Maryalene LaPonsie

After 13 years as a staffer for a Michigan legislator, I decided it was time to quit the commute and work from home instead. For the past three years, I’ve been penning articles on everything from personal finance to parenting, although politics remains my passion. I’m a numbers geek who loves helping others find the right balance between frugal finances and living life deeply. When I’m not writing, I’m busy trying to raise my and my late husband’s five children to be compassionate people, critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

Smiling happy senior talking on the phone and looking out the window
5 Medicare Marketing Tactics That Are Red Flags

on September 22, 2023

Insurers and brokers selling Medicare plans desperately want your business – and some employ shady practices to get it.

Stressed man speaking to a doctor
15 States Where Many People Go Without Any Health Insurance

on September 21, 2023

These are the states with the biggest share of residents who reported having no health coverage at all.

Shocked couple looks at their grocery bill
13 States That Still Tax Groceries

and on September 19, 2023

Residents of these states pay a tax rate of as much as 7% on food.

Frustrated woman with luggage angry at the airport baggage policy
The 5 Worst Domestic Airlines — and the Best Ones

on September 14, 2023

Planning a trip? There are several airlines you may want to avoid when booking a flight.

Senior couple on vacation enjoying a long life and happy retirement
10 Things To Stop Doing if You Want To Live a Long Life

on September 5, 2023

If you want to hit 100, kick these habits to the curb.

Man drinking coffee eyebrows raised
19 Things You Should Never Buy at a Grocery Store

on September 1, 2023

These household necessities are overpriced at the grocery store. Here’s where to get them cheaper.

Happy relaxed seniors doing yoga outdoors in a sunny area during retirement
18 Great Warm and Sunny Places To Retire in the U.S.

on September 1, 2023

You don’t need to leave the country to find the perfect warm and sunny retirement spot.

Woman shocked by bill
16 Things That Used To Be Free but Now Cost Money

on August 30, 2023

At one time, these things were provided free of charge. If you want them now, you may have to open your wallet.

Dollar Tree store
21 of the Best Things To Buy at the Dollar Store

on August 30, 2023

Dollar stores have great bargains on both everyday and occasional purchases.

Broke senior holding an empty wallet
7 Mistakes Guaranteed To Ruin Your Retirement

on August 28, 2023

Make even one of these money mistakes, and you might end up eating ramen noodles in your golden years.

Upset older man
6 Facts Most People Get Wrong About Social Security

on August 24, 2023

A survey finds that people misunderstand key provisions of the program.

Woman doing taxes at computer with calculator
11 Tax Deductions You Can Claim Without Itemizing

on August 17, 2023

You don’t have to itemize to claim these deductions on your tax return.

Senior couple looking for money in a wallet
7 Ways to Ensure You Never Have Enough Money to Retire

on August 9, 2023

Make these errors, and the task of retiring goes from “difficult” to “impossible.”

Coffee and aromatic coffee beans
The 15 Best Things to Buy at Warehouse Stores

on August 7, 2023

Warehouse stores save their best bargains for certain types of products. Here’s what to shop for at Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s.

Man and woman shaking hands for a new job or employee hire
The 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs, According to LinkedIn

on August 4, 2023

If you are worried about job security, maybe consider one of these fast-growing positions.

Gasoline
5 Ways to Earn Cash Back on Gas

on August 2, 2023

If gas prices are taking a bite out of your budget, you may be able to get relief with one of these cash-back options.

happy man looking at phone
11 Free Things That Used To Cost Us Money

on August 1, 2023

Not everything is getting more expensive.

Older couple planning inheritance with a lawyer
6 of the Best Assets To Pass On to Your Heirs

on July 27, 2023

If your dearly departed leaves you one of these things, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Woman with toilet paper
7 Things That Never Expire – and How to Store Them

on July 20, 2023

You can safely stock up on these household items, which should never go bad if stored properly.

unhappy retired woman
6 Myths About Retirement, Debunked

on July 17, 2023

You could be in for an unpleasant surprise if you have any of these misconceptions.

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