
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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
insurance
