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 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
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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
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Quiz: Understanding Roth ConversionsQuiz Discover if a Roth conversion is the right move for you by taking our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Money Market Account Basicssavings Money market accounts give you rates of return rivaling high-yield savings accounts, with more flexibility to access your cash.
By Donna LeValley
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Vesting, Catch-Ups and Roths: The 401(k) Knowledge QuizQuiz Test your understanding of key 401(k) concepts with our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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When to Expect Your First Social Security Check of 2026Social Security payments to retirees reflecting the 2.8% COLA will start arriving January 14.
By Donna LeValley
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Vaccines Medicare Covers for FreeThe 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.
By Donna LeValley
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The Retirement Donor's Checklist: Key Deadlines by Gift TypeRetirees have some charitable contribution options that can help avoid spikes in income from RMDS and capital gains.
By Donna LeValley
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4 Things You Need to Know Before Applying for Social Security in 2025Don't unnecessarily delay or reduce your Social Security benefits because you don't know all the rules and requirements.
By Donna LeValley
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The 7-Month Deadline That Sets Your Lifetime Medicare PremiumsUnderstanding Medicare enrollment is crucial, as missing deadlines can lead to permanent late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage.
By Donna LeValley
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Don't Let the Court Decide: Test Your Knowledge on Avoiding ProbateQuiz Test your basic understanding of why having an estate plan is crucial to avoiding probate in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
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Should You Refinance Your Mortgage Now That the Fed Just Cut Rates?The Fed just cut rates, so mortgage refinance rates will be cheaper. Should you act now, or wait?
By Donna LeValley
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Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: Options if You Missed Open Enrollment
Information you can use year-round to manage your Medicare needs.
By Donna LeValley
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Missed Medicare Open Enrollment? Here Are Your OptionsThere are limited ways you can change your Original Medicare elections after annual open enrollment has closed.
By Donna LeValley
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25 Cheapest Small Towns to Live InThe cheapest small towns might not be for everyone, but their charms can make them the best places to live for plenty of folks.
By Dan Burrows
