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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America at 250: The 3 Economic Headaches That Haven't Changed Since 1976From sticky inflation to Social Security deadlines, a look back at the 50-year evolution of our personal economies as we celebrate the Semiquincentennial.
By Donna LeValley
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How Has Retirement Changed in the Last 50 Years? Take Our QuizQuiz Test your knowledge on how American retirement has transformed since 1976.
By Donna LeValley
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Does Donald Trump Claim Social Security Benefits?The Social Security Act of 1983 brought the president and vice president under the Social Security program. We investigate which presidents are on the payroll.
By Donna LeValley
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America's Cost of Living at 200 vs 250: How Affordable is American Life Now?Unpack the Semiquincentennial sticker shock by comparing the modern economy to the simple days of Casey Kasem countdowns and affordable living in 1976.
By Donna LeValley
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How 401(k) Savers Just Triggered a Big Market ShiftRather than running to the sidelines or moving to cash when things get bumpy, seasoned savers are building up their balances and locking in long-term security.
By Donna LeValley
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Latest Inflation Data Keeps 2027 Social Security COLA Forecast HighAs inflation persists, the 2027 Social Security COLA forecast has dropped slightly to 3.8% — a 0.1% decrease compared to the April estimate.
By Donna LeValley
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Why Is My First Medicare Bill So High?Your first Medicare bill may be higher than expected for several reasons. If your premiums aren't taken out of your Social Security benefit, the bill can be huge.
By Donna LeValley
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The 2026 Mid-Year Retirement ResetChecklist of 6 easy things you can do in June to improve and secure your finances.
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 outspend their surpluses. What happens when the safety net faces a shortfall?
By Elaine Silvestrini
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7 Ways to Plan Now to Save on Medicare IRMAA Surcharges LaterUnderstand the critical two-year lookback period and why aggressive planning before you enroll in Medicare is the most effective way to minimize IRMAA.
By Donna LeValley
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Estate Planning Quiz: Can You Decode These 10 Critical Terms?Quiz Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge of the essential legal and financial vocabulary required to protect your assets and your family.
By Donna LeValley
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Why 'Locking' Your Social Security Number Is the New Credit FreezeHere is how to keep your Social Security number private in an age of aggressive cybercriminals.
By Donna LeValley
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Social Security Do-Overs Quiz: Can You Undo a Claiming Mistake?Quiz Whether you're looking for a total "do-over" or just a temporary "pause," this quick quiz reveals exactly what is — and isn't — possible.
By Donna LeValley
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5 Social Security Myths That Can Cost You ThousandsBefore you collect Social Security benefits, make sure you don't believe any of these falsehoods.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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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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9 Tips to Declutter Your Home Before Your Retirement MovePlanning 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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The Minimum Savings You Need To Retire in All 50 StatesWorried 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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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
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Married to a Noncitizen? Don't Let the IRS Become Your Biggest BeneficiaryNoncitizens don't get the unlimited marital deduction. Learn how the QDOT bridges this gap to defer estate taxes and protect your family's legacy.
By Donna LeValley
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How Savvy Are You at Saving on Luxury Travel? Take Our Short QuizQuiz Before you book your next getaway, test your travel savings strategy. Take our short quiz to uncover the best ways to protect your wallet on vacation.
By Donna LeValley
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Projected 2027 IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Medicare Part B and DWill you owe the Medicare IRMAA surcharge in 2027? Grab your 2025 tax return and check the projected brackets and surcharges for next year.
By Donna LeValley
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How to Appeal the IRMAA for Medicare Parts B and DMedicare There's a good chance you can get your IRMAA eliminated or reduced if your income has dropped in the past two years.
By Jackie Stewart
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Is Your 401(k) Rollover Truly Protected in an IRA?Quiz Take our 10-question quiz see if your hard-earned nest egg is truly protected from hidden liabilities, or if you are exposed to unexpected risks.
By Donna LeValley
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Medicare and Cruises: The 6-Hour RuleDon't let a medical emergency ruin your retirement. We explain why Medicare might not pay for cruise ship virus treatments and how to fill the coverage gap.
By Donna LeValley
