
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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11 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Should Avoid Making
Medicare If you don't make the right choices, you could end up with high Medicare premiums and big out-of-pocket costs.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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5 Changes to Social Security in 2025
Social Security changes in 2025, impact the COLA, wage cap and credits rules, impacting recipients and workers.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Five Changes Coming to IRAs and 401(k)s in 2025
The 2025 rule changes for Roth and traditional IRAs could mean more money for your retirement. But you have to pay attention to reap the rewards.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Do You Need Separate Flood Insurance?
insurance What to know about getting separate flood insurance, including the costs and coverage.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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2025 To-Do List: Seven Best Financial Moves to Make for a Happy New Year
Checklist of Seven Easy Things You Can Do In 2025 To Improve And Secure Your Finances
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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What Is Collision Insurance and What Does It Cover?
insurance Collision insurance is often optional, but there are many good reasons to include it in your policy.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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What Is the Par Value of Bonds?
Understanding par value will help you determine the value of a bond.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Three Changes to Medicare on the Horizon for 2025
Medicare beneficiaries will see a few changes in 2025, including on costs.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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How Moving Might Impact Your Medicare Coverage
Your Medicare plan’s coverage area will determine if you need to make changes after a move.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Save Money On Utilities With A Home Energy Audit
With rising energy prices and inflation, now's a great time to check the efficiency of your home.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Last updated
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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 Last updated
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Holiday Travel Guide: 12 Tips for Navigating Airports
Travel From knowing the latest security rules to bypassing long lines, here are 12 tips to save your sanity at the airport this holiday.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Six Year-End Deadlines for Retirees in 2024
Here are six key end-of-year 2024 deadlines that retirees and those saving to retire won't want to miss.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Medicare Open Enrollment Is Ending Soon
Medicare During this period each fall, you can select a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan or switch back to original Medicare.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Financial Topics You Can Safely Discuss at Thanksgiving
Forget politics! Holidays offer families a valuable opportunity to talk about their shared financial interests.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Beware Three Medicare Open Enrollment Scams
Crooks are perfecting Medicare Open Enrollment scams to try to steal your money or personal information.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Four Reasons to Shop Before Black Friday
Smart Buying It can make financial sense to buy holiday gifts before Black Friday.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Medicare Premiums 2024: IRMAA for Parts B and D
The income related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) for 2024 Medicare Part B & Part D Premiums.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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10 States Where Retirees Get Smaller Social Security Raises
Geography doesn't dictate how much Social Security you will receive. However, employment opportunities, pay scale and lifetime earnings impact your monthly benefit greatly.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Social Security COLA Is 2.5% for 2025: What to Know
The 2025 Social Security COLA, tax wage cap and how much you need to earn to qualify for SS credits has been announced by the Social Security Administration.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Best Time of Year to Buy A House
You may find a good home deal at any time of year, but certain seasons or even months have the perfect blend of inventory, supply and price. Here's when to look.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Medicare Part D and Advantage Costs Decrease in 2025
Beneficiaries will pay less in 2025 for Medicare Part D prescription and Medicare Advantage plan premiums.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Should You Buy Life Insurance? Four Cases When You Should or Shouldn't
insurance If no one depends on your income for support, you probably don't need life insurance at all.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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When Will the Social Security 2025 COLA Be Announced?
The Social Security Administration will announce the official 2025 COLA, the earnings-test limit for 2025 and the wage cap for Social Security taxes on the same day.
By Donna LeValley Published