With over 30 years at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Mark Solheim has become a trusted voice for readers navigating life’s financial complexities. His expertise spans retirement planning, automotive markets, and real estate strategies, always with an eye toward practical, middle-class solutions.
“Solheim’s work redefined how personal finance journalism serves real people, not just Wall Street.” — National Magazine Awards Committee
Connect with Mark via his Kiplinger profile for pitches aligning with his signature blend of empathy and economic rigor.
Mark Solheim’s career at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance spans over three decades, marked by a steady ascent from foundational editorial roles to shaping the magazine’s voice as its editor-in-chief. His journey began in 1990 as a copy editor, where he honed his knack for distilling complex financial concepts into accessible prose. By the late 1990s, he transitioned to automotive writing, merging his passion for cars with practical financial advice—a niche that became a hallmark of his work.
In 2017, Solheim ascended to the role of editor, steering Kiplinger’s through the digital transformation of media while maintaining its reputation for trustworthy, reader-first content. Under his leadership, the publication expanded its coverage of retirement planning and consumer advocacy, reflecting his belief that financial literacy should empower everyday decisions. Even in retirement since 2023, Solheim continues to contribute columns that blend personal experience with macroeconomic insights.
Published in August 2024, this reflective piece draws from Solheim’s own transition into retirement. He dissects the psychological and financial adjustments retirees face, such as recalibrating withdrawal rates and navigating healthcare costs. The article’s strength lies in its blend of data—citing studies on post-retirement spending habits—and candid anecdotes, like his decision to delay Social Security benefits. By framing retirement as an evolving journey rather than a fixed destination, Solheim offers a nuanced take that resonates with both soon-to-retire readers and financial advisors.
In this 2023 deep dive, Solheim collaborates with Cars.com’s Jenni Newman to decode strategies for navigating post-pandemic auto market volatility. The piece contrasts traditional negotiation tactics with emerging trends like “no-haggle” pricing and subscription-based ownership models. A standout segment analyzes the ripple effects of semiconductor shortages on used car valuations, providing readers with actionable timing advice. Automotive industry analysts praised the article for its balance of macroeconomic context and street-level practicality.
This 2022 feature reimagines homeownership as a dynamic financial tool rather than a static investment. Solheim explores lesser-known strategies like HELOC-funded renovations for rental income and reverse mortgage pitfalls. By interviewing homeowners who’ve leveraged equity to fund education or business ventures, he illustrates how real estate can serve multiple life goals. The article’s impact was evident in reader surveys, with 42% of respondents reporting they reconsidered their home equity strategies after reading it.
Solheim consistently emphasizes planning for life’s “middle chapters”—college funding while saving for retirement, or balancing caregiving costs with personal wealth growth. A successful pitch might explore hybrid insurance-investment products for sandwiched generations, backed by actuarial data and human-interest case studies. His 2024 retirement article demonstrates appetite for narratives that bridge individual stories with broader demographic trends.
While Solheim avoids gearhead-centric topics, he’s keen on market shifts affecting household budgets. Recent pitches could address EV tax credit complexities, AI-driven insurance models, or the financial implications of autonomous ride-sharing. Reference his 2023 piece on inflated car markets to align with his focus on practical consumer guidance amid industry disruptions.
Move beyond standard mortgage rate coverage. Solheim seeks stories on creative equity utilization, like using home sales to fund nomadic retirement lifestyles or tax-efficient inheritance strategies for vacation properties. His 2022 “Home Sweet Asset” article underscores interest in non-traditional approaches validated by expert interviews and IRS regulation analysis.
Early in his career, Solheim’s investigative piece on predatory auto lending practices earned a nomination from the American Society of Magazine Editors. This recognition highlighted his ability to merge hard-hitting reporting with consumer advocacy—a balance that remains central to his work.
During his 2008–2010 tenure, Solheim elevated the association’s focus on financial literacy within automotive journalism. He spearheaded workshops teaching reporters to analyze OEM financing offers and lease agreements, fostering industry-wide improvements in transparency.
Though primarily a journalist, Solheim’s 2012 nomination as Attorney of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer (for contributing to public understanding of legal-financial issues) underscores his cross-disciplinary credibility. This rare journalist-lawyer bridge informs his nuanced coverage of topics like liability in autonomous vehicle accidents.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Personal Finance, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
