Kiplinger Personal Finance – April 2026 – Kiplinger Personal Finance

As the markets get more defensive, however, our collection of quality companies and solid pay- outs may prove a winner in 2026. That’s not to say the Dividend 15 didn’t have some superstars. Over the 12 months ending January 31, Broad- com and Johnson & Johnson both topped a 50% return. McKesson, which we added to the list in Septem- ber, returned 40% over the period.

Johnson & Johnson’s shares rose 26% over the past four months alone, with positive clinical-trial results on two of its drugs pushing the shares up. Don’t be surprised if the stock pauses to digest those gains. Many an- alysts, including Morningstar’s Karen Andersen, see the shares currently as fully valued, given J&J’s near-term prospects. We’re standing firm. Dividend stalwart Air Products & Chemicals, on our watchlist for lack- luster returns, said it was in talks for a partner to share some of the risk— and cost—of a new clean-energy hy- drogen plant that investors had viewed as a millstone.

Analysts are turning more positive on the stock— on average, they see a 10% return over the next 12 months, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. But a turnaround “won’t be easy,” says BofA Securities analyst Hakim Sanfo. The stock remains at risk of banishment from the Dividend 15. We added U.S. Bancorp in Decem- ber, citing its unique mix of busi- nesses for a regional bank. The company continues to diversify, an- nouncing in January a deal to buy investment bank BTIG.

U.S. Bancorp is the second best gainer on our list over the past four months—but the rising stock price has pushed the yield down from 4.3% to 3.7%. Plumper payouts. Seven of the Divi- dend 15 have raised their payouts since our last review. Big boosts came from Mastercard (14%) and Broad- com (10%). Hikes in quarterly payouts at Air Products, Emerson Electric, Enterprise Products and McDonald’s, and in Realty Income’s monthly dis- tribution, were more modest.

We’ll be watching Home Depot, as the pace of dividend growth has slowed at the mega retailer. The stock was also one of the worst per- formers of the past 12 months as the housing market continued to wallow in mediocrity. Increasingly, Home Depot is looking like a fixer-upper. You can reach the author at [email protected].

35 financial experts, including Suze Orman, Ramit Sethi, Peter Lynch and Mark Cuban, share words of wisdom on saving, spending, investing, retirement and much more. p 40 What You Need to Know About the New Fed Chair p 26 The Right Time to Claim Social Security p 56 Our Favorite Rewards Credit Cards p 66 APRIL 2026 $8.99 www.kiplinger.com Skagway Haines Glacier Bay Endicott Arm/ Dawes Glacier Frederick Sound Canada USA Juneau Petersburg Wrangell ALASKA Sitka SOUTHEAST ALASKA CRUISES Discover the natural wonders of Alaska as we commemorate 250 years of our nation’s history.

This extraordinary journey along pristine YCVGTYC[UCPFOCIPKƂEGPVINCEKGTUDGIKPUVJGOQOGPV[QWUVGR CDQCTFQWTOQFGTPƃGGVQHUOCNNEQCUVCNUJKRU9KVJHGYGTVJCP IWGUVUQPDQCTF[QWoNNGZRNQTGYGNEQOKPIUGCRQTVEQOOWPKVKGU TKEJ0CVKXGVTCFKVKQPUCPFVJGGPFWTKPIHTQPVKGTURKTKVVJCVJGNRGF shape a nation. Call today 888-240-4951 to request a free Cruise Guide Explore More of America with American Cruise Lines CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF AMERICA April 2026 1 April LETTERS 5 Rethinking the Rules of Retirement Plus your thoughts on fitness monitoring, tax-preparation standards and more. FROM THE EDITOR 6 Staff Members Share Their Advice Kiplinger’s own experts offer financial wisdom that resonates with them. AHEAD 9 Topic A Is 2026 the year to buy or sell a home? … A savings boost for people with disabilities …

Making the best of the final fifth of life. 16 Briefing How three policy proposals could affect your finances. INVESTING 18 How to De-Risk Your Portfolio You can make your investments less volatile with some well- considered adjustments. 26 Get Ready for a New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh will face both eco- nomic and political challenges.

30 Private Assets in Public Companies Investors often have indirect private-equity holdings. 31 Income Investing I’m still a fan of high yield, by JEFFREY R. KOSNETT. 34 Street Smart Banks are on the way back, by JAMES K. GLASSMAN. 32 More About Investing Dividend 15 update (32). Fund trends (33).

ETF 20 update (37). News of the Kiplinger 25 (38). Kiplinger Personal Finance | Founded in 1947 | Vol. 80 No. 4 ʺ Cover illustration by Alex Wells/Folio Art 18 If a possible AI bubble worries you, a few portfolio tweaks may be in order. GETTY IMAGES 2 Kiplinger Personal Finance MONEY COVER STORY 40 The Best Money Advice of All Time We asked 35 well- respected financial experts to pass along the most impactful money guidance they’ve given or received. 52 What to Know About Dynamic Pricing Some businesses use technology to adjust prices frequently (we’re looking at you, airlines), but a few smart strategies can help you save money.

54 Tax Breaks for Itemizers Joy Taylor, editor of The Kiplinger Tax Letter, answers your questions. 55 Credit/Yields Managing multiple checking accounts. RETIREMENT 56 Perfect Timing: When to Claim Social Security Deciding when to take benefits is both com plex and personal, so you need to have all the facts at hand. 60 Living in Retirement Don’t sweat the small stuff, by JANET BODNAR. FUNDAMENTALS 62 Practical Portfolio Companies are spending big bucks to buy back their own stock.

Sometimes that’s a good thing; other times, it isn’t.

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.

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