Latest articles by Donna LeValley
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When to Apply for Social Security Payments? Your Age Matters
Do you know when to apply for Social Security benefits? What's the best age to start receiving monthly payments? Part of the answer lies in your birth year.
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Government Shutdown Could Delay 2026 Social Security COLA Announcement
The shutdown of the federal government has thrown a wrench in the 2026 COLA calculations. Here is what you need to know as we wait for the forced furloughs to end.
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The Medicare Surcharge: Test Your IRMAA Knowledge
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the income-related monthly adjustment amount in our quick quiz.
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How Medicare Is Affected by a Government Shutdown
A look at how Medicare is affected by a government shutdown, as well as other government-related health care.
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Will Your Social Security Checks Stop During the Government Shutdown?
Will your Social Security check be derailed or delayed by a government shutdown? What services might be paused? We've got answers.
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Nine Things You Need For a Complete Retirement Plan
Sponsored by Physicians Mutual
A successful retirement is built on a solid foundation of careful planning and self-awareness. Here are nine areas you should plan for if you want to retire with confidence.
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Here Is How Much You'll Pay for Medicare Premiums and Deductibles in 2025
Medicare premiums for 2025, and the cost of Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and Part D premiums and deductibles, have gone up. Here is how much you'll pay in 2025.
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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.
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When Will I Receive My 2025 Social Security Checks?
Find out when you can expect your 2025 Social Security payments and the date you get paid when your scheduled day falls on a holiday.
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2026 Social Security COLA July Projection Rises
In October, the SSA will reveal the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that will apply to Social Security benefits next year. The COLA is an increase designed to help Social Security payments keep up with inflation.
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11 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Should Avoid Making
Medicare If you don't make the right choices, you could end up with higher Medicare premiums and big out-of-pocket costs.
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How Your HSA Can Reimburse You for Medicare Premiums and Expenses
Medicare Even if your Medicare premiums are automatically deducted from your Social Security check, you can take tax-free withdrawals from an Health Savings Account to reimburse yourself.
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Eight Things Medicare Doesn't Cover
Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
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Seven 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.
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Your Medicare Costs Are Set to Soar: What to Expect Over the Next Decade
Medicare beneficiaries will face higher premiums, deductibles and surcharges starting in 2026 and continuing over the next decade. Here's what you need to know.
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Quiz: The COLA Challenge: Test Your Knowledge of Social Security
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the Social Security COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) in our quick quiz.
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The 15 Cheapest Places to Live: U.S. Cities Edition
places to live Have a look at the cheapest places to live in America for city dwellers. Is one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. right for you?
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The 15 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the US
Real estate From metro areas on both coasts to the middle of the Pacific Ocean, these are the most expensive cities to live in the U.S.
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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.
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Are COVID Shots Still Covered By Medicare?
Getting the new COVID-19 vaccine covered by Medicare isn't as easy this year as it was in the past. Here's what you need to know before you take a trip to your pharmacy.
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The Average Monthly Social Security Check: August 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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What’s the Best Medigap Plan for You?
Medicare The 10 Medigap plans offer different levels of benefits that pay for expenses, such as co-payments, not covered by original Medicare.
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Where to Move Your Money Before the Next Fed Meeting
Savings rates remain high for now. But with the Fed likely to cut rates at its September meeting, it's time for savers to lock in rates now.
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How Medigap Insurance Is Affected by Preexisting Conditions
insurance Delaying enrollment in a medigap policy can lead to higher premiums and denial of coverage in most states.
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