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
-
Is Your Driver's License at Risk? What the DMV Requires From Retirees in 2026See which states require older drivers to retake vision tests to keep their licenses — and the one state that makes retirees retake their road test.
By Donna LeValley
-
CDs vs Bonds: Which Is Better for You?If you're considering CDs and bonds, here's a breakdown of how each works.
By Donna LeValley
-
Gift Like Buffet: Three Financial Gifts for Your Kids and GrandkidsWarren Buffet used to give his family cash for Christmas. After learning they neither saved nor invested it, he gave them something more practical.
By Donna LeValley
-
RMD or QCD? Take the Retirement Distribution QuizDon’t let mandatory distributions catch you off guard. Test your RMD knowledge and discover strategies to maximize your retirement income today.
By Donna LeValley
-
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
-
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
-
The 5 Trusts You Need to UnderstandYou can use these trusts to cement your legacy, organize your estate and limit your exposure to estate and gift taxes.
By Donna LeValley
-
6 Changes to Social Security in 2026Big changes come to Social Security every year, impacting everything from the size of your benefit check to your full retirement age. Here's what you need to know.
By Donna LeValley
-
How Alaska Became the Only State With No Medicare AdvantageWhile the Lower 48 shift to private plans, Alaska is proving that original Medicare can still deliver high-quality care at the edge of the world.
By Donna LeValley
-
Estate Planning Quiz: Are You Making These 10 Common Errors?Quiz From "tax traps" to "safety deposit box blunders," discover the 10 most common mistakes people make when planning their estate.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
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
-
When Will Social Security and Medicare Run Out of Money?Social Security and Medicare trust funds, which help pay benefits, are projected to run dry. What will happen then?
By Elaine Silvestrini
-
Quiz: Could You Age in Place Today? Test Your ReadinessYour home, your life, your rules. Master the basics of aging in place and take control of your future with our 10-question home safety knowledge check.
By Donna LeValley
-
The 9 Key Milestone Ages In RetirementThese 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
-
9 Upgrades That Transform Your Family Home Into a Retirement OasisHere's a look at the smart, luxury modifications that prioritize your recovery, relaxation and effortless entertaining.
By Donna LeValley
-
The Surprising Monthly ‘Raise’ You Can Give Yourself Without Working Longersocial security You don't need to wait an entire year beyond your full retirement age to earn delayed retirement credits.
By Donna LeValley
social security -
The IRMAA Income Trap Quiz: What Really Counts?From municipal bonds to Roth conversions — take our quiz to find out if you know which income streams push you into higher Medicare brackets.
By Donna LeValley
-
Why Your Medicare Premiums Are $200 Higher Than They Should BeHere's how overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans are driving up Part B costs for every Medicare beneficiary.
By Donna LeValley
-
The 10 Most Costly Social Security Mistakes to AvoidWant to maximize your Social Security check? Learn the 10 most common Social Security filing errors and the steps you need to take to boost your guaranteed retirement income.
By Donna LeValley
-
Turning 65 in 2026? Here Is Exactly How to Sign Up for MedicareDon't miss the critical window for Medicare enrollment. This guide explains how to secure coverage and avoid costly mistakes.
By Donna LeValley
-
Regret Your Move to Medicare Advantage? Two 'Safety Nets' Can HelpDiscover the federal protections (one expires on April 1) and state-level hurdles you’ll face when switching from Medicare Advantage back to original Medicare.
By Donna LeValley
-
Quiz: Can You Hit 'Reset' on Your Social Security Check?Quiz Whether you're looking for a total "do-over" or just a temporary "pause," this quick quiz reveals exactly what is — and isn't — possible.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Quiz: Do You Understand the Social Security Earnings Test?Quiz Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge of the Social Security earnings test and avoid being surprised by a smaller check than you expect.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Protect Your Retirement Wealth After Moving to a Cheaper StateWhile a move can protect your legacy, many retirees stumble at the finish line by ignoring the strict state residency tests used to challenge their new status.
By Donna LeValley
