I have been a journalist for more than 40 years, always based in Washington, D.C, usually writing about money. I’ve written about big-picture policy issues, such as the federal budget and tax legislation, as well as consumer-focused personal finance advice articles on how to maximize Social Security benefits, minimize tax bills, and enroll in Medicare. I pride myself on tackling complicated topics and writing about them in a clear and conversational manner. I believe in always providing examples in my articles so readers never have to do mental math to understand a complex concept.
As a Capitol Hill reporter for United Press International during the 1980s, I covered major political and economic issues, including the Social Security reform legislation of 1983. That gave me unique insights into the myriad rules and claiming strategies that I would later explain to consumers during my 13 years as the tax and retirement editor at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine and subsequently to educate financial advisors as a Contributing Editor at Investment News. At Kiplinger, I also edited the annual Retirement Planning Guide and monthly Retirement Report newsletter.
As I transitioned from writing for consumers at Kiplinger’s to writing for financial advisors at Investment News, I completed the rigorous financial planning program at the University of Virginia and earned a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. That well-respected credential bolstered my reputation among my professional audience and launched my career as a sought-after public speaker on retirement topics at financial conferences and consumer seminars.
In 2012, I became a columnist for Investment News, a publication for financial advisors. While at Investment News, my work was cited for excellence on numerous occasions. In 2016, I received the prestigious Jesse H. Neal award for Best Instructional Content for my article, “Demystifying Social Security.” That same year, I received a Hero Award from the Women’s Institute for Secure Retirement (WISER) for my educational efforts to improve retirement security for women.
In 2021, Editor and Published presented me with an EPPY award, citing my “On Retirement” column as the best business blog of the year. In 2022, I received the runner-up EPPY award in the same category and I also received the Investment News Trailblazer award for my contributions to the retirement income planning profession as part of Investment News’ annual Women to Watch event.
But what truly sets my work apart is the personal relationship I have built with my readers over the years. They ask me questions. I try to answer every one of them. I share those answers in my Investment News column and all of my readers learn as a result. Many readers have told me they print and save my articles for future reference as a guide to critical Social Security claiming decisions. Both consumers and financial advisors praise me for helping them build sold retirement income plans for themselves and their clients.