Latest articles by Donna LeValley
-
How the Social Security Administration Is Coping with Rapid Change
There has been a fair amount of change at the SSA since Trump took office. Here's a look at what's new this year and how it will impact the agency going forward.
-
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.
Medicare -
SEP IRA vs. Solo 401(k): Which Is Better for You?
Two retirement plans, the solo 401(k) and SEP IRAs, allow small business owners and the self-employed to save up to $69,000 annually.
-
Thirteen local Social Security offices will temporarily stop all in-person service and will only be available by telephone. .
A departure from closing locations, 13 local Social Security offices will temporarily stop all in-person service and will only be available by telephone.
-
15 Estate Planning Terms You Need to Know
Sometimes industry jargon can turn otherwise understandable concepts into stumbling blocks. Here are simplified explanations, definitions and uses for some estate planning tools.
-
How to Access Your Parents’ Medicare to Help them Enroll and Manage Their Care
Getting access to your parents' Medicare or Medicare Advantage accounts is easiest when they're healthy. But you still have options if they are incapacitated.
-
Five Trusts You Need to Know About and the Best Time to Use Them
You can use trusts to cement your legacy, organize your estate and limit your exposure to estate and gift taxes.
-
Vaccines Medicare Covers for Free
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.
-
Customer Services are Strained at the SSA, You Should Plan Around These Federal Holidays
If you have a question or need information from a federal agency, check the federal holiday schedule to make sure you get your business done before they close.
-
SEP IRA Contribution Limits
SEP IRA A good option for small business owners, SEP IRAs allow individual annual contributions of as much as $70,000 in 2025, up from $69,000 in 2024.
SEP IRA -
Social Security Phone Wait Times: What to Expect and the Best Times to Call
The Social Security Administration receives 80 million calls every year. Timing is everything if you want to get through.
-
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for 2025
real estate Use this 20-point checklist to get your home ready for spring.
real estate -
Social Security Sent Out Billions in Back Payments in March. Here's What You Need to Know
The Social Security Administration started paying retroactive benefits owed this week. Monthly increases will start for most people with their March benefit, which is paid out in April.
-
Don't Be a Financial Fool
Reject these four financial myths and avoid being financially foolish.
-
Bigger Social Security Checks Are Arriving in April
Payments to eligible retired public sector employees will increase starting in April due to the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA)..
-
The SSA Has Rolled Back Some Changes to the Application Process and Extended the Timeline: Here's What You Need to Know
The SSA is transitioning to stronger identity verification procedures for both new benefit claims and direct deposit changes.
-
IRA 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.
-
Nine Things to Keep in a Home Safe
Put these valuables in a home safe, not a bank safety deposit box (or under a mattress). You'll be glad you did.
-
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.
investing -
Expanded Medicare Telehealth Services Available for an Additional Six Months
All Medicare beneficiaries still have access to telehealth services until September 30. Starting October 1, you must be located in a rural area for most telehealth services.
-
2026 Social Security COLA March Projection Dips After Inflation Slows
This October, the SSA will determine the new cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) by comparing the CPI-W data from July, August, and September of 2025 to the same data from 2024.
-
Nine Tips to Declutter Your Home Before Your Retirement Move
Planning to declutter your home — whether you're moving or downsizing — can be overwhelming. Here's how to do it.
-
47 Local Social Security Offices to Close After DOGE Cuts
Here's the list of the 47 local Social Security Offices that have been or are in the process of being closed.
-
What Is Liability Insurance?
insurance Liability insurance protects you if you're found at fault in an accident.
insurance
