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 Social Security Test Every Wealthy Retiree Must TakeWhen you work and collect Social Security benefits before your FRA, you are subject to the Retirement Earning Test that could result in a temporary reduction of your benefits.
By Donna LeValley
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9 Changes to Social Security in 2027Higher payouts, new tax limits and updated earnings rules are coming in January. Here is everything retirees and workers need to know.
By Donna LeValley
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Stolen SSN? A New Law Promises Faster Help From Social SecurityA new law aims to cut red tape for SSN identity theft victims and promises a single point of contact.
By Donna LeValley
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Inheriting Money? 7 Ways to Make Sure Your Windfall Doesn't VanishPreserving an inheritance isn’t about spending less — it’s about allocating smart.
By Donna LeValley
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Which Celebrity Are You Most Like When It Comes to Inheritance?Answer 7 quick questions to uncover which iconic approach to passing down wealth matches your personal philosophy.
By Donna LeValley
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The 3-and-10 Rule: How Social Security Replacement Card Limits WorkThink you can get a new Social Security card whenever you lose one? Federal limits say otherwise.
By Donna LeValley
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Don't Miss Out! A Quiz on Medicare Enrollment DeadlinesQuiz Test your basic knowledge of Medicare enrollment periods in our quick quiz.
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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2027 Social Security COLA is 3.6%: What You Need to KnowThe SSA has announced the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the new maximum taxable wage cap and the earnings requirements for Social Security credits.
By Donna LeValley
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15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage: Pros and Consreal estate Consider these pluses and minuses before jumping into a loan you'll be paying for the next 15 to 30 years.
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
