
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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Most Changes to HSAs in the One Big Beautiful Bill Did Not Make the Final Cut
HSAs were set to get a glow-up in the House version of the OBBB. Unfortunately for most retirees, the final bill did not include many of the benefits proposed by the House.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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How Much Will Social Security's 2033 Shortfall Cost You?
The Social Security trust fund will be insolvent in 2033 and by 2035 will have to reduce benefits by 23%. Here is now much more you need to save to cover the potential shortfall.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Six Medicare Changes Coming 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 Last updated
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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 Last updated
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Prior Authorization Coming to Traditional Medicare Starting in 2026
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will implement prior authorization requirements for certain traditional fee-for-service Medicare services in six states starting next year.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Don't Fall For These Five Costly Medicare Myths
Signing up for Medicare can be complicated, and mistakes can be costly. Let's demystify these five Medicare myths to avoid expensive penalties.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Bonds: Everything You Need to Know
investing Bond yield, maturity, interest and price explained.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Four Proposed Changes to Medicare in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Four Proposed Changes to Medicare in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — and What Ended Up in the Signed Bill
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Five Ways You Can Lose Your Medicare Benefits
Your Medicare coverage can be disrupted or lost through your own actions or for reasons outside of your control. Don't let that happen to you.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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