Kiplinger Today editorial digest

What the modified adjusted gross income actually means. Plus, this week’s earnings calendar. Created for you@example.com | Web Version October 12, 2026 FOLLOW US: SIGN UP ⋅ WEBSITE Featured (Getty Images) The S&P 500 Is More Concentrated Than You Think. These ETFs Spread Your Risk A new investment strategy is making the rounds online, called the S&P 500 and chill, and the first step is to purchase a low-cost S&P 500 ETF. Here’s how it works and the ETFs to purchase to get you started. Where To Invest ADVERTISEMENT I'm Retiring With $1.5M: Can I Spend $10,000/Month Without Running Out? The same $1.5M can support $7,000 a month for some retirees and $11,000 for others. The gap isn't luck. It's withdrawal order, taxes, and Social Security timing. If your advisor isn't discussing this, it's time to ask. Learn More Stocks Stop Betting on Prediction Markets: The Odds Are Stacked Against You You could be up against traders with access to AI (and possibly inside information), which makes your chances of winning slim. Investment expert Steven Harbeck explains how to navigate prediction markets to maximize your savings. Save Now NEXT READ: Why Invest In Index Funds When Prediction Markets Pay So Big? In Case You Missed It (Getty Images) A Financial Adviser's Guide to Using Debt to Improve Your Finances Americans are racking up debt at an alarming rate, which is a bad sign, right? Not always. Sometimes debt can be a helpful financial tool that can even make you money in the future. Here’s how you can incorporate debt into your financial plan, rather than hide from it, according to financial expert George Pikounis. Learn More Retirement The Many Definitions of Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Filing federal income taxes is tricky enough, but constant law changes make it feel like moving goalposts. Case in point: Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Its definition varies depending on the tax credit or deduction you're applying for and pinpointing what it actually means can be frustrating. To help, our tax editor Joy Taylor breaks it down for you and more. What is MAGI? NEXT READ: 5 Little-Known Senior Property Tax Breaks in 2026 ADVERTISEMENT Maximize Your Savings, Minimize Your Taxes Planning ahead can help your savings last longer and reduce your tax burden. Our advisors can guide you toward strategies that save time and help your money work harder. Paid non-client promotion LEARN MORE 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 Travel (Getty Images) Earnings Calendar and Analysis for This Week (October 12-16) Check out our earnings calendar for this week, as well as our previews and recaps of the more noteworthy reports. See Calendar Buying A Home 10 Reasons to Retire in an RV These RV-loving retirees talk about the upsides of spending retirement in an RV and why you should too. Is An RV Right For You? ADVERTISEMENT Ask a Pro: "How Can I Avoid Capital Gains Tax on a Rental Property?" Selling a rental can trigger capital gains tax and depreciation recapture. Options like a 1031 exchange or offsetting gains with losses may help defer or reduce what you owe. Find and compare financial advisors who serve your area. Take the free quiz 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 orga