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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Flashback Finance: The Cost of Retiring the Year You Were BornJust like groceries, gas and home prices, the cost of retiring is subject to inflation. Here's a look at what it cost to retire in the year you were born.
By Donna LeValley
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How Much Will Social Security's 2032 Shortfall Cost You?The SS trust fund will be insolvent in 2032 and will have to reduce benefits by 22%. Here is how much more you need to save to cover the shortfall, by age.
By Donna LeValley
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The New Average Divorce Rate By Age: Are You in the Risk Zone?While the overall divorce rate has seen a small but steady decline, gray divorces have been on the rise since the 1990s.
By Donna LeValley
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Social Security Payment Schedule for 2026Find 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
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The Average Social Security Check by AgeCompare your average Social Security check with others of your age, and plan for the future.
By Donna LeValley
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The Average Social Security Check in Every StateDo you live in this New England state with the heftiest check? Your Social Security benefit can be affected by where you live.
By Donna LeValley
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The Average Monthly Social Security Check: May 2026The average monthly Social Security check amount might surprise you. Here's a look at May's numbers and why they matter.
By Donna LeValley
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The 25 Cheapest Places to Live: US Cities EditionHave a look at the cheapest places to live in America for city dwellers. Is one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. right for you?
By Donna LeValley
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21 Things Home Buyers Will Hate About Your Housereal estate As a home seller, you don't want to let the small — or big — fixes around your house that have added up over the years sabotage your bottom line during a resale.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein
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America at 250: The 3 Economic Headaches That Haven't Changed Since 1976From sticky inflation to Social Security deadlines, a look back at the 50-year evolution of our personal economies as we celebrate the Semiquincentennial.
By Donna LeValley
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How Has Retirement Changed in the Last 50 Years? Take Our QuizQuiz Test your knowledge on how American retirement has transformed since 1976.
By Donna LeValley
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Does Donald Trump Claim Social Security Benefits?The Social Security Act of 1983 brought the president and vice president under the Social Security program. We investigate which presidents are on the payroll.
By Donna LeValley
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America's Cost of Living at 200 vs 250: How Affordable is American Life Now?Unpack the Semiquincentennial sticker shock by comparing the modern economy to the simple days of Casey Kasem countdowns and affordable living in 1976.
By Donna LeValley
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How 401(k) Savers Just Triggered a Big Market ShiftRather than running to the sidelines or moving to cash when things get bumpy, seasoned savers are building up their balances and locking in long-term security.
By Donna LeValley
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Latest Inflation Data Keeps 2027 Social Security COLA Forecast HighAs inflation persists, the 2027 Social Security COLA forecast has dropped slightly to 3.8% — a 0.1% decrease compared to the April estimate.
By Donna LeValley
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Why Is My First Medicare Bill So High?Your first Medicare bill may be higher than expected for several reasons. If your premiums aren't taken out of your Social Security benefit, the bill can be huge.
By Donna LeValley
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The 2026 Mid-Year Retirement ResetChecklist of 6 easy things you can do in June to improve and secure your finances.
By Donna LeValley
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When Will Social Security and Medicare Run Out of Money?Social Security and Medicare trust funds, which help pay benefits, are projected to outspend their surpluses. What happens when the safety net faces a shortfall?
By Elaine Silvestrini
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7 Ways to Plan Now to Save on Medicare IRMAA Surcharges LaterUnderstand the critical two-year lookback period and why aggressive planning before you enroll in Medicare is the most effective way to minimize IRMAA.
By Donna LeValley
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Estate Planning Quiz: Can You Decode These 10 Critical Terms?Quiz Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge of the essential legal and financial vocabulary required to protect your assets and your family.
By Donna LeValley
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Why 'Locking' Your Social Security Number Is the New Credit FreezeHere is how to keep your Social Security number private in an age of aggressive cybercriminals.
By Donna LeValley
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Social Security Do-Overs Quiz: Can You Undo a Claiming Mistake?Quiz Whether you're looking for a total "do-over" or just a temporary "pause," this quick quiz reveals exactly what is — and isn't — possible.
By Donna LeValley
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5 Social Security Myths That Can Cost You ThousandsBefore you collect Social Security benefits, make sure you don't believe any of these falsehoods.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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What is the IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)?IRMAA is a surcharge added to your Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage premiums if your income is above a certain level. Here's what you need to know.
By Donna LeValley
