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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Six Changes to Social Security in 2026
Big changes come to Social Security every year, impacting everything from the size of your benefit check to your full retirement age. Here's what you need to know.
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 run dry. What will happen then?
By Elaine Silvestrini
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11 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Should Avoid Making
Medicare If you don't make the right choices, you could end up with higher Medicare premiums and high out-of-pocket costs.
By Donna LeValley
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Eight Things Medicare Doesn't Cover
Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
By Donna LeValley
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9 Medicare Changes to Watch in 2026
Learn about the benefits that become permanent features of Medicare in 2026 and how they have been changed or updated since their inception.
By Donna LeValley
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What You Will Pay for Medicare in 2026
Medicare premiums for 2026, as well as the costs of Parts A, B, and D, have increased. Here is how much you'll pay in 2026.
By Donna LeValley
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2026 To-Do List: 7 Best Financial Moves to Make for a Happy New Year
Checklist of 7 Easy Things You Can Do In 2026 To Improve and Secure Your Finances
By Donna LeValley
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Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Which Is Better for Buying a Home?
real estate Consider these pluses and minuses before jumping into a loan you'll be paying for the next 15 to 30 years.
By Donna LeValley
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9 Things You Should Keep in a Home Safe
Put these valuables in a home safe, not a bank safety deposit box (or under a mattress). You'll be glad you did.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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How Your Social Security Check Changes at Ages 62, 65, 66, 67 and 70
The longer you wait, the bigger your Social Security check. We break it down by the most common ages at which people claim their benefits.
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
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The Average Monthly Social Security Check: Latest Info
The average monthly Social Security check amount might surprise you. Here's a look at the numbers and why they matter.
By Donna LeValley
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The Average Social Security Check in Every State
Do 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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Control vs Protection Quiz: Which Trust Do You Need?
Quiz Take this simple quiz to discover whether a revocable or irrevocable trust should be the cornerstone of your estate plan.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Don't Wait Until January: Your Year-End Health Checklist to Kickstart 2026
Skip the fleeting resolutions and start the new year with a proactive plan to optimize your longevity, cognitive health and social vitality.
By Donna LeValley
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Money Market Account Basics
savings Money market accounts give you rates of return rivaling high-yield savings accounts, with more flexibility to access your cash.
By Donna LeValley
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Vesting, Catch-Ups and Roths: The 401(k) Knowledge Quiz
Quiz Test your understanding of key 401(k) concepts with our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
When to Expect Your First Social Security Check of 2026
Social Security payments to retirees reflecting the 2.8% COLA will start arriving January 14.
By Donna LeValley
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Vaccines Medicare Covers for Free
The U.S. is experiencing an outbreak of measles and is on track to have the most whooping cough cases since 1948; these vaccines Medicare covers for free can keep you safe.
By Donna LeValley
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The Retirement Donor's Checklist: Key Deadlines by Gift Type
Retirees have some charitable contribution options that can help avoid spikes in income from RMDS and capital gains.
By Donna LeValley
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The 9 Key Milestone Ages In Retirement
These nine milestone ages mark your eligibility for significant retirement benefits, including catch-up contributions and required actions, such as taking RMDs at age 73.
By Donna LeValley
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4 Things You Need to Know Before Applying for Social Security in 2025
Don't unnecessarily delay or reduce your Social Security benefits because you don't know all the rules and requirements.
By Donna LeValley
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The 7-Month Deadline That Sets Your Lifetime Medicare Premiums
Understanding Medicare enrollment is crucial, as missing deadlines can lead to permanent late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage.
By Donna LeValley
