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
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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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The Average Monthly Social Security Check: January 2026
The average monthly Social Security check amount might surprise you. Here's a look at January's numbers and why they matter.
By Donna LeValley
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4 High-End Experiences Worth the Splurge After 50
These curated date ideas provide the perfect backdrop for couples ready to enjoy the very best that the world has to offer.
By Donna LeValley
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Quiz: Do You Know How to Maximize Your Social Security Check?
Quiz Test your knowledge of Social Security delayed retirement credits with our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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The Minimum Savings You Need To Retire in All 50 States
Worried you haven't saved enough for retirement? Here are the average annual expenses and minimum savings amounts needed to get by in all 50 states.
By Donna LeValley
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How a QDRO Protects Your Retirement Savings During Divorce
Learn why a divorce decree isn’t enough to protect your retirement assets. You need a QDRO to divide the accounts to avoid paying penalties or income tax.
By Donna LeValley
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Quiz: Do You Know How to Avoid the "Medigap Trap?"
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the "Medigap Trap" in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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9 Tips to Declutter Your Home Before Your Retirement Move
Planning to declutter your home — whether you're moving or downsizing — can be overwhelming. Here's how to do it.
By Dawn Wotapka
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What Home Equity Is and Why It's a Valuable Long-Term Investment
Understanding what home equity is and why it's such a valued long-term investment.
By Donna LeValley
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5 Financial Red Flags to Watch for in Relationships
Financial red flags can impact whether you and your mate can have a financially sound future together.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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Why 'Locking' Your Social Security Number Is the New Credit Freeze
Here is how to keep your Social Security number private in an age of aggressive cybercriminals.
By Donna LeValley
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Oval Office Legacies: The Social Security History Quiz
Quiz Test your knowledge of the historical development of Social Security under various U.S. presidents from Roosevelt to Trump.
By Donna LeValley
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Presidents and Social Security: How Presidents Have Impacted America's First Social Insurance Policy
Since its inception in 1935, Social Security has expanded its mission and reach. Here is how each president from Roosevelt to Trump has impacted Social Security.
By Donna LeValley
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Does Donald Trump Claim Social Security Benefits?
Does a billionaire need a Social Security check? We investigate which presidents are on the payroll.
By Donna LeValley
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The $200,000 Olympic 'Pension' is a Retirement Game-Changer for Team USA
The donation by financier Ross Stevens is meant to be a "retirement program" for Team USA Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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Medicare Premiums 2026: IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D
Do you have to pay the monthly Medicare premium surcharge this year? It depends.
By Donna LeValley
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What’s the Best Medigap Plan for You?
Medicare The 10 Medigap plans offer different levels of benefits that pay for expenses, such as co-payments, not covered by original Medicare.
By Jackie Stewart
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Quiz: Are You Ready for the 2026 401(k) Catch-Up Shakeup?
Quiz If you are 50 or older and a high earner, these new catch-up rules fundamentally change how your "extra" retirement savings are taxed and reported.
By Donna LeValley
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How to Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties Forever
Whether you're still working or plan to retire this year, understanding the 2026 late penalties for Parts A, B and D is essential for your financial health.
By Donna LeValley
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Prior Authorization for Traditional Medicare Patients Has Started in 6 States
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented prior authorization requirements for certain traditional fee-for-service Medicare services in six states starting this year.
By Donna LeValley
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Flashback Finance: The Cost of Retiring the Year You Were Born
Just 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
