Latest articles by Donna LeValley
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Bond Basics: Municipal Bonds (Munis)
The higher your tax bracket, the more you'll benefit from Munis — bonds issued by state and local agencies.
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Protect Your Social Security with a Retirement Safeguard You've Never Heard Of
Even with a power of attorney or joint bank account, the Social Security Administration may hamstring your financial representative without one of these.
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What Medicare Covers When You Travel in the US and Abroad
Medical emergencies can happen at any time. Knowing what Medicare coverage you have, anywhere in the world, can help you avoid a massive bill.
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Four Proposed Changes to Medicare in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed in the House and is now in the hands of the Senate. If passed, it would include big changes to Medicare. Here's what to know.
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Tax Reconciliation Bill Could Trigger $500 Billion in Mandatory Medicare Cuts
The deficits caused by the tax bill would trigger the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 and force billions in cuts to Medicare. However, Congress can block the implementation of the cuts.
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How to Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits
There are two ways to apply for Social Security retirement benefits.
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Missed Medicare Open Enrollment? Here Are Your Options
There are limited ways you can change your Original Medicare elections after annual open enrollment has closed.
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12 FAQs About Medicare
Medicare When you turn 65, you have to master a new health care system. We’re here to help.
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The Minimum Savings You Need To Retire in All 50 States
Worried you haven't saved enough for retirement? Here are the average annual expenses and minimum savings amounts needed to get by in all 50 states.
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Is Your Social Security Earnings Record Wrong? Here's How to Fix It
Your Social Security benefits are based on your Social Security earnings record. It's important to review your records to avoid having your benefits reduced.
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4 Things You Need to Know Before Applying for Social Security in 2025
Don't unnecessarily delay or reduce your Social Security benefits because you don't know all the rules and requirements.
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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.
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The Average Social Security Claiming Age is Trending Higher
Fewer people are claiming Social Security benefits at age 62. Better health and the elimination of the earnings test after 65 have lowered barriers to working longer.
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Worried Social Security Benefits Will Be Cut? Save This Much More to Be Safe
The Social Security trust fund will be insolvent in 2033 and by 2035 will have to reduce benefits by 17%. Here is now much more you need to save to cover the potential shortfall.
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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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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.
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You Can Now Collect a Public Pension and Full Social Security Benefits
retirement If you receive a public pension from the government, you can now collect full Social Security benefits as well as your pension, due to the Social Security Fairness Act.
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Social Security Earnings Tests: Five Things You Must Know
social security If you’re still working and claim Social Security early, your benefits could be reduced, at least temporarily.
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Five 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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Gift Like Buffet: Three Financial Gifts for Your Kids and Grandkids
Warren Buffet used to give his family cash for Christmas. After learning they neither saved nor invested it, he gave them something more practical.
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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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Here are the 2025 income related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) income brackets and surcharge amounts.
Medicare participants with an income above the threshold must pay a surcharge for Medicare Part B and Part D based on their income.
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How the Social Security Administration Is Coping with Rapid Change
There has been a fair amount of change at the SSA since Trump took office. Here's a look at what's new this year and how it will impact the agency going forward.
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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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