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 Social Security Test Every Wealthy Retiree Must Take
When you work and collect Social Security benefits before your FRA, you are subject to the Retirement Earning Test that could result in a temporary reduction of your benefits.
By Donna LeValley
-
2026 Social Security COLA is 2.8%: What You Need to Know
The SSA has announced the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), the new maximum taxable wage cap, and the earnings requirements for Social Security credits.
By Donna LeValley
-
CMS Brings Back Furloughed Staff for Open Enrollment Lifeline
The government has recalled approximately 3,000 workers to assist with Medicare and ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment.
By Donna LeValley
-
Quiz: How Well Do You Understand the Social Security Earnings Test?
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the Social Security earnings test in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Six Changes Coming to Social Security in 2026
Big changes are coming to Social Security in the year ahead, 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 Your HSA Can Reimburse You for Medicare Premiums and Expenses
Medicare Even if your Medicare premiums are automatically deducted from your Social Security check, you can take tax-free withdrawals from an Health Savings Account to reimburse yourself.
By Kimberly Lankford
Medicare -
Ready to File? Test Your Social Security Application IQ
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of filing for Social Security benefits in our 10 question quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Do You Know Your ABCDs? The Essential Medicare Parts Quiz
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of different parts of Medicare in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Don't Miss Out! A Quiz on Medicare Enrollment Deadlines
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of Medicare enrollment periods in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
2026 Social Security COLA Announcement Is Back on Track Despite Government Shutdown
BLS announces that the September CPI, a key inflation measure needed to determine the Social Security COLA, will be released on September 24 despite the ongoing government shutdown.
By Donna LeValley
-
Medicare Open Enrollment Is Starting Soon
Medicare During the annual enrollment period each fall, you can select a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan or switch back to original Medicare.
By Donna LeValley
Medicare -
Your Medicare Costs Are Set to Soar: What to Expect Over the Next Decade
Medicare beneficiaries will face higher premiums, deductibles and surcharges starting in 2026 and continuing over the next decade. Here's what you need to know.
By Donna LeValley
-
What Medicare Covers When You Travel in the US and Abroad
Medical emergencies can happen at any time. Knowing what Medicare coverage you have, anywhere in the world, can help you avoid a massive bill.
By Donna LeValley
-
Major Insurers Scale Back Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans for 2026. What You Need to Know.
Beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans might be losing their plan as UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna (CVS Health) scale back offerings for 2026.
By Donna LeValley
-
Five Things to Consider Now If You Want to Retire in 2026
Sponsored by Savant Wealth Management
To retire with confidence in the year ahead, tackle these essential tasks right now.
By Donna LeValley
-
Bond Ratings and What They Mean
investing Bond ratings measure the creditworthiness of your bond issuer. Understanding bond ratings can help you limit your risk and maximize your yield.
By Donna LeValley
investing -
When to Apply for Social Security Payments? Your Age Matters
Do you know when to apply for Social Security benefits? What's the best age to start receiving monthly payments? Part of the answer lies in your birth year.
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
