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 Retirement Birthday Quiz: Test Your Milestone KnowledgeQuiz Navigating retirement rules means tracking key milestone ages. Test your timeline IQ with our quick quiz before making your next move.
By Donna LeValley
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6 Steps to Choosing an ExecutorDefaulting to the oldest child isn't always the best move. Follow these guidelines to select a trustworthy executor and keep the peace among your heirs.
By Donna LeValley
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How Medigap Insurance Is Affected by Preexisting Conditionsinsurance Delaying enrollment in a medigap policy can lead to higher premiums and denial of coverage in most states.
By Kimberly Lankford
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Projected 2027 IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Medicare Parts B and DWill you owe the Medicare IRMAA surcharge in 2027? Grab your 2025 tax return and check the projected brackets and surcharges for next year.
By Donna LeValley
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Frustrated With Your Medicare Advantage Plan? You’re Not AloneMedicare Advantage plans scored lower in overall satisfaction among members in 2025. Eroding trust and policy confusion drove the drop in customer satisfaction.
By Donna LeValley
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11 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Should Avoid MakingIf you don't make the right choices, you could end up with higher Medicare premiums and high out-of-pocket costs.
By Donna LeValley
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Medicare Open Enrollment Is Starting SoonMedicare During the annual enrollment period each fall, you can select a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan or switch back to original Medicare.
By Donna LeValley
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The Great Junk Transfer: Why Heirs Want Meaning, Not More StuffLoved ones want your memories, not your attic clutter. A new study reveals why less is officially more when passing down belongings.
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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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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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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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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Stepping Up as Trustee: Your Complete Guide to the RoleBeing named the trustee of an estate is a profound honor — and a major responsibility. From securing assets to navigating family dynamics, here is how to do a good job.
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
