MP Dunleavey

MP Dunleavey is an award-winning personal finance journalist and author. For several years she was the Cost of Living columnist for The New York Times, covering real-life financial, behavioral finance, and investing issues. She was also the founding editor-in-chief of DailyWorth.com, the first financial e-newsletter for women.

MP established the long-running Women in Red financial series for MSN.com. As Editorial Director of Financial Content for T Brand @ The New York Times, MP worked with Fortune 500 financial brands to produce articles, videos, podcasts, and more. Her book, Money Can Buy Happiness (2007), won a Books for a Better Life award.

MP Dunleavey

Recent Articles

Contribution limits: 401(k), IRA, HSA, and 529 plans

Your retirement income: How required minimum distribution (RMD) rules work

The rule of 55 and early 401(k) withdrawals

Collecting Social Security benefits when you’re divorced

What the SECURE 2.0 Act means for you and your retirement

The spousal IRA: Helping your spouse save for retirement

The Social Security decision: Drawing early, delaying, or taking at full retirement age

Catch-up contributions: Rules and limits for older savers

Do you qualify for Social Security spousal benefits?

Making a blended family estate plan? These 7 steps will help

Breaking the taboo: Why you need to talk money with your partner

Working in early retirement? Your Social Security could be reduced

Will Social Security run out? 3 myths and truths

How to choose a health care proxy

What is an elder law attorney, and when do you need one?

The natural appeal of green burials

What is a living will, and why do you need one?

Powers of attorney: What they are and how they work

How to freeze your credit—and when to consider it

5 scams that target seniors and how to avoid them

How much you can contribute to your 401(k), IRA, HSA, and 529 in 2025

Senior identity theft: How it works and 5 ways to stop it

Roth conversions: What they are, how they work, pros and cons

Don’t fear the gift tax: Understanding gift tax exclusions and rules

5 tips for tackling tough topics with aging parents

If your child is earning money, here’s why they might want a Roth IRA

Pros and cons of taking out a 401(k) loan

My company 401(k) plan offers a Roth option. Should I use it?

How to get around the 401(k) early withdrawal penalty

How to pick the best place to retire: 4 questions to ask yourself

Beyond the 4% rule: 5 alternative retirement income strategies

The 4% rule: A starting point for your retirement income strategy

Debt snowball or debt avalanche: Which is smarter for paying off debt?

Money basics for kids: 5 skills to teach them now