Kiplinger Today finance digest

Want to build total financial strength? Start by improving this. Created for you@example.com | Web Version October 21, 2026 FOLLOW US: SIGN UP ⋅ WEBSITE Featured (Getty Images) The Real Cost of the Iran Conflict on Your Wallet The ongoing war in Iran is still squeezing American wallets. But since the conflict began on February 28, just how much have prices actually spiked? And when will costs finally come down? Our personal finance expert Rachael Green crunched the data to show you exactly where your budget is taking the hardest hits and what to expect next. Read More NEXT READ: 11 Cities Hardest Hit By Inflation: Did Yours Make the List? ADVERTISEMENT Little-Known Roth Conversion Strategy Allowed By IRS Part of your IRA isn't really yours. It's the IRS's future tax bill. Depending on your situation, a Roth conversion may shrink it for good. If your advisor isn't discussing this, it's time to ask. Learn More Investing The Pros and Cons of Investing in an IPO (Plus, How to Do It) IPOs are an enticing way to gain exposure to a stock from the ground up, but high rewards come with high risk. Here's what you need to know before investing. The Pros & Cons Retirement (Getty Images) 5 Little-Known Retirement Tax 'Gotchas' Hidden rules, automatic surcharges, and tax-bracket traps can catch even careful retirees off guard. Have You Been Got? Personal Finance Want to Build Total Financial Strength? Start by Improving This Financial success doesn't just come down to numbers. A healthy dose of self-awareness and a strong set of core values can help you make better decisions and reach your goals, says wealth expert Jessica Andrews. Start Today ADVERTISEMENT Top 10 Fee-Only Financial Advisor Firms of 2026 Fee-only firms are compensated directly by clients and generally do not earn commissions from selling financial products. SmartAsset ranked the top 10 fee-only financial advisor firms of 2026 based on AUM, individual client count, age of firm, and more. See the list Special Offer from Kiplinger Personal Finance Build wealth. Cut taxes. Retire rich. Get a FREE ISSUE of Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine, and save up to 77% to subscribe. Includes special issues such as Investing Outlook, Retirement Planning, Mutual Fund Roundup, and Guide to ETFs. Count on Kiplinger for trustworthy help to build wealth, spend wisely, cut taxes, and retire rich. CLICK HERE Social Security (Getty Images) The 3-and-10 Rule: How Social Security Replacement Card Limits Work Losing your Social Security card is stressful, but getting a replacement comes with a strict federal catch known as the "3-and-10 rule." Find out exactly what this anti-fraud limit means, how it could leave you stranded when applying for a job or benefits, and the critical exceptions you need to know before you apply. The 3-and-10 Rule Banking The Best High-Yield Savings Accounts — October 2026 High-yield savings options offer rates up to 4.20%, helping you stay ahead of inflation and grow savings faster. October's Best MORE FROM KIPLINGER Don't miss our other free newsletters on everything from shopping and saving, to investing, taxes, retirement and more. Plus, get a free issue of Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine in our app. No download required! Visit the Kiplinger Store for money-saving offers to help you build wealth, cut taxes, and retire rich. And check out our corporate subscription rates for businesses and organizations. Follow Kiplinger Contact Us: Feedback | Advertise Sign Up | Print Publications | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Terms and Conditions When you purchase through links in our content, we may earn an affiliate commission. Future US LLC © Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036