
Donna LeValley
Donna joined Kiplinger as a personal finance writer in 2023. She spent more than a decade as the contributing editor of J.K.Lasser's Your Income Tax Guide and edited state specific legal treatises at ALM Media. She has shared her expertise as a guest on Bloomberg, CNN, Fox, NPR, CNBC and many other media outlets around the nation. She is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School and the University at Buffalo.
Latest articles by Donna LeValley
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The Average Social Security Check by Age
Compare your average Social Security check with others of your age, and plan for the future.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Medicare Premiums 2026: Projected IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D
Will you have to pay the monthly Medicare premium surcharge next year? It depends on a few factors.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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2026 Social Security COLA is 2.8%: What You Need to Know
The SSA has announced the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), the new maximum taxable wage cap, and the earnings requirements for Social Security credits.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Social Security Payment Schedule for 2026
Find out when you can expect your 2026 Social Security payments and the date you get paid when your scheduled day falls on a holiday.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Medicare Open Enrollment 2026 Live Updates: We'll Be Back on December 1 for the Final Week of Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment Updates Medicare Open Enrollment 2026 Live Updates: An Open Enrollment Period Quiz and The Medigap Trap!
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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How Your HSA Can Reimburse You for Medicare Premiums and Expenses
Medicare Even if your Medicare premiums are automatically deducted from your Social Security check, you can take tax-free withdrawals from an Health Savings Account to reimburse yourself.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
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Ready to File? Test Your Social Security Application IQ
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of filing for Social Security benefits in our 10 question quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley Published
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The 10 Most Costly Social Security Mistakes to Avoid
Want to maximize your Social Security check? Learn the 10 most common Social Security filing errors and the steps you need to take to boost your guaranteed retirement income.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Do You Know Your ABCDs? The Essential Medicare Parts Quiz
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of different parts of Medicare in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Don't Miss Out! A Quiz on Medicare Enrollment Deadlines
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of Medicare enrollment periods in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley Published
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12 FAQs About Medicare
Medicare When you turn 65, you have to master a new health care system. We’re here to help.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
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2026 Social Security COLA Announcement Is Back on Track Despite Government Shutdown
BLS announces that the September CPI, a key inflation measure needed to determine the Social Security COLA, will be released on September 24 despite the ongoing government shutdown.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Medicare Open Enrollment Is Starting Soon
Medicare During the annual enrollment period each fall, you can select a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan or switch back to original Medicare.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Your Medicare Costs Are Set to Soar: What to Expect Over the Next Decade
Medicare beneficiaries will face higher premiums, deductibles and surcharges starting in 2026 and continuing over the next decade. Here's what you need to know.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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What Medicare Covers When You Travel in the US and Abroad
Medical emergencies can happen at any time. Knowing what Medicare coverage you have, anywhere in the world, can help you avoid a massive bill.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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12 Things You Need to Know About Medicare
Medicare There's Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. We sort out the confusion about signing up for Medicare — and much more.
By Catherine Siskos Last updated
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Major Insurers Scale Back Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans for 2026. What You Need to Know.
Beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans might be losing their plan as UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna (CVS Health) scale back offerings for 2026.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Five Things to Consider Now If You Want to Retire in 2026
Sponsored by Savant Wealth Management
To retire with confidence in the year ahead, tackle these essential tasks right now.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Are You Entitled? A Social Security Spousal Benefits Quiz
Quiz Test your knowledge of Social Security spousal benefits in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Bond Ratings and What They Mean
investing Bond ratings measure the creditworthiness of your bond issuer. Understanding bond ratings can help you limit your risk and maximize your yield.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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When to Apply for Social Security Payments? Your Age Matters
Do you know when to apply for Social Security benefits? What's the best age to start receiving monthly payments? Part of the answer lies in your birth year.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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The Medicare Surcharge: Test Your IRMAA Knowledge
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the income-related monthly adjustment amount in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley Published
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How Medicare Is Affected by a Government Shutdown
A look at how Medicare is affected by a government shutdown, as well as other government-related health care.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Will Your Social Security Checks Stop During the Government Shutdown?
Will your Social Security check be derailed or delayed by a government shutdown? What services might be paused? We've got answers.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
