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 Your Social Security Check Changes at Ages 62, 65, 66, 67 and 70
The longer you wait, the bigger your Social Security check. We break it down by the most common ages at which people claim their benefits.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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Control vs Protection Quiz: Which Trust Do You Need?
Quiz Take this simple quiz to discover whether a revocable or irrevocable trust should be the cornerstone of your estate plan.
By Donna LeValley
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Don't Wait Until January: Your Year-End Health Checklist to Kickstart 2026
Skip the fleeting resolutions and start the new year with a proactive plan to optimize your longevity, cognitive health and social vitality.
By Donna LeValley
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Money Market Account Basics
savings Money market accounts give you rates of return rivaling high-yield savings accounts, with more flexibility to access your cash.
By Donna LeValley
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Vesting, Catch-Ups and Roths: The 401(k) Knowledge Quiz
Quiz Test your understanding of key 401(k) concepts with our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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When to Expect Your First Social Security Check of 2026
Social Security payments to retirees reflecting the 2.8% COLA will start arriving January 14.
By Donna LeValley
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Vaccines Medicare Covers for Free
The U.S. is experiencing an outbreak of measles and is on track to have the most whooping cough cases since 1948; these vaccines Medicare covers for free can keep you safe.
By Donna LeValley
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The Retirement Donor's Checklist: Key Deadlines by Gift Type
Retirees have some charitable contribution options that can help avoid spikes in income from RMDS and capital gains.
By Donna LeValley
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The 9 Key Milestone Ages In Retirement
These nine milestone ages mark your eligibility for significant retirement benefits, including catch-up contributions and required actions, such as taking RMDs at age 73.
By Donna LeValley
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4 Things You Need to Know Before Applying for Social Security in 2025
Don't unnecessarily delay or reduce your Social Security benefits because you don't know all the rules and requirements.
By Donna LeValley
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The 7-Month Deadline That Sets Your Lifetime Medicare Premiums
Understanding Medicare enrollment is crucial, as missing deadlines can lead to permanent late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage.
By Donna LeValley
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Why Is My First Medicare Bill So High?
Your first Medicare bill may be higher than expected for several reasons. If your premiums aren't taken out of your Social Security benefit, the bill can be huge.
By Donna LeValley
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7 Ways to Plan Now to Save on Medicare IRMAA Surcharges Later
Understand the critical 2-year lookback period and why aggressive planning before you enroll in Medicare is the most effective way to minimize IRMAA.
By Donna LeValley
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Don't Let the Court Decide: Test Your Knowledge on Avoiding Probate
Quiz Test your basic understanding of why having an estate plan is crucial to avoiding probate in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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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
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What is the IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)?
IRMAA is a surcharge added to your Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage premiums if your income is above a certain level. Here's what you need to know.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: Options if You Missed Open Enrollment
Information you can use year-round to manage your Medicare needs.
By Donna LeValley
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Missed Medicare Open Enrollment? Here Are Your Options
There are limited ways you can change your Original Medicare elections after annual open enrollment has closed.
By Donna LeValley
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15 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
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Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage Quiz: Which is Right for You?
Quiz Take this quick quiz to discover your "Medicare Personality Type" and learn whether you are a Traditionalist, or a Bundler.
By Donna LeValley
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Average Retirement Income by Age and State
Whether you are already retired or just beginning to save, these age and state income averages offer a critical reality check to retirement savings and spending plans.
By Donna LeValley
