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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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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SEP IRA vs. Solo 401(k): Which Is Better?
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 Last updated
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The Benefits of I Bonds vs EE Bonds To Store Your Savings
All of the information you'll need to choose between Series I and EE savings bonds.
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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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 Last updated
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The Minimum Savings You Need To Retire in All 50 States
Are you concerned you haven't saved enough for retirement? Here are the average annual expenses and minimum savings amounts needed to get by in all 50 states.
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
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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 Published
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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 Last updated
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When Will the Social Security 2025 COLA Be Announced?
The Social Security Administration will announce the official 2025 COLA, the earnings-test limit for 2025 and the wage cap for Social Security taxes on the same day.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Should You Refinance Your Mortgage Now That the Fed Just Cut Rates?
The Fed just cut rates, so mortgage refinance rates will be cheaper. Should you act now, or wait?
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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2025 Social Security COLA Estimate Drops Again
The final Social Security COLA estimate for 2025 has dropped slightly from the previous estimate.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Medicare Advantage Customers Face Shrinking Options
Medicare Advantage plan insurers are reducing their enrollments as profit margins shrink.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Get the New 'Medicare and You' Handbook for 2025
Here's how to get a free version of the "Medicare & You" handbook and learn about upcoming Medicare changes.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Medicare Data Breach Impacts Almost 1 Million Subscribers
Following the Medicare data breach, you can continue to use your existing Medicare card; beneficiaries with compromised Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers will be sent a new card with a new number.
By Donna LeValley Published
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How Long $750,000 in Savings Plus Social Security Will Last in Every State
How long $750,000 plus Social Security will last depends on when you retire and where you live.
By Donna LeValley Published
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What You Pay for Medicare in 2024
Medicare premiums are updated yearly and in 2024 premiums for Part B and Part B increased slightly after falling in 2023.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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Free NJ Transit Rides: Fare Holiday Through Labor Day
NJ Transit riders are not required to purchase or present tickets to travel from August 26 through September 2, 2024.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Mickey Mantle vs the Stock Market: Collectibles That Outperform Traditional Investments
Collectibles such as Hot Wheels and rare trading cards have been outperforming some more conventional investments. Should you consider these alternative investments?
By Donna LeValley Published
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Medicare Advantage Plans Get High Marks from Customers
Regional Medicare Advantage plans score higher than national alternatives on customer satisfaction, according to a new study.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Social Security COLA Increase for 2025 Could Be the Lowest in Four Years
The Social Security COLA increase is likely to be the lowest since 2021 as new reports showing inflationary pressure subsiding.
By Donna LeValley Published
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Nearly 3 Billion People Hacked in National Public Data Breach. What You Need to Know
A database of almost 3 billion people's personal information stolen from National Public Data, a background checking company, was for sale on the dark web for $3.5 million.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
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6 Great International Vacations You Can Afford
Travel If you’re planning a trip abroad, you no doubt already have a few popular (and probably pricey) destinations in mind. Here are some smart alternatives.
By Ryan Ermey Last updated
Travel