
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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Humana to Cut Prior Authorizations for Medicare Advantage Plans by 2026
Humana, the second-largest provider of Medicare Advantage Plans, has pledged to streamline the often frustrating Prior Authorization process.
By Donna LeValley Published
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How to Apply for Social Security Online or In Person at Any Age
There are two ways to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. When you apply for benefits has no impact on how you file to claim your benefits.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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The 10 'Real' Richest Counties in the US
Real Estate People living in the richest counties in America enjoy high incomes without the heavy cost pressures that usually come with them.
By Dan Burrows Last updated
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12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Social Security Claiming Social Security benefits at the right time means more money for you. Here’s a guide to everything from knowing your retirement age to spousal benefits.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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?
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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The 10 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.
By Dan Burrows Last updated
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Nine Tips to Declutter Your Home Before Your Retirement Move
Planning to declutter your home — whether you're moving or downsizing — can be overwhelming. Here's how to do it.
By Dawn Wotapka Last updated
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CDs vs Bonds: Which Is Better for You?
If you're considering CDs vs bonds, here's a breakdown of how each works.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Could This Little Known Data Shift Hurt Your 2026 Social Security COLA?
The BLS has changed how it measures the inflationary data that determines whether Social Security benefits will get a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Will it hurt your benefits?
By Donna LeValley Published
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Social Security Fairness Act Payments Checklist: Nine Things to Know
This Social Security Fairness Act checklist explains what public sector retirees can expect from SSFA, including when their payments will arrive and how much more money they may receive.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Most Changes to HSAs in the One Big Beautiful Bill Did Not Make the Final Cut
HSAs were set to get a glow-up in the House version of the OBBB. Unfortunately for most retirees, the final bill did not include many of the benefits proposed by the House.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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 run dry. What will happen then?
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
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Prior Authorization Coming to Traditional Medicare Starting in 2026
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will implement prior authorization requirements for certain traditional fee-for-service Medicare services in six states starting next year.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Don't Fall For These Five Costly Medicare Myths
Signing up for Medicare can be complicated, and mistakes can be costly. Let's demystify these five Medicare myths to avoid expensive penalties.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Bonds: Everything You Need to Know
investing Bond yield, maturity, interest and price explained.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Four Proposed Changes to Medicare in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Four Proposed Changes to Medicare in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — and What Ended Up in the Signed Bill
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Five Ways You Can Lose Your Medicare Benefits
Your Medicare coverage can be disrupted or lost through your own actions or for reasons outside of your control. Don't let that happen to you.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Is Your IRA Protected from Creditors in Bankruptcy?
Can creditors take some or part of your IRA funds if you file for bankruptcy? Learn more about the federal protections that exist and to what extent they protect your IRAs.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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TIPS vs I-Bonds
Both TIPS and I-bonds are hedges against inflation. Learn about the pros and cons of each before you invest.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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The Benefits of I Bonds vs EE Bonds to Store Your Savings
All of the information you'll need to choose between Series I and EE savings bonds is right here.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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 Last updated
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Money Market Account Basics
savings Money market accounts give you rates of return rivaling high-yield savings accounts, with more flexibility to access your cash.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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 Published
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The Nine Key Milestone Ages In Retirement
These nine milestone ages mark your eligibility for significant retirement benefits, including catch-up contributions and required actions, such as taking RMDs at age 73.
By Donna LeValley Last updated