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
-
What Home Equity Is and Why It's a Valuable Long-Term InvestmentUnderstanding what home equity is and why it's such a valued long-term investment.
By Donna LeValley
-
5 Financial Red Flags to Watch for in RelationshipsFinancial red flags can impact whether you and your mate can have a financially sound future together.
By Donna LeValley
-
Why 'Locking' Your Social Security Number Is the New Credit FreezeHere is how to keep your Social Security number private in an age of aggressive cybercriminals.
By Donna LeValley
-
Oval Office Legacies: The Social Security History QuizQuiz Test your knowledge of the historical development of Social Security under various U.S. presidents from Roosevelt to Trump.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Presidents and Social Security: How Presidents Have Impacted America's First Social Insurance PolicySince 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.
By Donna LeValley
-
Does Donald Trump Claim Social Security Benefits?Does a billionaire need a Social Security check? We investigate which presidents are on the payroll.
By Donna LeValley
-
The $200,000 Olympic 'Pension' is a Retirement Game-Changer for Team USAThe donation by financier Ross Stevens is meant to be a "retirement program" for Team USA Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
By Donna LeValley
-
When to Apply for Social Security Payments? Your Age MattersDo 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
-
Quiz: Are You Ready for the 2026 401(k) Catch-Up Shakeup?
Quiz If you are 50 or older and a high earner, these new catch-up rules fundamentally change how your "extra" retirement savings are taxed and reported.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
How to Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties ForeverWhether you're still working or plan to retire this year, understanding the 2026 late penalties for Parts A, B and D is essential for your financial health.
By Donna LeValley
-
Prior Authorization for Traditional Medicare Patients Has Started in 6 StatesThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented prior authorization requirements for certain traditional fee-for-service Medicare services in six states starting this year.
By Donna LeValley
-
Flashback Finance: The Cost of Retiring the Year You Were BornJust like groceries, gas and home prices, the cost of retiring is subject to inflation. Here's a look at what it cost to retire in the year you were born.
By Donna LeValley
-
The New Average Divorce Rate By Age: Are You in the Risk Zone?While the overall divorce rate has seen a small but steady decline, gray divorces have been on the rise since the 1990s.
By Donna LeValley
-
4% and Chill? Find Out If This Distribution Rule Fits Your RetirementTake this simple quiz to discover whether the 4% Rule will work for you in retirement.
By Donna LeValley
-
Quiz: Understanding Roth Conversions
Quiz Discover if a Roth conversion is the right move for you by taking our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
6 Champagne Problems Successful Retirees FaceWhat do you do if your biggest financial threat is simply having too much of a good thing — money?
By Donna LeValley
-
IRA, SIMPLE and SEP Rules at a Glance: Contribution Limits, Income Limits and Rollover Options for 2025 and 2026Here are IRA contribution limits, income limits and rollover rules for Roth, traditional, SIMPLE and SEP IRAs at a glance.
By Donna LeValley
-
The 10 'Real' Richest Counties in the USReal Estate In America's wealthiest counties, high incomes are common, yet the cost-of-living burdens are often lower than those typically found in major metro areas.
By Dan Burrows
Real Estate -
How to Use Your Health Savings Account in RetirementStrategic saving and investing of HSA funds during your working years can unlock the full potential of these accounts to cover healthcare costs and more in retirement.
By Donna LeValley
-
11 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Should Avoid MakingMedicare If you don't make the right choices, you could end up with higher Medicare premiums and high out-of-pocket costs.
By Donna LeValley
Medicare -
2026 To-Do List: 7 Best Financial Moves to Make for a Happy New YearChecklist of 7 Easy Things You Can Do In 2026 To Improve and Secure Your Finances
By Donna LeValley
-
Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Which Is Better for Buying a Home?real estate Consider these pluses and minuses before jumping into a loan you'll be paying for the next 15 to 30 years.
By Donna LeValley
real estate -
Control vs Protection Quiz: Which Trust Do You Need?Quiz Take this simple quiz to discover whether a revocable or irrevocable trust should be the cornerstone of your estate plan.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Don't Wait Until January: Your Year-End Health Checklist to Kickstart 2026Skip the fleeting resolutions and start the new year with a proactive plan to optimize your longevity, cognitive health and social vitality.
By Donna LeValley
