Ask Kim Archive

Prepare for Storm Season With Flood Coverage

Your homeowners policy won't pay for damage caused by rising water. Here's how to get the coverage you need.

Repaying the 2008 Home-Buyer Credit

People who accepted the tax credit to buy a first home in 2008 will have to start paying it back next year.

529 Money for College Expenses Only

But you can use money from a Coverdell education savings account for primary- and secondary-school expenses.

Should You Convert to a Roth IRA?

Ask yourself these five questions to determine whether you should move your money from a traditional IRA to a Roth.

5 Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund

Use the influx of cash to improve your financial situation.

Impact of Roth Conversions on College Aid

Converting an IRA to a Roth could affect the amount of funding your child receives for school.

Deductible Versus Nondeductible IRA Contributions

The type of contribution you make affects your tax bill when you withdraw the money or convert the account to a Roth.

Close a Credit-Card Account to Avoid Fees?

You might have to pay if you don't use your card, but you could hurt your credit score if you close the account.

Roth Contribution Redo

Here's what you can do if you've discovered your income was too high to contribute to a Roth after you already put money in your account.

More Credit-Card Fees Coming

Be on the lookout for these changes when you get your statement.

Taxes and Home-Sale Losses

If you sell a house that was converted to rental property at a loss, you might qualify for a tax deduction.

The Gift of a Roth

A parent asks Kimberly Lankford to explain the rules of funding an account for a child and how the money should be invested.

Two New Money Rules for Military Families

Benefit from the new GI Bill and the home-buyer credits.

8 Ways to Cut Insurance Costs for Teen Drivers

You can prevent your auto premiums from skyrocketing.

Tax-Free Money for Big Medical Expenses

Some people may be able to combine 2009 flexible-spending account money with 2010 money to cover expensive procedures.

Beware Refund-Anticipation Loans

There are other ways to get cash fast without the high interest rates and fees.

FAQs on the New Roth Conversion Rules

Here's what you need to know about switching a traditional IRA to Roth now that the income limit has disappeared.

How to Find a Good Tax Adviser

Here's how to make sure that the person preparing your return is legitimate.

Make the Most of Tax Breaks for College Expenses

Kim Lankford answers more questions about the American Opportunity Credit and other deductions for postsecondary education.

Tax Breaks for the Self-Employed

You can deduct a lot of expenses if you're setting up a new business -- or just doing some freelance work.

Roth IRA Rules

Kim Lankford responds to more questions about converting a traditional IRA to a Roth and opening an account for a child.

Take Advantage of the Extended COBRA Subsidy

The government will continue a little longer to help people who've lost jobs pay for health coverage.

The Year in Review

Kim Lankford reflects on the questions she received -- and advice she gave -- throughout 2009.

What to Know if You Rent Out Your House

Here's what you need to know about taxes and insurance if you turn your home into rental property.

Buy Time to Make Charitable Contributions for 2009

A donor-advised fund lets you take a tax deduction now and make your giving decision later.

Pay Less for Medicare Part B

You might be able to lower your premiums if your income has dropped because of a "life-changing event."

Lower Your Taxes With a 529

You may be able to get a state income-tax deduction for contributing to a college-savings plan.

Getting Life Insurance After Cancer

You may be able to get coverage depending on your condition.

What to Do When Your COBRA
Subsidy Ends

Hang on to your coverage because Congress is expected to pass some form of COBRA-subsidy extension.

Tax Breaks for Winterizing Your Home

Uncle Sam will help cover the cost of energy-efficient windows, doors and more.

Ways to Cut Small-Business Taxes

Make these moves now to lower your bill to Uncle Sam next spring.

Get a Bigger Tax Break for
College Expenses

The new American Opportunity credit will reduce your tax bill dollar for dollar.

401(k) Rollovers

If you have money hanging out in an account with a former employer, move it into your new 401(k), IRA or Roth IRA.

Get the Best Medicare Advantage Plan

This step-by-step guide will help you compare options from private insurers to find the best coverage for your needs.

Get the Best Medicare Prescription-Drug Plan for You

This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the Medicare Web site to compare your options.

7 Steps to Get a Holiday Job

Competition will be fierce, so here's how you can increase your chances of finding employment.

The Rising Cost of Long-Term Care

You'll pay a steep price for assisted living, a nursing home or a home health aide. That's why insurance is essential.

How Do I Tap My IRA?

If you're 59½ or older, follow these steps to access your money.

What's in Store for Medicare Part B Premiums

Some people will have to pay more for coverage next year.

Putting IRA Withdrawals Back Into Your Account

The IRS recently extended the period during which you can put 2009 distributions back into an IRA without tax consequences.

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