, 2019 QOur daughter is the beneficiary of her grandfather’s 529 college-savings account. We’re paying the college bills, but can he reimburse us for those paid qualified education expenses?
Find a laptop that fits you and your needs
Find a laptop that fits you and your needs Image by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay By: Kaitlin Pitsker Posted on: July 05, 2019 For all the convenience and computing power that smartphones and tablets offer, sometimes a full-fledged computer is still the best tool for completing tasks at home or even on the go. Today’s laptops typically have faster processing speeds, more storage capacity and longer battery life than their recent predecessors.
Raid the College Fund to Pay for K-12 Tuition?
Before you start using your 529 plan to pay private-school tuition, check with your state's plan. Until recently, 529 college-savings plans offered tax-free withdrawals only when the money was used for qualified college education expenses. But under the federal tax overhaul enacted at the end of 2017, parents can withdraw up to $10,000 tax-free from a 529 plan each year to pay for private-school tuition for kindergarten through 12th grade.
Raid the College Fund to Pay for K-12 Tuition?
Before you start using your 529 plan to pay private-school tuition, check with your state’s plan. Getty Images By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor July 3, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Until recently, 529 college-savings plans offered tax-free withdrawals only when the money was used for qualified college education expenses.
Find a Laptop That Fits You
If you're upgrading, you won't have to spend a bundle to get what you need. For all the convenience and computing power that smartphones and tablets offer, sometimes a full-fledged computer is still the best tool for completing tasks at home or even on the go. Today's laptops typically have faster processing speeds, more storage capacity and longer battery life than their recent predecessors.
Find a Laptop That Fits You
By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor June 6, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance For all the convenience and computing power that smartphones and tablets offer, sometimes a full-fledged computer is still the best tool for completing tasks at home or even on the go. Today’s laptops typically have faster processing speeds, more storage capacity and longer battery life than their recent predecessors.
The Talk Before Moving In Together
Merging households and finances is a major step. Be sure to have an open and honest dialogue about each other's income and spending habits beforehand. Millennials are waiting longer than previous generations to get married, but that doesn't mean we're navigating our finances solo. About 30% of millennials are married, and about 15% of people age 25 to 34 live with an unmarried partner, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Talk Before Moving In Together
Merging households and finances is a major step. Be sure to have an open and honest dialogue about each other's income and spending habits beforehand. By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor June 6, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Millennials are waiting longer than previous generations to get married, but that doesn’t mean we’re navigating our finances solo.
2019 College Graduates Have a Healthy Job Market
They can expect multiple offers as boomers retire and the economy chugs along. Edwin Koch, research director of the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Photograph by Lisa J. Godfrey By Kaitlin Pitsker, Associate Editor May 9, 2019 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Edwin Koc is research director at the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which connects colleges and universities with recruiting professionals.
2019 College Graduates Have a Healthy Job Market
They can expect multiple offers as boomers retire and the economy chugs along. Edwin Koc is research director at the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which connects colleges and universities with recruiting professionals. SEE ALSO: Best College Majors for a Lucrative Career 2019 With the unemployment rate at historic lows, how difficult will it be for new graduates to find a job? This year's graduates will have an easier time finding work than at any time in the past decade.
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