Skip to content
https://kiplinger.com

Accessibility

· 13 checks — Landmarks, headings, alt text, forms, and link quality rolled into one auditable list.
SCORE
53
GRADE
F
FIX
6
REVIEW
6
PASS
1
INFO
0
Checks
13
1 PASS 6 REVIEW 6 FIX
F
Alt Text Quality
Action
4 of 68 images have issues
FIX
4 of 68 images have issues
Critical::
3 image(s) missing alt attribute
Images without alt text are invisible to screen readers.
Critical::
2 image-in-link without alt text
An image inside a link with no alt creates an empty link.
Warning::
1 image(s) with filename as alt text
Info::
6 image(s) with alt text over 125 characters
Info::
58 image(s) with good alt text
68 images 58 good alt text 1 generic 3 missing
IssueCount
missing3 image(s)
filename1 image(s)
too long6 image(s)

Images without alt text are invisible to screen readers.

Why this matters

Each image without alt text is a WCAG 1.1.1 failure — invisible to screen-reader users, lost from Google Image Search.

Learn more ▾

WCAG 2.1 Level A requires text alternatives for non-decorative images. Empty alt='' is fine for decorative; meaningful images need descriptive text. Common fixes: CMS audit + bulk add, build-time linter (alt-text-required ESLint rule), CI gate on Lighthouse a11y score.

Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 1.1.1 / WebAIM Million Report

An image inside a link with no alt creates an empty link.

Why this matters

Image-only links with no alt create empty links — screen-reader users hear 'link' with no destination context.

Learn more ▾

An <a><img></a> with no img alt is the worst-case for accessibility: AT announces the link but can't describe where it goes. Either add alt to the image OR add aria-label to the link.

Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 2.4.4

D
404 Error Page
Action
HTTP 404, custom page
FIX
HTTP 404, custom page
Info::
Correct 404 status code returned
Got: HTTP 404
Info::
Custom styled 404 page
404 Page Quality ✓ Custom 404 Page
Status Code HTTP 404 ✓Custom Styling ✓Navigation ✗Homepage Link ✗Search Form ✗
D
Web Manifest
Action
Not found
FIX
Not found
Info::
No web manifest found
No manifest at standard paths (/manifest.json, /site.webmanifest). A manifest is optional but enables PWA features like home screen installation and standalone display.

No web manifest found.

D
Dark Mode Support
Action
No dark mode signals
FIX
No dark mode signals
Info::
No dark mode signals detected
Consider adding CSS with @media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) and <meta name='color-scheme' content='light dark'>.
Info::
Detection limited to meta tags and inline styles
External CSS files may contain prefers-color-scheme rules not visible to this scan.
Dark ModeNo Dark Mode Detected
color-scheme meta Not set ✗Dark theme-color Not set ✗CSS indicators Not detected ✗

Detection limited to meta tags and inline styles.

D
Print Stylesheet
Action
No print styles
FIX
No print styles
Info::
No print-specific styles detected
When users print this page, they get the screen layout including navigation and non-essential elements. Add @media print rules to hide navigation and optimize layout for paper.
Print Stylesheet No Print Styles
Print stylesheet Not found ✗Inline @media print Not detected ✗
F
Navigation UX
Action
No navigation patterns
FIX
No navigation patterns
Info::
3 navigation landmark(s) detected
Info::
No breadcrumbs, search, or skip link detected
These navigation aids help users orient themselves and find content efficiently, especially on large sites.
Breadcrumbs
Search
Skip Link
Labeled Navigation 3 <nav> element(s)
Back to Top
Hamburger Menu
Sticky Navigation Cannot reliably detect (CSS-based)
1 of 6 testable patterns navigation patterns detected. Limited navigation support. Consider adding breadcrumbs, search, and skip link.
B
Landmark Structure
7 landmarks
REVIEW
7 landmarks
Info::
<main> landmark present
Info::
3 <nav> landmark(s) found
Warning::
2 of 3 <nav> elements are unlabeled
Multiple navigations need aria-label to distinguish them for screen readers.
Info::
No banner (header) landmark
Warning::
Skip navigation link is missing (WCAG 2.4.1)
Add a skip link as the first focusable element so keyboard users can bypass repeated navigation.
Page Structure — as a screen reader sees it
BANNER (missing!) NAV MAIN CONTENTINFO footer

Multiple navigations need aria-label to distinguish them for screen readers.

Why this matters

Some <nav> elements lack aria-label — screen-reader users hear 'navigation' multiple times with no way to distinguish them.

Learn more ▾

When a page has multiple <nav> regions (primary, footer, breadcrumb), each needs aria-label or aria-labelledby. AT users navigate by landmark; identical 'navigation' announcements force them to enter each one to discover purpose.

Source: WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices

Add a skip link as the first focusable element so keyboard users can bypass repeated navigation.

Why this matters

Without a skip-nav link, keyboard users tab through every nav item before reaching content — every page, every visit.

Learn more ▾

WCAG 2.4.1 (Bypass Blocks) requires a mechanism to skip past repeated content. The standard implementation is a 'Skip to main content' link that's the first focusable element, visually hidden until focused. Three lines of HTML + four of CSS.

Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 2.4.1

C
Form Accessibility
Action
3 of 10 controls have issues
REVIEW
3 of 10 controls have issues
Critical::
1 control(s) without accessible label
Form controls need a <label>, aria-label, or aria-labelledby for screen readers.
Got: <input type="submit">
Warning::
2 control(s) rely on placeholder only
Placeholder text disappears on focus and is not a reliable label.
Got: <input type="search" name="searchTerm">; <input type="email" name="MAIL">
Info::
7 control(s) properly labeled
10 controls
7 labeled
2 placeholder only
1 unlabeled
ControlTypeLabelMethod
#submenu-checkbox-retirement262checkboxRetirementfor/id
#submenu-checkbox-investing641checkboxInvestingfor/id
#submenu-checkbox-taxes1258checkboxTaxesfor/id
#submenu-checkbox-personalfinance209checkboxPersonal Financefor/id
#submenu-checkbox-life610checkboxLifefor/id
CONTACT_OTHER_BRANDScheckboxnone
CONTACT_PARTNERScheckboxnone
searchTermsearch(Type to search...)placeholder only
MAILemail(Your Email Address)placeholder only
inputsubmit(none)none

Form controls need a <label>, aria-label, or aria-labelledby for screen readers.

<input type="submit">

Why this matters

Form controls without labels — assistive tech announces 'edit text' with no context; users can't complete forms.

Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 3.3.2

Placeholder text disappears on focus and is not a reliable label.

<input type="search" name="searchTerm">; <input type="email" name="MAIL">

Why this matters

Placeholder-only labels disappear when the user starts typing — they must remember what the field was for.

Learn more ▾

Placeholders are NOT labels. They vanish on input, fail color contrast checks (most are gray), and don't satisfy WCAG SC 3.3.2. Always use a real <label> alongside (or aria-labelledby).

Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 3.3.2 / Nielsen Norman

B
Favicon & Branding
11 icon(s) detected
REVIEW
11 icon(s) detected
Info::
favicon.ico present at site root
Info::
HTML icon links detected
Info::
Apple touch icon present
Info::
SVG favicon detected — scales perfectly to any size
Info::
Multiple icon sizes detected
✓ favicon.ico Present
✓ PNG Icons Present
✓ Apple Touch Present
✓ SVG Favicon Present
✗ Manifest Icons Missing
✓ Multiple Sizes Present
C
Color Contrast (Screenshot)
Action
20 text elements analyzed, 1 fail WCAG AA
REVIEW

Analyzes text contrast against the actual rendered page, including background images, gradients, and overlays that CSS-based tools cannot detect.

19 pass 1 fail WCAG AA 19 pass AA only
h1 Kiplinger
2.02:1
#000000
on
#3B4143
needs 3.0:1 (large text)
32px · top of page (header area) · over background image/gradient

1 contrast failures on background images/gradients

These failures are invisible to CSS-based accessibility tools like Lighthouse. The text may be fine on a solid background, but fails when rendered over an image or gradient.

Show all checked elements (20)
ElementRatioRequiredFGBGResult
h1 Kiplinger2.02:13.0:1
#000000
#3B4143
Fail
h2 Which Was Worse: The…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 There's a $500,000 R…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 Best Low-Risk ETFs t…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 5 Ways to Celebrate …3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 How This 529 'Superf…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 3 OBBBA Tax Provisio…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 Best Dividend Stocks…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 5 Ways to Help Your …3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 Will Your Retirement…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 3 OBBBA Tax Provisio…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 5 Ways to Help Your …3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 Earth Day Thoughts: …3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 Best Dividend Stocks…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 Kiplinger Retail Out…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 Earnings Calendar an…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 The 13 Best Retireme…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 Time to Stop Driving…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 10 Free and Low-Cost…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass
h2 RMD or QCD? Take the…3.00:13.0:1
#000000
#595959
Pass

Methodology: The top 20 text elements by font size were checked. Background color was sampled from the desktop screenshot using a 5-point pattern. WCAG 2.1 AA requires 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

B
Lighthouse Accessibility Audits
Score 85/100 — 4 failing, 27 passed
REVIEW
85

Accessibility

These checks highlight opportunities to improve the accessibility of your web app. Automatic detection can only detect a subset of issues and does not guarantee the accessibility of your web app, so manual testing is also encouraged.

Names and labels

When a button doesn't have an accessible name, screen readers announce it as "button", making it unusable for users who rely on screen readers. Learn how to make buttons more accessible.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
nav.navigation > div.navigation__container > div.navigation__burgerbar > button.button-menu nav.navigation > div.navigation__container > div.navigation__burgerbar > button.button-menu
div.navigation__container > div.navigation__burgerbar > div.search > button.navigation__search div.navigation__container > div.navigation__burgerbar > div.search > button.navigation__search

Informative elements should aim for short, descriptive alternate text. Decorative elements can be ignored with an empty alt attribute. Learn more about the `alt` attribute.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
div.v2-listing-image-layout > div.v2-listing-image-wrapper > picture > img.v2-listing-image-img div.v2-listing-image-layout > div.v2-listing-image-wrapper > picture > img.v2-listing-image-img
div.v2-listing-image-layout > div.v2-listing-image-wrapper > picture > img.v2-listing-image-img div.v2-listing-image-layout > div.v2-listing-image-wrapper > picture > img.v2-listing-image-img

Link text (and alternate text for images, when used as links) that is discernible, unique, and focusable improves the navigation experience for screen reader users. Learn how to make links accessible.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
footer#document-footer > section.max-w-screen-xl > nav.flex > a.inline-block footer#document-footer > section.max-w-screen-xl > nav.flex > a.inline-block

These are opportunities to improve the semantics of the controls in your application. This may enhance the experience for users of assistive technology, like a screen reader.

Contrast

Low-contrast text is difficult or impossible for many users to read. Learn how to provide sufficient color contrast.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
div.newsletter-form__container > section.newsletter-form__main-section > form.newsletter-form__form > input.form__submit-input div.newsletter-form__container > section.newsletter-form__main-section > form.newsletter-form__form > input.form__submit-input
STATE TAX li.wdn-listv2-item > a.wdn-listv2-item-link > div.wdn-listv2-item-content > span.wdn-listv2-item-content-title-label
TAX LAW li.wdn-listv2-item > a.wdn-listv2-item-link > div.wdn-listv2-item-content > span.wdn-listv2-item-content-title-label
RETIREMENT TAXES li.wdn-listv2-item > a.wdn-listv2-item-link > div.wdn-listv2-item-content > span.wdn-listv2-item-content-title-label
TOOLS li.wdn-listv2-item > a.wdn-listv2-item-link > div.wdn-listv2-item-content > span.wdn-listv2-item-content-title-label
TOOLS li.wdn-listv2-item > a.wdn-listv2-item-link > div.wdn-listv2-item-content > span.wdn-listv2-item-content-title-label
ECONOMIC FORECASTS li.wdn-listv2-item > a.wdn-listv2-item-link > div.wdn-listv2-item-content > span.wdn-listv2-item-content-title-label
ECONOMIC FORECASTS li.wdn-listv2-item > a.wdn-listv2-item-link > div.wdn-listv2-item-content > span.wdn-listv2-item-content-title-label
THE KIPLINGER LETTER li.wdn-listv2-item > a.wdn-listv2-item-link > div.wdn-listv2-item-content > span.wdn-listv2-item-content-title-label
THE KIPLINGER LETTER li.wdn-listv2-item > a.wdn-listv2-item-link > div.wdn-listv2-item-content > span.wdn-listv2-item-content-title-label

These are opportunities to improve the legibility of your content.

○Interactive controls are keyboard focusable
○Interactive elements indicate their purpose and state
○The page has a logical tab order
○Visual order on the page follows DOM order
○User focus is not accidentally trapped in a region
○The user's focus is directed to new content added to the page
○HTML5 landmark elements are used to improve navigation
○Offscreen content is hidden from assistive technology
○Custom controls have associated labels
○Custom controls have ARIA roles
●`[aria-*]` attributes match their roles
●`[aria-hidden="true"]` is not present on the document `<body>`
●`[role]`s have all required `[aria-*]` attributes
●`[role]` values are valid
●`[aria-*]` attributes have valid values
●`[aria-*]` attributes are valid and not misspelled
●Input buttons have discernible text.
●Form elements have associated labels
●`[user-scalable="no"]` is not used in the `<meta name="viewport">` element and the `[maximum-scale]` attribute is not less than 5.
●ARIA attributes are used as specified for the element's role
●Elements with `role="dialog"` or `role="alertdialog"` have accessible names.
●`[aria-hidden="true"]` elements do not contain focusable descendents
●Elements use only permitted ARIA attributes
●Document has a `<title>` element
●`<frame>` or `<iframe>` elements have a title
●`<html>` element has a `[lang]` attribute
●`<html>` element has a valid value for its `[lang]` attribute
●Links are distinguishable without relying on color.
●Lists contain only `<li>` elements and script supporting elements (`<script>` and `<template>`).
●List items (`<li>`) are contained within `<ul>`, `<ol>` or `<menu>` parent elements
●No element has a `[tabindex]` value greater than 0
●Touch targets have sufficient size and spacing.
●Heading elements appear in a sequentially-descending order
●Document has a main landmark.
●Deprecated ARIA roles were not used
●Image elements do not have `[alt]` attributes that are redundant text.
●Identical links have the same purpose.
○`[accesskey]` values are unique
○`button`, `link`, and `menuitem` elements have accessible names
○ARIA input fields have accessible names
○ARIA `meter` elements have accessible names
○ARIA `progressbar` elements have accessible names
○Elements with an ARIA `[role]` that require children to contain a specific `[role]` have all required children.
○`[role]`s are contained by their required parent element
○Elements with the `role=text` attribute do not have focusable descendents.
○ARIA toggle fields have accessible names
○ARIA `tooltip` elements have accessible names
○ARIA `treeitem` elements have accessible names
○The page contains a heading, skip link, or landmark region
○`<dl>`'s contain only properly-ordered `<dt>` and `<dd>` groups, `<script>`, `<template>` or `<div>` elements.
○Definition list items are wrapped in `<dl>` elements
○ARIA IDs are unique
○No form fields have multiple labels
○`<html>` element has an `[xml:lang]` attribute with the same base language as the `[lang]` attribute.
○`<input type="image">` elements have `[alt]` text
○The document does not use `<meta http-equiv="refresh">`
○`<object>` elements have alternate text
○Select elements have associated label elements.
○Skip links are focusable.
○Cells in a `<table>` element that use the `[headers]` attribute refer to table cells within the same table.
○`<th>` elements and elements with `[role="columnheader"/"rowheader"]` have data cells they describe.
○`[lang]` attributes have a valid value
○`<video>` elements contain a `<track>` element with `[kind="captions"]`
○Tables have different content in the summary attribute and `<caption>`.
○All heading elements contain content.
○Uses ARIA roles only on compatible elements
○Elements with visible text labels have matching accessible names.
○Tables use `<caption>` instead of cells with the `[colspan]` attribute to indicate a caption.
○`<td>` elements in a large `<table>` have one or more table headers.
A+
Heading Hierarchy
79 headings
PASS
79 headings
Info::
Single H1 present
  • H1 Kiplinger
  • H2 Which Was Worse: The 1979 or Today's Oil Crisis?
  • H2 There's a $500,000 Reason to Hold Onto Your 'Old' Car for 5 More Years
  • H2 Best Low-Risk ETFs to Replace CDs
  • H2 5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day - and Save a Ton of Money
  • H2 How This 529 'Superfund' Strategy Can Transform Your Estate Plan
  • H2 3 OBBBA Tax Provisions Wealthy Families Should Act on Now
  • H2 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy for Dependable Dividend Growth
  • H2 5 Ways to Help Your Kids Develop Healthy Money Habits
  • H2 Investing
  • H2 Will Your Retirement Income Trigger the IRMAA This Year?
  • H2 3 OBBBA Tax Provisions Wealthy Families Should Act on Now
  • H2 5 Ways to Help Your Kids Develop Healthy Money Habits
  • H2 Earth Day Thoughts: Clean Energy Transition Hits Warp Speed
  • H2 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy for Dependable Dividend Growth
  • H2 Kiplinger Retail Outlook: Consumers Undeterred by Gas-Price Hikes
  • H2 Earnings Calendar and Analysis for This Week
  • H2 Retirement
  • H2 The 13 Best Retirement Perks You're Missing Out On
  • H2 Time to Stop Driving? When Older Drivers Need to Hang up the Car Keys
  • H2 10 Free and Low-Cost Online Classes for Retirees
  • H2 RMD or QCD? Take the Retirement Distribution Quiz
  • H2 We Are 57 and Want to Take Two Years Off to Travel
  • H2 Will Your Retirement Income Trigger the IRMAA This Year?
  • H2 How This 529 'Superfund' Strategy Can Transform Your Estate Plan
  • H2 Meet Kiplinger's experts
  • H2 Alexandra Svokos
  • H2 Karee Venema
  • H2 Kelley R. Taylor
  • H2 Alexandra Twin
  • H2 David Dittman
  • H2 Ellen Kennedy
  • H2 Carla Ayers
  • H2 Donna LeValley
  • H2 Kate Schubel
  • H2 Sean Jackson
  • H2 Donna Fuscaldo
  • H2 Rachael Green
  • H2 Ben Demers
  • H2 Dan Burrows
  • H2 Taxes
  • H2 15 States With the Highest and Lowest Tax Rates in 2026
  • H2 3 OBBBA Tax Provisions Wealthy Families Should Act on Now
  • H2 Ohio Push to End Property Taxes in 2026: Who Benefits and Who Really Pays Instead?
  • H2 13 States With No Retirement Tax Ranked by How Much You Need to 'Retire Comfortably'
  • H2 Personal Finance
  • H2 Are You Committing Insurance Fraud Without Realizing It?
  • H2 Find Your Monthly Payment With This Mortgage Calculator
  • H2 Find the Best 30-Year Mortgage Rates
  • H2 Your Older Kindle Might Become Useless After May 20
  • H2 The Secret Psychological Hack I Used to Save More
  • H2 We Are 57 and Want to Take Two Years Off to Travel
  • H2 Real Estate
  • H2 Find Your Monthly Payment With This Mortgage Calculator
  • H2 Find the Best 30-Year Mortgage Rates
  • H2 Top 10 Housing Markets in the US 2026
  • H2 We're Retired and Wealthy. I Want to Splurge but My Wife Says 'No.'
  • H2 Travel
  • H2 We Are 57 and Want to Take Two Years Off to Travel
  • H2 The Small Cruises We'd Book Now for a 2026 Retirement Splurge
  • H2 What To Take On A Plane For A More Luxurious Trip
  • H2 Do Americans Need a Visa for Europe? ETIAS is Coming in 2026
  • H2 7 Ways to Splurge on Yourself, Because Your Kids Will Inherit Enough
  • H2 Gas Prices Are Climbing — Should You Rent an EV for Your Road Trip?
  • H2 Economic Forecasts
  • H2 Kiplinger Retail Outlook: Consumers Undeterred by Gas-Price Hikes
  • H2 Kiplinger Energy Outlook: War in Iran Spells Higher Gas Prices in the US
  • H2 Aerospace Industry Hopes for Iran Windfall
  • H2 The Hottest AI Apps Consumers Are Actually Using
  • H2 Kiplinger Inflation Outlook: Energy Costs Will Retreat Slowly
  • H2 Exports have held up reasonably well despite tariff disputes
  • H2 Kiplinger Jobs Outlook: Is The Jan. Jump in Jobs a One-Off?
  • H2 More from Kiplinger
  • H2 We Are 57 and Want to Take Two Years Off to Travel
  • H2 Kiplinger Retail Outlook: Consumers Undeterred by Gas-Price Hikes
  • H2 The Small Cruises We'd Book Now for a 2026 Retirement Splurge
  • H2 There's No Silver Bullet for Business Success — Just 4 Basic Principles
  • H2 Do Americans Need a Visa for Europe? ETIAS is Coming in 2026
  • H2 7 Ways to Splurge on Yourself, Because Your Kids Will Inherit Enough
All checks on this page are automated. Results are estimates - run targeted manual reviews when the score affects a release decision.

Send Feedback