
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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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.
By Kimberly Lankford
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Don't Toss It! Why Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change Matters
If you have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan, reviewing your Annual Notice of Change is crucial. It can save you money and ensure you can still see your preferred doctors and hospitals.
By Donna LeValley
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Quiz: Social Security Basics
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the Social Security program in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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Medicare Prior Authorization Expands to Ambulatory Surgical Centers
Starting in December, Medicare will begin requiring prior authorization for certain procedures when performed in ambulatory surgical centers.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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Delay Social Security Benefits — Even by a Month — to Boost Your Check
social security You don't need to wait an entire year beyond your full retirement age to earn delayed retirement credits.
By Donna LeValley
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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.
By Donna LeValley
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IRA and SEP Rules at a Glance: Contribution Limits, Income Limits and Rollover Options
Here are IRA contribution limits, income limits and rollover rules for Roth, traditional, SIMPLE and SEP IRAs at a glance.
By Donna LeValley
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Is Your Estate at Risk? The Five Trusts You May Be Missing
You can use these trusts to cement your legacy, organize your estate and limit your exposure to estate and gift taxes.
By Donna LeValley
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How Your Social Security Check Changes at Ages 62, 65, 66, 67 and 70
The longer you wait, the bigger your Social Security check. We break it down by the most common ages at which people claim their benefits.
By Donna LeValley
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Vaccines Medicare Covers for Free in 2025
The U.S. is experiencing an outbreak of measles and is on track to have the most whooping cough cases since 1948; these vaccines Medicare covers for free can keep you safe.
By Donna LeValley
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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.
By Jackie Stewart
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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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What Is the Par Value of Bonds?
Understanding par value will help you determine the value of a bond.
By Donna LeValley
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Ten Cheapest Small Towns to Live In
The cheapest small towns might not be for everyone, but their charms can make them the best places to live for plenty of folks.
By Dan Burrows
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12 Things You Need to Know About Medicare
Medicare There's Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. We sort out the confusion about signing up for Medicare — and much more.
By Catherine Siskos
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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.
By Donna LeValley
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How to Get a Refund For a Water Leak
real estate Refunds for water leaks are available from municipalities if you report and fix the problem.
By Donna LeValley
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Six Changes Coming to Social Security in 2026
Big changes are coming to Social Security in the year ahead, impacting everything from the size of your benefit check to your full retirement age. Here's what you need to know.
By Donna LeValley
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Brace for Higher Health Costs in 2026: A Look at Projected Medicare Premiums
In 2026, Medicare participants will pay more for their health care. Part B costs are expected to rise more than 10%. Here's what you can do.
By Donna LeValley
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Social Security Turns 90 — Five Important Things to Know
Social Security has become a cornerstone of the American retirement system and works to keep over 16 million retirees above the poverty line. Here are five key facts about the program as it turns 90.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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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.
By Donna LeValley
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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