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.
Latest articles by Donna LeValley
-
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
-
Social Security COLA Is 2.5% for 2025: What to Know
The 2025 Social Security COLA, tax wage cap and how much you need to earn to qualify for SS credits has been announced by the Social Security Administration.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
HSAs Can Reimburse You for Medicare Premiums Paid
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.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
Medicare -
Medicare Open Enrollment Is Ending Soon
Medicare During this period each fall, you can select a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan or switch back to original Medicare.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
Medicare -
How Medigap Insurance Is Affected by Preexisting Conditions
insurance Delaying enrollment in a medigap policy can lead to higher premiums and denial of coverage in most states.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
insurance -
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
Social Security -
Best Time of Year to Buy A House
You may find a good home deal at any time of year, but certain seasons or even months have the perfect blend of inventory, supply and price. Here's when to look.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
Medicare Part D and Advantage Costs Decrease in 2025
Beneficiaries will pay less in 2025 for Medicare Part D prescription and Medicare Advantage plan premiums.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
Should You Buy Life Insurance? Four Cases When You Should or Shouldn't
insurance If no one depends on your income for support, you probably don't need life insurance at all.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
insurance -
What Is Comprehensive Auto Insurance and What Does It Cover?
insurance This grab bag of coverages can protect you and your vehicle from theft, fire and forces of nature.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
insurance -
When Will the Social Security 2025 COLA Be Announced?
The Social Security Administration will announce the official 2025 COLA, the earnings-test limit for 2025 and the wage cap for Social Security taxes on the same day.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
What Is the Average Social Security Check by Age?
Compare your average Social Security check to others of your age, and plan for the future.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
Should You Refinance Your Mortgage Now That the Fed Just Cut Rates?
The Fed just cut rates, so mortgage refinance rates will be cheaper. Should you act now, or wait?
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
Where to Move Your Money Before the Next Fed Meeting
Take advantage of high savings rates before the anticipated Fed rate cut next week erodes APYs and lowers returns.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
2025 Social Security COLA Estimate Drops Again
The final Social Security COLA estimate for 2025 has dropped slightly from the previous estimate.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
Medicare Advantage Customers Face Shrinking Options
Medicare Advantage plan insurers are reducing their enrollments as profit margins shrink.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
Get the New 'Medicare and You' Handbook for 2025
Here's how to get a free version of the "Medicare & You" handbook and learn about upcoming Medicare changes.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
Medicare Data Breach Impacts Almost 1 Million Subscribers
Following the Medicare data breach, you can continue to use your existing Medicare card; beneficiaries with compromised Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers will be sent a new card with a new number.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
How Long $750,000 in Savings Plus Social Security Will Last in Every State
How long $750,000 plus Social Security will last depends on when you retire and where you live.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
8 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
-
What You Pay for Medicare in 2024
Medicare premiums are updated yearly and in 2024 premiums for Part B and Part B increased slightly after falling in 2023.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
Free NJ Transit Rides: Fare Holiday Through Labor Day
NJ Transit riders are not required to purchase or present tickets to travel from August 26 through September 2, 2024.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
Mickey Mantle vs the Stock Market: Collectibles That Outperform Traditional Investments
Collectibles such as Hot Wheels and rare trading cards have been outperforming some more conventional investments. Should you consider these alternative investments?
By Donna LeValley Published
-
Medicare Advantage Plans Get High Marks from Customers
Regional Medicare Advantage plans score higher than national alternatives on customer satisfaction, according to a new study.
By Donna LeValley Published