
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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How Much Will Social Security's 2033 Shortfall Cost You?
The Social Security trust fund will be insolvent in 2033 and by 2035 will have to reduce benefits by 23%. Here is now much more you need to save to cover the potential shortfall.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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2026 Social Security COLA July Projection Rises
In October, the SSA will reveal the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that will apply to Social Security benefits next year. The COLA is an increase designed to help Social Security payments keep up with inflation.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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The Average Retirement Savings by Age: Are You Keeping Up?
Think you may have more retirement savings than your peers? Here's your answer.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Five Social Security Myths That Can Cost You Thousands
Before you collect Social Security benefits, make sure you don't believe any of these falsehoods.
By Donna Fuscaldo Published
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The Average Social Security Check by Age
Compare your average Social Security check with others of your age, and plan for the future.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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The Average Social Security Check in Every State
Do you live in this New England state with the heftiest check? Your Social Security benefit can be affected by where you live.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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How to Navigate Your Medicare Advantage Plan in a Disaster
If you're a Medicare Advantage member in an area that has been impacted by a disaster, you might be worried about access to care and medicine. Here's what you need to know.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Seven 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.
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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Does Donald Trump Claim Social Security Benefits?
Social Security is a hot topic. I thought it would be interesting to see if President Trump and previous presidents collect Social Security benefits.
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 Last updated
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How Moving Might Impact Your Medicare Coverage
Your Medicare plan’s coverage area will determine if you need to make changes after a move.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Five Ways to Make Your Home More Age-Friendly
retirement Age in place by renovating these five areas of your home, and live independently, surrounded by the things you know.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Last updated
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Unlock Your Home Equity: Why Ending Capital Gains on Home Sales Would Be a Game Changer for Retirees
Many retirees who would like to sell their homes and downsize can't because of the tax hit. Ending capital gains on home sales would change all that.
By Donna LeValley Published
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The 10 Places Where Social Security Covers the Most (and Least) Of Your Expenses
On average, Social Security covers 30.11% of retirees’ spending. Fortunately, there are places where those dollars will stretch further and cover more of your spending.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Social Security Administration Reverses Plan on Paper Checks: What Beneficiaries Should Know
The Social Security Administration has backed off from plans to eliminate paper checks. However, it will only send checks in the mail as a matter of last resort.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Social Security Garnishment: Understand the Rules and Safeguard Your Benefits
Do you know who can garnish your monthly Social Security benefit? Or take the funds from your bank account? Learn how to protect your benefits from creditors.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Humana to Cut Prior Authorizations for Medicare Advantage Plans by 2026
Humana, the second-largest provider of Medicare Advantage Plans, has pledged to streamline the often frustrating Prior Authorization process.
By Donna LeValley Published
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How to Apply for Social Security Online or In Person at Any Age
There are two ways to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. When you apply for benefits has no impact on how you file to claim your benefits.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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The 10 'Real' Richest Counties in the US
Real Estate People living in the richest counties in America enjoy high incomes without the heavy cost pressures that usually come with them.
By Dan Burrows Last updated
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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
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The 15 Cheapest Places to Live: U.S. Cities Edition
places to live Have a look at the cheapest places to live in America for city dwellers. Is one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. right for you?
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Nine 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
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CDs vs Bonds: Which Is Better for You?
If you're considering CDs vs bonds, here's a breakdown of how each works.
By Donna LeValley Last updated