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
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How Has Retirement Changed in the Last 50 Years? Take Our QuizQuiz Test your knowledge on how American retirement has transformed since 1976.
By Donna LeValley
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Does Donald Trump Claim Social Security Benefits?The Social Security Act of 1983 brought the president and vice president under the Social Security program. We investigate which presidents are on the payroll.
By Donna LeValley
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America's Cost of Living at 200 vs 250: How Affordable is American Life Now?Unpack the Semiquincentennial sticker shock by comparing the modern economy to the simple days of Casey Kasem countdowns and affordable living in 1976.
By Donna LeValley
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How 401(k) Savers Just Triggered a Big Market ShiftRather than running to the sidelines or moving to cash when things get bumpy, seasoned savers are building up their balances and locking in long-term security.
By Donna LeValley
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The 2026 Mid-Year Retirement ResetChecklist of 6 easy things you can do in June to improve and secure your finances.
By Donna LeValley
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When Will Social Security and Medicare Run Out of Money?Social Security and Medicare trust funds, which help pay benefits, are projected to outspend their surpluses. What happens when the safety net faces a shortfall?
By Elaine Silvestrini
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7 Ways to Plan Now to Save on Medicare IRMAA Surcharges LaterUnderstand the critical two-year lookback period and why aggressive planning before you enroll in Medicare is the most effective way to minimize IRMAA.
By Donna LeValley
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Estate Planning Quiz: Can You Decode These 10 Critical Terms?Quiz Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge of the essential legal and financial vocabulary required to protect your assets and your family.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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Social Security Do-Overs Quiz: Can You Undo a Claiming Mistake?Quiz Whether you're looking for a total "do-over" or just a temporary "pause," this quick quiz reveals exactly what is — and isn't — possible.
By Donna LeValley
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The Minimum Savings You Need To Retire in All 50 StatesWorried you haven't saved enough for retirement? Here are the average annual expenses and minimum savings amounts needed to get by in all 50 states.
By Donna LeValley
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Need More Money for Retirement? You May Have Already Saved It. Here's How to Find Your Lost 401(k).Over 29 million lost 401(k) accounts worth almost $1.65 trillion have been forgotten by their owners. Here are nine ways you can locate your account.
By Donna LeValley
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Married to a Noncitizen? Don't Let the IRS Become Your Biggest BeneficiaryNoncitizens don't get the unlimited marital deduction. Learn how the QDOT bridges this gap to defer estate taxes and protect your family's legacy.
By Donna LeValley
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How Savvy Are You at Saving on Luxury Travel? Take Our Short QuizQuiz Before you book your next getaway, test your travel savings strategy. Take our short quiz to uncover the best ways to protect your wallet on vacation.
By Donna LeValley
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How to Appeal the IRMAA for Medicare Parts B and DMedicare There's a good chance you can get your IRMAA eliminated or reduced if your income has dropped in the past two years.
By Jackie Stewart
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Is Your 401(k) Rollover Truly Protected in an IRA?Quiz Take our 10-question quiz see if your hard-earned nest egg is truly protected from hidden liabilities, or if you are exposed to unexpected risks.
By Donna LeValley
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Medicare and Cruises: The 6-Hour RuleDon't let a medical emergency ruin your retirement. We explain why Medicare might not pay for cruise ship virus treatments and how to fill the coverage gap.
By Donna LeValley
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The $9 Trillion Shift: Why Your Retirement is Less Safe in an IRA and How to Protect ItIRAs now hold a $9 trillion surplus over 401(k)s, largely due to rollovers. Learn how to secure your retirement savings against legal risks and hidden fees.
By Donna LeValley
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Don't Fall For These 5 Costly Medicare MythsSigning up for Medicare can be complicated, and mistakes can be costly. Let's demystify these five Medicare myths to avoid expensive penalties.
By Donna LeValley
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The Turning 65 Quiz: Most People Fail Question #6. Can You Pass?Quiz Take our 10-question quiz to test your understanding of the critical milestones and decisions you'll encounter as you turn 65.
By Donna LeValley
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10 Medicare Changes to Watch in 2026Understanding the changes happening to Medicare in 2026 will help you work out whether original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan is best for you.
By Donna LeValley
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How to Set the Price to Sell Your Homereal 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
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The Best Places to Retire in the WorldWhen 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
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Who is Getting Your Money?: The Beneficiary Designation QuizQuiz Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge of the essential rules and safeguards when appointing beneficiaries.
By Donna LeValley
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