
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
-
Expanded Medicare Telehealth Services Available for an Additional Six Months
All Medicare beneficiaries still have access to telehealth services until September 30. Starting October 1, you must be located in a rural area for most telehealth services.
By Donna LeValley
-
47 Local Social Security Offices to Close After DOGE Cuts
Here's the list of the 47 local Social Security Offices that have been or are in the process of being closed.
By Donna LeValley
-
What Is Liability Insurance?
insurance Liability insurance protects you if you're found at fault in an accident.
By Donna LeValley
insurance -
Five Reasons Why You Should Review Your Medicare Advantage Plan Before Open Enrollment Ends
Medicare Advantage enrollees have until March 31 to make changes to their selections.
By Donna LeValley
-
Who Is Trump Nominee Daniel Aronowitz, Tapped to Secure Retirement Benefits?
Aronowitz will manage the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), which protects pension, health, and other benefits and enforces ERISA protections.
By Donna LeValley
-
Social Security Chief: DOGE Cannot Make Changes to Benefit Payments
DOGE has limited "read only" access to data and will not disrupt or delay the disbursement of payments to beneficiaries, SSA Acting Commissioner Dudek said.
By Donna LeValley
-
In-Ground vs. Above-Ground Pools: Which Is the Best Investment?
A pool is an expensive home improvement project that will likely improve your quality of life, but it doesn’t necessarily add value to your home.
By Donna LeValley
-
What Is Comprehensive Auto Insurance?
insurance This grab bag of coverages can protect you and your vehicle from theft, fire and forces of nature.
By Donna LeValley
insurance -
Retirees Get a Raise in Their Social Security Benefits This Week
The 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to retired Social Security beneficiaries when their January 2025 payments arrive.
By Donna LeValley
-
5 Financial Red Flags to Watch for in Relationships
Financial red flags can impact whether you and your mate can have a financially sound future together.
By Donna LeValley
-
Social Security Payments Were Suspended for Some Americans Abroad. Were You Impacted? If So, Here's What to Do
Retirees living abroad must complete a questionnaire every 1 to 2 years when sent by the SSA. Failure to respond can lead to the suspension of your benefits; here's how to fix it.
By Donna LeValley
-
The Best Places to Retire in the World
When 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
-
Compare Prior Authorization Denial Rates of Medicare Advantage Plans
Will your care be denied? Medicare Advantage insurers use prior authorization to manage utilization and lower costs. How does your plan measure up?
By Donna LeValley
-
Travel Agents vs. Do-It-Yourself Online Travel Booking
Travel Travelers find that travel agents can beat do-it-yourself online deals.
By Donna LeValley
Travel -
Social Security Fairness Act Retroactive Payments and Increases Are Delayed
Public sector retirees, spouses' or surviving spouses' benefits will be delayed until further notice. The SSA must manually adjust benefits for over 3 million beneficiaries.
By Donna LeValley
-
Shipping Costs at the Post Office Just Went Up
The USPS has raised shipping rates and lowered its 2025 on-time mail delivery targets. Find out how these changes impact your costs and services.
By Donna LeValley
-
What Home Equity Is and Why It's a Valuable Long-Term Investment
Understanding what home equity is and why it's such a valued long-term investment.
By Donna LeValley
-
USPS Change of Address Policy: What You Need to Know
The USPS address change policy requires you to verify your identity before a change request is granted. Learn about how it works.
By Donna LeValley
-
10 Cheapest Small Towns to Live In
real estate The 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
real estate -
Reverse Mortgages: 10 Things You Must Know
Mortgages Reverse mortgages can be complicated so it’s imperative that you understand how the loan is repaid, the monthly costs and potential scams to look out for.
By Donna LeValley
Mortgages -
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
Medicare -
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
-
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
-
Do You Need Separate Flood Insurance?
insurance What to know about getting separate flood insurance, including the costs and coverage.
By Donna LeValley
insurance