
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
-
5 Financial Red Flags to Watch for in Relationships
Financial red flags can impact whether you and your mate can have a financially sound future together.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
Social Security Payments Were Suspended for Some Americans Abroad. Were You Impacted? If So, Here's What to Do
Retirees living abroad must complete a questionnaire every 1 to 2 years when sent by the SSA. Failure to respond can lead to the suspension of your benefits; here's how to fix it.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
The Best Places to Retire in the World
When it comes to the best places to retire in the world, which country is at the top of the list? And where does the U.S. feature on the leaderboard? We investigate.
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
-
Compare Prior Authorization Denial Rates of Medicare Advantage Plans
Will your care be denied? Medicare Advantage insurers use prior authorization to manage utilization and lower costs. How does your plan measure up?
By Donna LeValley Published
-
The 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the U.S.
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 Last updated
Real estate -
Travel Agents vs. Do-It-Yourself Online Travel Booking
Travel Travelers find that travel agents can beat do-it-yourself online deals.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
Travel -
How to Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits
There are two ways to apply for Social Security retirement benefits.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
You Can Now Collect a Public Pension and Full Social Security Benefits
retirement If you receive a public pension from the government, you can now collect full Social Security benefits as well as your pension, due to the Social Security Fairness Act.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
retirement -
Social Security Fairness Act Retroactive Payments and Increases Are Delayed
Public sector retirees, spouses' or surviving spouses' benefits will be delayed until further notice. The SSA must manually adjust benefits for over 3 million beneficiaries.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
10 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 Published
-
Shipping Costs at the Post Office Just Went Up
The USPS has raised shipping rates and lowered its 2025 on-time mail delivery targets. Find out how these changes impact your costs and services.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
What Home Equity Is and Why It's a Valuable Long-Term Investment
Understanding what home equity is and why it's such a valued long-term investment.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
USPS Change of Address Policy: What You Need to Know
The USPS address change policy requires you to verify your identity before a change request is granted. Learn about how it works.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
How to Protect Your Home From Deed Theft
Scams Protect yourself from deed theft with these free steps. You don’t need to pay a company to protect your your home title.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
Scams -
The 25 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 Last updated
places to live -
10 Cheapest Small Towns to Live In
real estate 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 Last updated
real estate -
Reverse Mortgages: 10 Things You Must Know
Mortgages Reverse mortgages can be complicated so it’s imperative that you understand how the loan is repaid, the monthly costs and potential scams to look out for.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
Mortgages -
How to Set the Price to Sell Your Home
real estate If you're selling your home, setting the right price is crucial. Don't overprice or you'll scare away prospective buyers.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
real estate -
Need More Money for Retirement? You May Have Already Saved It.
Over 29 million lost 401(k) accounts worth almost $1.65 trillion have been forgotten by their owners. Here are eight ways you can locate your account.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
Social Security Earnings Tests: Five Things You Must Know
social security If you’re still working and claim Social Security early, your benefits could be reduced, at least temporarily.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
social security -
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 Last updated
insurance -
11 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Should Avoid Making
Medicare If you don't make the right choices, you could end up with high Medicare premiums and big out-of-pocket costs.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
Medicare -
12 FAQs About Medicare
Medicare When you turn 65, you have to master a new health care system. We’re here to help.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
Medicare -
5 Changes to Social Security in 2025
Social Security changes in 2025, impact the COLA, wage cap and credits rules, impacting recipients and workers.
By Donna LeValley Last updated