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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Gift Like Buffet: Three Financial Gifts for Your Kids and Grandkids
Warren Buffet used to give his family cash for Christmas. After learning they neither saved nor invested it, he gave them something more practical.
By Donna LeValley
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How the Social Security Administration Is Coping with Rapid Change
There has been a fair amount of change at the SSA since Trump took office. Here's a look at what's new this year and how it will impact the agency going forward.
By Donna LeValley
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SEP IRA vs. Solo 401(k): Which Is Better for You?
Two retirement plans, the solo 401(k) and SEP IRAs, allow small business owners and the self-employed to save up to $69,000 annually.
By Donna LeValley
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Thirteen local Social Security offices will temporarily stop all in-person service and will only be available by telephone. .
A departure from closing locations, 13 local Social Security offices will temporarily stop all in-person service and will only be available by telephone.
By Donna LeValley
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15 Estate Planning Terms You Need to Know
Sometimes 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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How to Access Your Parents’ Medicare to Help them Enroll and Manage Their Care
Getting access to your parents' Medicare or Medicare Advantage accounts is easiest when they're healthy. But you still have options if they are incapacitated.
By Donna LeValley
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Customer Services are Strained at the SSA, You Should Plan Around These Federal Holidays
If you have a question or need information from a federal agency, check the federal holiday schedule to make sure you get your business done before they close.
By Donna LeValley
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Social Security Phone Wait Times: What to Expect and the Best Times to Call
The Social Security Administration receives 80 million calls every year. Timing is everything if you want to get through.
By Donna LeValley
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Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for 2025
real estate Use this 20-point checklist to get your home ready for spring.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein
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Social Security Sent Out Billions in Back Payments in March. Here's What You Need to Know
The Social Security Administration started paying retroactive benefits owed this week. Monthly increases will start for most people with their March benefit, which is paid out in April.
By Donna LeValley
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Don't Be a Financial Fool
Reject these four financial myths and avoid being financially foolish.
By Donna LeValley
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Bigger Social Security Checks Are Arriving in April
Payments to eligible retired public sector employees will increase starting in April due to the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA)..
By Donna LeValley
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The SSA Has Rolled Back Some Changes to the Application Process and Extended the Timeline: Here's What You Need to Know
The SSA is transitioning to stronger identity verification procedures for both new benefit claims and direct deposit changes.
By Donna LeValley
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Nine Things to Keep in a Home Safe
Put these valuables in a home safe, not a bank safety deposit box (or under a mattress). You'll be glad you did.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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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
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What Is Liability Insurance?
insurance Liability insurance protects you if you're found at fault in an accident.
By Donna LeValley
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
