Latest articles by Donna LeValley
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How to Access Your Parents’ Medicare to Help them Enroll and Manage Their Care
Getting access to your parents' Medicare or Medicare Advantage accounts is easiest when they're healthy. But you still have options if they are incapacitated.
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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 May meeting, it gives savers more time to maximize returns.
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Five Trusts You Need to Know About and the Best Time to Use Them
You can use trusts to cement your legacy, organize your estate and limit your exposure to estate and gift taxes.
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The Average Monthly Social Security Check: March 2025
The average monthly Social Security check amount might surprise you. Here's a look at the numbers and why they matter.
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The Eight Key Milestone Ages In Retirement
These eight milestone ages mark your eligibility for significant retirement benefits, including catch-up contributions and required actions, such as taking RMDs at age 73.
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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.
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Customer Services are Strained at the SSA, You Should Plan Around These Federal Holidays
If you have a question or need information from a federal agency, check the federal holiday schedule to make sure you get your business done before they close.
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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.
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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.
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SEP IRA Contribution Limits
SEP IRA A good option for small business owners, SEP IRAs allow individual annual contributions of as much as $70,000 in 2025, up from $69,000 in 2024.
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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.
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11 Local Social Security Offices Are Suspending In-Person Services
A departure from closing locations, eight local Social Security offices will temporarily stop all in-person service and will only be available by telephone.
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Social Security Phone Wait Times: What to Expect and the Best Times to Call
The Social Security Administration receives 80 million calls every year. Timing is everything if you want to get through.
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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.
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Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for 2025
real estate Use this 20-point checklist to get your home ready for spring.
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Social Security Sent Out Billions in Back Payments in March. Here's What You Need to Know
The Social Security Administration started paying retroactive benefits owed this week. Monthly increases will start for most people with their March benefit, which is paid out in April.
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Don't Be a Financial Fool
Reject these four financial myths and avoid being financially foolish.
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Bigger Social Security Checks Are Arriving in April
Payments to eligible retired public sector employees will increase starting in April due to the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA)..
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The Average Social Security Check for Retirees 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.
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The SSA Has Rolled Back Some Changes to the Application Process and Extended the Timeline: Here's What You Need to Know
The SSA is transitioning to stronger identity verification procedures for both new benefit claims and direct deposit changes.
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Is Your IRA Protected in a 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.
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The Average Social Security Check by Age
Compare your average Social Security check to others of your age, and plan for the future.
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IRA Rules at a Glance: Contribution Limits, Income Limits and Rollover Options
Here are IRA contribution limits, income limits and rollover rules for Roth, traditional, SIMPLE and SEP IRAs at a glance.
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Nine Things to 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.
