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MP Dunleavey

MP Dunleavey

MP Dunleavey is Financial Writer at Encyclopædia Britannica.

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. 

Recent Articles

Household Finance

Powers of attorney: What they are and how they work

Your wish is their command.
Household Finance

How to freeze your credit—and when to consider it

Worried about identity theft and fraud?
Retirement

How much can you contribute to your 401(k), IRA, HSA, and 529 in 2024?

You can save more in ’24.
Retirement

5 scams that target seniors and how to avoid them

Knowledge is protection.
Retirement

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

Your best defense is to be prepared.
Retirement

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

Should you convert retirement savings?
Retirement

Contribution limits: 401(k), IRA, HSA, and 529 rules to know

New, higher limits for 2024.
Household Finance

Don’t fear the gift tax: Understanding gift tax exclusions and rules for 2024

Most people can give without being taxed.
Retirement

5 tips for tackling tough topics with aging parents

Health, money, and other priorities.
Household Finance

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

Prioritize your highest APR.
Retirement

What the SECURE 2.0 Act means for you and your retirement

Some positive tweaks to retirement rules.
Household Finance

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

“The talk:” awkward, but worth having.
Household Finance

Money basics for kids: 5 skills to teach them now

Steady saving, smart spending, generous giving.
Retirement

Do you qualify for Social Security spousal benefits?

Know what’s due.
Retirement

Collecting Social Security benefits when you’re divorced

Boost your retirement income.
Retirement

The spousal IRA: Helping your spouse save for retirement

Spread savings across the household.
Investing

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

A Roth for all ages.
Household Finance

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

Try other options first.
Retirement

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

Borrowing from your future self.
Retirement

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

Taxes now or later?
Retirement

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

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Retirement

The rule of 55 and early 401(k) withdrawals

One way to avoid the usual penalty.
Retirement

Catch-up contributions in 2024: What you need to know once you turn 50

A pre-senior perk.
Retirement

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

Tap into your priorities.
Retirement

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

The ABCs of RMDs.
Retirement

Beyond the 4% rule: 5 alternative retirement income strategies

One size doesn’t fit all.
Retirement

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

Here’s how it works.