Latest articles by Donna LeValley
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Is Your Estate at Risk? The Five Trusts You May Be Missing
You can use these trusts to cement your legacy, organize your estate and limit your exposure to estate and gift taxes.
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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.
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Vaccines Medicare Covers for Free in 2025
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.
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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.
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What Is the Par Value of Bonds?
Understanding par value will help you determine the value of a bond.
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Ten 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.
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How to Get a Refund For a Water Leak
real estate Refunds for water leaks are available from municipalities if you report and fix the problem.
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Medicare Premiums Projected to Jump in 2026
In 2026, Medicare participants will pay more for their health care. Part B costs are expected to rise more than 10%. Here's what you can do.
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Social Security Turns 90 — Five Important Things to Know
Social Security has become a cornerstone of the American retirement system and works to keep over 16 million retirees above the poverty line. Here are five key facts about the program as it turns 90.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
