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
-
The Medicare Surcharge: Test Your IRMAA Knowledge
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the income-related monthly adjustment amount in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
How Medicare Is Affected by a Government Shutdown
A look at how Medicare is affected by a government shutdown, as well as other government-related health care.
By Donna LeValley
-
Will Your Social Security Checks Stop During the Government Shutdown?
Will your Social Security check be derailed or delayed by a government shutdown? What services might be paused? We've got answers.
By Donna LeValley
-
Here Is How Much You'll Pay for Medicare Premiums and Deductibles in 2025
Medicare premiums for 2025, and the cost of Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and Part D premiums and deductibles, have gone up. Here is how much you'll pay in 2025.
By Donna LeValley
-
Eight Things Medicare Doesn't Cover
Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
By Donna LeValley
-
Quiz: The COLA Challenge: Test Your Knowledge of Social Security
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the Social Security COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
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
places to live -
The 15 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the US
Real estate From 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
Real estate -
Quiz: Do You Know What Medicare Gives You for Free?
Quiz This quiz tests your knowledge of the services that Medicare provides at no cost to you.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Are COVID Shots Still Covered By Medicare?
Getting the new COVID-19 vaccine covered by Medicare isn't as easy this year as it was in the past. Here's what you need to know before you take a trip to your pharmacy.
By Donna LeValley
-
The Average Monthly Social Security Check: August 2025
The average monthly Social Security check amount might surprise you. Here's a look at the numbers and why they matter.
By Donna LeValley
-
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
Medicare -
How Medigap Insurance Is Affected by Preexisting Conditions
insurance Delaying enrollment in a medigap policy can lead to higher premiums and denial of coverage in most states.
By Kimberly Lankford
insurance -
Don't Toss It! Why Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change Matters
If you have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan, reviewing your Annual Notice of Change is crucial. It can save you money and ensure you can still see your preferred doctors and hospitals.
By Donna LeValley
-
Quiz: Social Security Basics
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the Social Security program in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Medicare Prior Authorization Expands to Ambulatory Surgical Centers
Starting in December, Medicare will begin requiring prior authorization for certain procedures when performed in ambulatory surgical centers.
By Donna LeValley
-
Delay Social Security Benefits — Even by a Month — to Boost Your Check
social 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 -
IRA and SEP Rules at a Glance: Contribution Limits, Income Limits and Rollover Options
Here are IRA contribution limits, income limits and rollover rules for Roth, traditional, SIMPLE and SEP IRAs at a glance.
By Donna LeValley
-
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.
By Donna LeValley
-
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
-
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.
By Donna LeValley
-
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
-
What Is the Par Value of Bonds?
Understanding par value will help you determine the value of a bond.
By Donna LeValley
-
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.
By Dan Burrows
