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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I want original Medicare, but my wife chose Medicare Advantage for usWe retired with $4.6 million. Even so, our Medicare Advantage plan limits coverage when we travel or want to see a specialist. How can I convince my wife to switch?
By Donna LeValley
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Which Airlines Have the Most Legroom — and Which Have the Least?Care about legroom? This list ranks major airlines by legroom and tells you which of their fleet is the roomiest.
By Donna LeValley
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International Travel with Medications: Know Before You GoWhen you travel with medications abroad, good planning can help avoid getting your prescriptions confiscated — or worse. Here's how to stay on the right side of the law.
By Donna LeValley
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15 Estate Planning Terms You Need to KnowSometimes industry jargon can turn otherwise understandable concepts into stumbling blocks. Here are simplified explanations, definitions and uses for some estate planning tools.
By Donna LeValley
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Is Music In Your Care Plan? I Learned How It Helps The Brain, Bones and MoreLincoln Center became a lab for the 2026 Heartbeat Summit. I met the experts proving art is medicine. Here is the new habit I’m taking home.
By Donna LeValley
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Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for 2025real estate Use this 20-point checklist to get your home ready for spring.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein
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Frustrated With Your Medicare Advantage Plan? You’re Not AloneMedicare Advantage plans scored lower in overall satisfaction among members in 2025. Eroding trust and policy confusion drove the drop in customer satisfaction.
By Donna LeValley
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12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security BenefitsSocial Security Claiming Social Security benefits at the right time means more money for you. Here’s a guide to everything from knowing your retirement age to spousal benefits.
By Donna LeValley
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The Average Retirement Withdrawal Rate by AgeClinging to "safe" income and hoarding your principal isn't protecting your wealth; it's shortchanging the retirement you earned.
By Donna LeValley
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The Little-Known Tool to Protect Your Retirement Savings in a DivorceLearn why a divorce decree isn't enough to protect your retirement assets. You need a QDRO to divide the accounts to avoid paying penalties or income tax.
By Donna LeValley
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How Your Social Security Check Changes at Ages 62, 65, 66, 67 and 70The longer you wait, the bigger your Social Security check. We break it down by the most common ages at which people claim their benefits.
By Donna LeValley
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Safe or Seizable?: The IRA & Bankruptcy Protection QuizQuiz Depending on the type of IRA you own and/or how you inherited it, your "safe" money might actually be on the table for creditors.
By Donna LeValley
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4 High-End Experiences Worth the Splurge After 50These curated date ideas provide the perfect backdrop for couples ready to enjoy the very best that the world has to offer.
By Donna LeValley
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Quiz: Do You Know How to Maximize Your Social Security Check?Quiz Test your knowledge of Social Security delayed retirement credits with our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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Quiz: Do You Know How to Avoid the "Medigap Trap?"
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the "Medigap Trap" in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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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
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Oval Office Legacies: The Social Security History Quiz
Quiz Test your knowledge of the historical development of Social Security under various U.S. presidents from Roosevelt to Trump.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
