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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Five Reasons Why You Should Review Your Medicare Advantage Plan Before Open Enrollment Ends
Medicare Advantage enrollees have until March 31 to make changes to their selections.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Eight Things Medicare Doesn't Cover
Healthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Who Is Trump Nominee Daniel Aronowitz, Tapped to Secure Retirement Benefits?
Aronowitz will manage the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), which protects pension, health, and other benefits and enforces ERISA protections.
By Donna LeValley Published
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One Retirement Safeguard You've Never Heard of but Need
Even with a power of attorney or joint bank account, the Social Security Administration may hamstring your financial representative without one of these.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Social Security Chief: DOGE Cannot Make Changes to Benefit Payments
DOGE has limited "read only" access to data and will not disrupt or delay the disbursement of payments to beneficiaries, SSA Acting Commissioner Dudek said.
By Donna LeValley Published
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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 Last updated
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In-Ground vs. Above-Ground Pools: Which Is the Best Investment?
A pool is an expensive home improvement project that will likely improve your quality of life, but it doesn’t necessarily add value to your home.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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What Is Comprehensive Auto Insurance?
insurance This grab bag of coverages can protect you and your vehicle from theft, fire and forces of nature.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Retirees Get a Raise in Their Social Security Benefits This Week
The 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to retired Social Security beneficiaries when their January 2025 payments arrive.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Presidents and Social Security: How Presidents Have Impacted America's First Social Insurance Policy
Since its inception in 1935, Social Security has expanded its mission and reach. Here is how each president from Roosevelt to Trump has impacted Social Security.
By Donna LeValley Published
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5 Financial Red Flags to Watch for in Relationships
Financial red flags can impact whether you and your mate can have a financially sound future together.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Social Security Payments Were Suspended for Some Americans Abroad. Were You Impacted? If So, Here's What to Do
Retirees living abroad must complete a questionnaire every 1 to 2 years when sent by the SSA. Failure to respond can lead to the suspension of your benefits; here's how to fix it.
By Donna LeValley Published
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The Best Places to Retire in the World
When 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 Last updated
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Compare Prior Authorization Denial Rates of Medicare Advantage Plans
Will your care be denied? Medicare Advantage insurers use prior authorization to manage utilization and lower costs. How does your plan measure up?
By Donna LeValley Published
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The 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the U.S.
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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Travel Agents vs. Do-It-Yourself Online Travel Booking
Travel Travelers find that travel agents can beat do-it-yourself online deals.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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How to Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits
There are two ways to apply for Social Security retirement benefits.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Social Security Fairness Act Retroactive Payments and Increases Are Delayed
Public sector retirees, spouses' or surviving spouses' benefits will be delayed until further notice. The SSA must manually adjust benefits for over 3 million beneficiaries.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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10 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 Published
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Shipping Costs at the Post Office Just Went Up
The USPS has raised shipping rates and lowered its 2025 on-time mail delivery targets. Find out how these changes impact your costs and services.
By Donna LeValley Published
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What Home Equity Is and Why It's a Valuable Long-Term Investment
Understanding what home equity is and why it's such a valued long-term investment.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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USPS Change of Address Policy: What You Need to Know
The USPS address change policy requires you to verify your identity before a change request is granted. Learn about how it works.
By Donna LeValley Last updated