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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Quiz: Understanding Roth Conversions
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of Roth conversions in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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Medicare Premiums 2025: IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D
Medicare participants with an income above the threshold must pay a surcharge for Medicare Part B and Part D based on their income.
By Donna LeValley
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Social Security Payment Schedule for 2025
Find out when you can expect your 2025 Social Security payments and the date you get paid when your scheduled day falls on a holiday.
By Donna LeValley
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Cash In on Your Medicare Advantage Flex Card Perks Before They Disappear
With the 2025 rapidly coming to a close, here's how Flex Cards work and a guide on the best items to stock up on before December 31.
By Donna LeValley
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HSAs and Medicare: The Eligibility Quiz
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of HSA accounts and Medicare in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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Two Ways To Stop and Restart Social Security: Ditch the Regret
Get a Social Security do-over. Learn how to stop and restart Social Security.
By Jacob Wolinsky
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Are You Entitled? A Social Security Spousal Benefits Quiz
Quiz Test your knowledge of Social Security spousal benefits in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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15 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter
home There are many ways to prepare your home for winter, which will help keep you safe and warm and save on housing and utility costs.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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5 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
