
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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Is Your IRA Protected from Creditors in Bankruptcy?
Can creditors take some or part of your IRA funds if you file for bankruptcy? Learn more about the federal protections that exist and to what extent they protect your IRAs.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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TIPS vs I-Bonds
Both TIPS and I-bonds are hedges against inflation. Learn about the pros and cons of each before you invest.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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The Benefits of I Bonds vs EE Bonds to Store Your Savings
All of the information you'll need to choose between Series I and EE savings bonds is right here.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Need More Money for Retirement? You May Have Already Saved It. Here's How to Find Your Lost 401(k).
Over 29 million lost 401(k) accounts worth almost $1.65 trillion have been forgotten by their owners. Here are nine ways you can locate your account.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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 Last updated
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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 Published
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The Nine 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 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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12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Social Security Claiming Social Security benefits at the right time means more money for you. Here’s a guide to everything from knowing your retirement age to spousal benefits.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Does Donald Trump Claim Social Security Benefits?
Social Security is a hot topic. I thought it would be interesting to see if President Trump and previous presidents collect Social Security benefits.
By Donna LeValley Published
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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 Last updated
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The Social Security Fairness Act May Change How You Pay Medicare Premiums
If you receive an upward adjustment to your monthly Social Security benefits due to the SSFA, how you pay your Medicare premiums might change.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Six Reasons to Disinherit Someone and How to Do It
Whether you're navigating a second marriage, handling an estranged relative or leaving assets to charity, there are reasons to disinherit someone. Here's how.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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The Average Retirement Savings by Age: Are You Keeping Up?
Think you may have more retirement savings than your peers? Here's your answer.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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When Will I Receive My 2025 Social Security Checks?
Find out when you can expect your 2025 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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Where to Move Your Money Before the Next Fed Meeting
Savings rates remain high. And with the Fed unlikely to conduct rate cuts at its June meeting, it gives savers more time to maximize returns.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Average Social Security Check Hit a New Record High in May
The average monthly Social Security check amount might surprise you. Here's a look at the numbers and why they matter.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Four Tax-Friendly Ways to Pay for Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance Use these four tax-friendly ways to pay for your long-term care premiums.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
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Social Security Under Trump Live Updates: Final Blog Post — for Now
Social Security Blog Social Security has undergone big changes in 2025 under President Trump. Get live daily news, updates, tips and analysis to help you navigate the developments.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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How to Set the Price to Sell Your Home
real estate If you're selling your home, setting the right price is crucial. Don't overprice or you'll scare away prospective buyers.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Registered Social Security Analyst: The Retirement Professional You Didn’t Know You Needed
The services of a Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA) are often overlooked. Yet, for those planning for retirement, nearing or already retired, an RSSA can be an invaluable resource.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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 Last updated
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Eight Changes to HSAs in the One Big Beautiful Bill Add up for Retirement Savers
HSAs are getting a glow-up in the pending tax bill. Those 55+ and workers enrolled in Medicare Part A will have more opportunity to save for medical costs in retirement.
By Donna LeValley Published