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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4 Things to Know Before Applying for Social Security in 2026Planning your retirement? Avoid permanent reductions to your payout by understanding these four crucial rules before you apply for Social Security.
By Donna LeValley
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Don't Toss It! Why Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change MattersIf you have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan, review your Annual Notice of Change. It can save you money and ensure you can still see your preferred doctors and hospitals.
By Donna LeValley
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8 Changes Coming to Medicare in 2027Prepare for rising Part D costs, shrinking drug plan options, and newly negotiated prescription prices before Open Enrollment begins.
By Donna LeValley
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Could You Handle a Sudden Windfall? Find Out HereAn inheritance can bring opportunity but also responsibilities. Take this short quiz to discover how ready you are and get tips to protect your legacy.
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 COLA Challenge: Do You Know How Your Social Security Raise Is Calculated?Quiz Your Social Security raise isn't random. Take the quiz to discover your COLA IQ.
By Donna LeValley
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How Your HSA Can Pay for Medicare Premiums and ExpensesMedicare Even if your Medicare premiums are deducted from your Social Security check, you can take tax-free withdrawals from a Health Savings Account to reimburse yourself.
By Kimberly Lankford
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Grandparents by Design: 5 Upgrades for Unforgettable VisitsAging in place meets high-energy fun with smart home upgrades that make hosting grandkids a breeze.
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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Will a Divorce Paperwork Error Cost Your Nest Egg? Take Our QuizQuiz A divorce decree ends the marriage, but a QDRO moves the money. Test your retirement plan division readiness with our quick 10-question quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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Two Ways To Stop and Restart Social Security: Ditch the RegretGet a Social Security do-over. Learn how to stop and restart Social Security.
By Jacob Wolinsky
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Waiting to Set Up Social Security Online? Scammers Are Counting on ItSkip long phone holds and field office lines. Discover how an active online Social Security account gives you control over your records.
By Donna LeValley
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Costco’s Next Big Bulk Item: Medicare AdvantageFrom bulk goods to healthcare coverage, Costco plans its expansion into senior health plans pending government approval.
By Donna LeValley
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The Medicare Travel Readiness Quiz: What’s Covered at Home and Abroad?Out-of-state ER visit? Emergency in Europe? Find out what your Medicare plan covers before you take off.
By Donna LeValley
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The 25 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the USFrom 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
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Quiz: Understanding Roth ConversionsQuiz Test your basic knowledge of Roth conversions in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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The Disinheritance Quiz: 10 Questions to Protect Your Final WishesQuiz From second marriages to special needs trusts, test your disinheritance strategy with our 10-question quiz to prevent family feuds.
By Donna LeValley
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Bond Ratings and What They Meaninvesting Bond ratings measure the creditworthiness of your bond issuer. Understanding bond ratings can help you limit your risk and maximize your yield.
By Donna LeValley
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Beyond 1776: 4 Multi-Generational Road Trips for America's 250thSkip the crowded cobblestones of the 13 Colonies. These four regional routes prove America’s history is best learned on the open road.
By Donna LeValley
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5 Social Security Myths That Can Cost You ThousandsBefore you collect Social Security benefits, make sure you don't believe any of these falsehoods.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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The Saver to Spender Quiz: Enjoy the Life You EarnedQuiz Is fear keeping you from spending the money you worked so hard for? Take our quiz to uncover the mindset holding your retirement back.
By Donna LeValley
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The Social Security Test Every Wealthy Retiree Must TakeWhen you work and collect Social Security benefits before your FRA, you are subject to the Retirement Earning Test that could result in a temporary reduction of your benefits.
By Donna LeValley
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25 Cheapest Small Towns to Live InYou don't have to break the bank to find your dream hometown. Here is where affordability meets a high quality of life.
By Donna LeValley
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2032 Social Security Cuts: What Retirees Stand to Lose in Every StateReducing Social Security benefits doesn't just impact retirees — it hits state economies, creating a double-whammy effect of smaller checks and lower GDPs.
By Donna LeValley
