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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Seven Local Social Security Offices Are Suspending In-Person Services
A departure from closing locations, seven local Social Security offices will temporarily stop all in-person service and will only be available by telephone.
By Donna LeValley Published
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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 Last updated
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Social Security Sent Out Billions in Back Payments This Week. Here's Who Qualified and the Average Check Amount
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 Last updated
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Social Security Fairness Act Payments Checklist: Nine Things to Know
This Social Security Fairness Act checklist explains what public sector retirees can expect from SSFA, including when their payments will arrive and how much more money they may receive.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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 Last updated
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CDs vs Bonds: Which Is Better for You?
Comparing the benefits of CDs and bonds
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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The Average Social Security Check for Every State
Do you live in this New England state with the heftiest check? Your Social Security benefit can be affected by where you live.
By Donna LeValley Published
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What Can Cause You to Lose Your Medicare Benefits?
Your Medicare coverage can be disrupted or lost through your own actions or for reasons outside of your control. Don't let that happen to you.
By Donna LeValley Published
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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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When Will I Receive My 2025 Social Security Checks?
Find out when you can expect your 2025 Social Security payments 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 Monthly Social Security Check: January 2025
The average monthly Social Security check amount might surprise you. Here's a look at the numbers and why they matter.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Delay Social Security Benefits — Even by a Month — to Boost Your Check
social security You don't need to wait an entire year beyond your full retirement age to earn delayed retirement credits.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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 Published
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Eight Things Medicare Doesn't Cover
Healthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
By Donna LeValley Published
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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 Published
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One Retirement Safeguard You've Never Heard of but Need
Even with a power of attorney or joint bank account, the Social Security Administration may hamstring your financial representative without one of these.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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 Published
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How to Get a Refund For a Water Leak
real estate Refunds for water leaks are available from municipalities if you report and fix the problem.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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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 Last updated
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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 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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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 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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Presidents and Social Security: How Presidents Have Impacted America's First Social Insurance Policy
Since its inception in 1935, Social Security has expanded its mission and reach. Here is how each president from Roosevelt to Trump has impacted Social Security.
By Donna LeValley Published