
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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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 Last updated
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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 Published
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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 Last updated
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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 Last updated
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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 Last updated
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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 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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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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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