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 Earnings Tests: Five Things You Must Know
social security If you’re still working and claim Social Security early, your benefits could be reduced, at least temporarily.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
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12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Social Security Claiming Social Security benefits at the right time means more money for you. Here’s a guide to everything from knowing your retirement age to spousal benefits.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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How Medigap Insurance Is Affected by Preexisting Conditions
insurance Delaying enrollment in a medigap policy can lead to higher premiums and denial of coverage in most states.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
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Here Is How Much You'll Pay for Medicare Premiums and Deductibles in 2025
Medicare premiums for 2025, and the cost of Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B and Part D premiums and deductibles, have gone up. Here is how much you'll pay in 2025.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Here are the 2025 income related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) income brackets and surcharge amounts.
Medicare participants with an income above the threshold must pay a surcharge for Medicare Part B and Part D based on their income.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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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You Can Now Collect a Public Pension and Full Social Security Benefits
retirement If you receive a public pension from federal, state or local government, you can now count on collecting full Social Security benefits in addition to your pension.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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The Seven Key Milestone Ages As You Approach And Begin Retirement
These seven milestone ages mark your eligibility for significant retirement benefits, including catch-up contributions and required actions, such as taking RMDs at age 73.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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12 FAQs About Medicare
Medicare When you turn 65, you have to master a new health care system. We’re here to help.
By Kimberly Lankford 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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When Will I Receive My First 2025 Social Security Check?
Find out when you can expect your first 2025 Social Security payment and the date you get paid when your scheduled day falls on a holiday.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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The Average Social Security Check by Age
Compare your average Social Security check to others of your age, and plan for the future.
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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Bonds: Everything You Need to Know
investing Bond yield, maturity, interest and price explained.
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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Money Market Account Basics
savings An explanation of money market account basics.
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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HSAs Can Reimburse You for Medicare Premiums Paid
Medicare Even if your Medicare premiums are automatically deducted from your Social Security check, you can take tax-free withdrawals from an Health Savings Account to reimburse yourself.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
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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 Published