Author: 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.
9 Surprising Things That Car Insurance Covers
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 31, 2023
How many of these covered costs did you know about?
The Minimum Wage in Every State in 2023
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 26, 2023
The federal minimum wage may not be changing in 2023, but many states have increased their wage requirements.
14 Things That Are Free With Medicare
Maryalene LaPonsie and Brandon Ballenger on January 25, 2023
These services could save you money and help prevent costly health problems.
9 Things That Can Happen If You Don’t Pay Your Taxes
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 23, 2023
IRS penalties can range from the mildly costly to the truly horrific.
9 Extreme Ways to Slash Your Everyday Expenses
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 19, 2023
These out-of-the-box ideas require big lifestyle changes, but they pay off with major savings.
7 Things to Stop Doing if You Want to Live a Long Life
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 9, 2023
If you want to hit 100, kick these habits to the curb.
10 Dumb Ways Retirees Blow Their Savings
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 6, 2023
You can make retirement money last a lot longer by avoiding these costly mistakes.
6 of the Best Assets to Pass On to Your Heirs
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 4, 2023
If your dearly departed leaves you one of these things, you’ve hit the jackpot.
10 Retail Sales Tricks That Are Making You Overspend
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 3, 2023
Think you’re a savvy shopper? Not so fast. You may be playing right into retailers’ hands.
7 Ways Medicare Coverage Is Changing in 2023
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 2, 2023
Medicare is bringing lower costs and more coverage to beneficiaries in 2023.
6 of the Worst Assets to Inherit
Maryalene LaPonsie on December 31, 2022
While you may think any inheritance is better than none, some of these assets may be more trouble than they are worth.
15 Stocking Stuffers to Buy at Costco
Maryalene LaPonsie on December 7, 2022
You can get all the stocking stuffers you need at many Americans’ favorite warehouse store.
9 Habits Happy People Use to Make Life Better
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 29, 2022
If you want to walk through life with a smile on your face, try these habits on for size.
13 Household Items That Go Bad — or Become Dangerous
Maryalene LaPonsie and Marilyn Lewis on November 23, 2022
Some common items do go bad — or worse — even if you thought they would last forever.
8 Things Costco Members Can Get for Free
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 22, 2022
Your Costco membership comes with a variety of free services and perks that can save you money.
9 Foods That Might Help Fight off Dementia
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 14, 2022
What you eat could help slow or avoid the mental decline associated with dementia.
17 Things to Stop Buying If You Want a Clutter-Free Home
Maryalene LaPonsie on October 27, 2022
If you like to keep things simple, avoid these purchases.
10 Things That Can Ding Your Social Security Payments
Maryalene LaPonsie on October 26, 2022
Here are several things that could mean less money in your pocket during retirement.
7 Different Types of Medicare Enrollment Periods
Maryalene LaPonsie on October 24, 2022
Seniors have several opportunities to sign up for and switch Medicare plans.
9 Ways to Screw Up a Job Search When You’re 50 or Older
Maryalene LaPonsie on October 17, 2022
Finding a job in your 50s or 60s can be hard. Raise the odds of success by avoiding these mistakes.
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