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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15 Home Maintenance Tasks to Do Before the First Snowhome Don't wait for the first snowfall. These simple home maintenance tasks can help you avoid costly winter repairs and protect your wallet.
By Donna LeValley
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Is Your Driver's License at Risk? What the DMV Requires From Retirees in 2026See which states require older drivers to retake vision tests to keep their licenses — and the one state that makes retirees retake their road test.
By Donna LeValley
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Medicare Drug Plan Premiums Expected to Hold Steady Despite Subsidy LossMedicare expects stand-alone Part D premiums to rise by less than $1 in 2027 as it phases out temporary insurer subsidies.
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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How Well Do You Know Medicare Part D? Take Our Quiz to Find OutQuiz Test your knowledge of essential Medicare Part D concepts with this quick quiz before reviewing your prescription drug options this fall.
By Donna LeValley
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Who Qualifies for the New $90 Medicare Part B Rebate?Are you getting $90 back on your Part B premiums? Here is a complete breakdown of who qualifies, who is excluded and when payments arrive.
By Donna LeValley
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The Average Social Security Check by AgeCompare your average Social Security check with others of your age, and plan for the future.
By Donna LeValley
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Final 2027 COLA Estimate Takes Another Dip Despite High PricesFinal 2027 Social Security COLA forecast drops to 3.5% in August despite persistent inflation.
By Donna LeValley
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The Average Social Security Check in Every StateDo 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: August 2026The average monthly Social Security check amount might surprise you. Here's a look at August's numbers and why they matter.
By Donna LeValley
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Social Security Payment Schedule for 2027Find out when you can expect your 2027 Social Security payments and the date you get paid when your scheduled day falls on a holiday.
By Donna LeValley
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10 Things You Should Know About Medicare Part D PlansOpen enrollment is just weeks away; it’s time to review your Medicare drug plan.
By Donna LeValley
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What Kind of Heir Are You? Take Our Quiz to Reveal Your Money StyleAn inheritance can bring opportunity but also responsibilities. Take this short quiz to discover how ready you are, and get tips to protect your legacy.
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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Quiz: Do You Know What Medicare Gives You for Free?Quiz This quiz tests your knowledge of the services that Medicare provides at no cost to you.
By Donna LeValley
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Your 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment Guide: Essential Dates and NoticesLearn how to read your annual Medicare notices, track critical deadlines and choose the right health and drug coverage before the December 7 deadline.
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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You Were Given Financial Power of Attorney. What Does That Mean?Being named a financial power of attorney (FPOA) is an honor, but it can also be a heavy lift. Know your fiduciary duties and why standard POAs don't cover Social Security or Medicare.
By Donna LeValley
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The 7-Month Deadline That Sets Your Lifetime Medicare PremiumsUnderstanding Medicare enrollment is crucial, as missing deadlines can lead to permanent late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage.
By Donna LeValley
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The Retirement Birthday Quiz: Test Your Milestone KnowledgeQuiz Navigating retirement rules means tracking key milestone ages. Test your timeline IQ with our quick quiz before making your next move.
By Donna LeValley
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6 Steps to Choosing an ExecutorDefaulting to the oldest child isn't always the best move. Follow these guidelines to select a trustworthy executor and keep the peace among your heirs.
By Donna LeValley
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How Medigap Insurance Is Affected by Preexisting Conditionsinsurance Delaying enrollment in a medigap policy can lead to higher premiums and denial of coverage in most states.
By Kimberly Lankford
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Projected 2027 IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Medicare Parts 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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Frustrated With Your Medicare Advantage Plan? You’re Not AloneMedicare Advantage plans scored lower in overall satisfaction among members in 2025. Eroding trust and policy confusion drove the drop in customer satisfaction.
By Donna LeValley
