Margaret Giles

More From Margaret Giles

How 4 Emerging-Market Funds Have Performed Since Their Latest Upgrades

The category bounced back in 2025. Have these funds capitalized on that momentum?

Margaret Giles Jul 16, 2026

Morningstar’s Guide to 529 Plans

Learn how 529s can help pay for educational expenses.

Hyunmin Kim May 29, 2026

10 Best Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy for the Long Term

The stocks of these high-quality companies look cheap today.

Margaret Giles May 13, 2026

The Best ETFs and How They Fit in Your Portfolio

Explore the different types of exchange-traded funds and what we see as the top options.

Margaret Giles May 6, 2026

5 Things to Do Today If You Want to Retire in 2030

Tackling this checklist now will make it easier to retire when you want to.

Christine Benz Apr 2, 2026

How to Handle Market Volatility at Every Life Stage

A life‑stage approach to managing risk, portfolio construction, and spending during volatile markets.

Christine Benz Mar 26, 2026

What You Need to Consider Before Retiring Early

Both you and your portfolio should be ready for the transition.

Christine Benz Mar 19, 2026

Are You Taking on Too Much Risk in Your Portfolio?

Your asset allocation should make sense for your timeline.

Christine Benz Mar 17, 2026

What You Need to Know About Annuities

Annuities come in many forms. Understand what you’re getting from these products.

Christine Benz Mar 16, 2026

Are You Ready for Tax Day? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You File

Plus, how to use your 1099 forms to improve your portfolio.

Christine Benz Mar 6, 2026

Retirement Withdrawal Sequencing Rules of the Road

Best practices for spending from your Roth, traditional tax-deferred, and taxable accounts.

Christine Benz Mar 5, 2026

Where’s the Best Place to Stash Your Cash?

Yield isn’t the only name of the game. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Christine Benz Feb 26, 2026

Best Healthcare Companies to Own: 2026 Edition

These companies largely earn their competitive advantage from intangible assets, and their stocks are great choices for an investor’s watchlist.

Margaret Giles Feb 23, 2026

Best Innovative Companies to Own: 2026 Edition

These companies are expected to benefit from disruptive technologies.

Margaret Giles Feb 19, 2026

What You Should Know About Backdoor IRAs

Direct Roth IRA contributions aren’t for everyone. Understand this key workaround for high-income earners.

Christine Benz Feb 19, 2026

Best International Companies to Own: 2026 Edition

These companies from various corners of the globe are well positioned for the future.

Margaret Giles Feb 13, 2026

4 Simple Ways to Boost Your Safe Withdrawal Rate

A little flexibility can go a long way when it comes to retirement spending.

Christine Benz Feb 12, 2026

How to Make the Most of Your IRA in 2026

Take advantage of your IRA’s tax benefits to rebalance and optimize your portfolio.

Christine Benz Feb 6, 2026

5 Key Takeaways From Expert Forecasts That Can Help Your Financial Plan

US stocks likely won’t have a repeat performance of the last decade.

Christine Benz Feb 5, 2026

VOO Versus SPY: Which S&P 500 ETF Is the Better Buy Right Now?

These S&P 500 trackers have the same strategy but different ratings.

Tori Brovet Feb 3, 2026

6 Retirement Must-Knows for 2026

Higher retirement plan contribution limits, changes to Social Security benefits, a new senior deduction, and more.

Christine Benz Jan 29, 2026

5 Mistakes to Avoid With Your Investment Portfolio in 2026

Sidestep these pitfalls to set yourself up for success.

Christine Benz Jan 22, 2026

4 Financial To-Dos to Kick Off the New Year

Check on your spending and saving and get ahead of tax season.

Christine Benz Jan 15, 2026

How to Conduct Your Own Portfolio Makeover

Follow these eight steps to an improved, streamlined, and more tax-efficient portfolio.

Christine Benz Jan 12, 2026

Estimate How Much You Can Spend in Retirement

This tool uses Morningstar’s retirement income research to estimate your safe starting withdrawal rate in 2026.

Margaret Giles Dec 19, 2025

Best Sustainable Companies to Own in 2026

We believe these companies’ strong ESG management practices give them a long-term advantage.

Margaret Giles Dec 19, 2025

Federal and State Income Taxes: See What You Owe

Use this tool to estimate your marginal and effective tax rates after taking the standard deduction.

Margaret Giles Dec 18, 2025

The Best Large-Value Funds and ETFs to Buy

These mutual funds and ETFs earn top ratings from Morningstar as we look ahead to 2026.

Margaret Giles Dec 16, 2025

Here’s What Your Retirement Spending Rate Should Be in 2026

New research shows that flexible withdrawal strategies can help you spend more in retirement.

Christine Benz Dec 5, 2025

What You Need to Know About Capital Gains Distributions

If you own mutual funds in a taxable account, you may find yourself with a tax bill despite not having sold a single share.

Margaret Giles Nov 14, 2025

Margaret Giles is a manager research analyst covering equity strategies. She was previously a senior content development editor on Morningstar's editorial team, where she focused on portfolio decisions and other personal finance questions.

Giles joined Morningstar in 2018 as a Morningstar Direct product specialist through the Morningstar Development Program.

She holds bachelor's degrees in economics and Spanish from Grinnell College.