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 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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Social Security Payment Schedule for 2026Find out when you can expect your 2026 Social Security payments and the date you get paid when your scheduled day falls on a holiday.
By Donna LeValley
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The Average Monthly Social Security Check: April 2026The average monthly Social Security check amount might surprise you. Here's a look at March's numbers and why they matter.
By Donna LeValley
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The $9 Trillion Shift: Why Your Retirement is Less Safe in an IRA and How to Protect ItIRAs now hold a $9 trillion surplus over 401(k)s, largely due to rollovers. Learn how to secure your retirement savings against legal risks and hidden fees.
By Donna LeValley
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Don't Fall For These 5 Costly Medicare MythsSigning 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
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The Turning 65 Quiz: Most People Fail Question #6. Can You Pass?Quiz Take our 10-question quiz to test your understanding of the critical milestones and decisions you'll encounter as you turn 65.
By Donna LeValley
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10 Medicare Changes to Watch in 2026Understanding the changes happening to Medicare in 2026 will help you work out whether original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan is best for you.
By Donna LeValley
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What You'll Pay for Medicare in 2026Medicare premiums for 2026, as well as the costs of Parts A, B, and D, have increased. Here's how much you'll pay in 2026.
By Donna LeValley
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How to Set the Price to Sell Your Homereal estate If you're selling your home, setting the right price is crucial. Don't overprice or you'll scare away prospective buyers.
By Donna LeValley
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The Best Places to Retire in the WorldWhen it comes to the best places to retire in the world, which country is at the top of the list? And where does the U.S. feature on the leaderboard? We investigate.
By Elaine Silvestrini
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Medicare Premiums 2026: IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and DDo you have to pay the monthly Medicare premium surcharge this year? It depends.
By Donna LeValley
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Eight Things Medicare Doesn't CoverMedicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
By Donna LeValley
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12 Things You Need to Know About MedicareMedicare 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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Who is Getting Your Money?: The Beneficiary Designation QuizQuiz Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge of the essential rules and safeguards when appointing beneficiaries.
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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What Medicare Covers When You Travel in the US and AbroadMedical emergencies can happen at any time. Knowing what Medicare coverage you have, anywhere in the world, can help you avoid a massive bill.
By Donna LeValley
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How to Navigate Your Medicare Advantage Plan in a DisasterIf you're a Medicare Advantage member in an area impacted by a disaster, you might be worried about access to care and medicine. Here's what you need to know.
By Donna LeValley
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How Smart Is Your Gifting Strategy? Take Our Grandparents' Legacy QuizAre you maximizing the legacy you’ll leave behind? Take our 10-question quiz to evaluate your strategy today.
By Donna LeValley
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Why Every Grandparent Should Consider a Custodial Roth IRA NowTime is a young investor’s greatest asset. Discover how small contributions today can evolve into a tax-free fortune by the time they retire.
By Donna LeValley
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9 Things You Should Keep in a Home SafePut these valuables in a home safe, not a bank safety deposit box (or under a mattress). You'll be glad you did.
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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CDs vs Bonds: Which Is Better for You?If you're considering CDs and bonds, here's a breakdown of how each works.
By Donna LeValley
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Gift Like Buffet: Three Financial Gifts for Your Kids and GrandkidsWarren Buffet used to give his family cash for Christmas. After learning they neither saved nor invested it, he gave them something more practical.
By Donna LeValley
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RMD or QCD? Take the Retirement Distribution QuizDon’t let mandatory distributions catch you off guard. Test your RMD knowledge and discover strategies to maximize your retirement income today.
By Donna LeValley
