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.
Here’s How Much Your Peers Get in Social Security
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 18, 2021
See how your Social Security benefits compare with those of other people your age.
19 Purchases You Should Avoid at Warehouse Clubs
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 18, 2021
Warehouse stores are packed with good deals — but these products are not among them.
7 Dumb Mistakes That Cost Homebuyers Tons of Money
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 18, 2021
Making any of these mistakes can effectively add five figures or more to the price you pay for a house.
Where to Sell Your Stuff for Top Dollar
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 15, 2021
Here’s where to get the best price for all your clutter.
Cutting Cable? These 5 New TV Services Launch in 2021
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 6, 2021
You have new streaming options for the new year.
9 Ways to Screw Up a Job Search When You’re 50 or Older
Maryalene LaPonsie on January 1, 2021
Finding a job in your 50s or 60s can be hard. Raise the odds of success by avoiding these mistakes.
10 Places Where Social Security Offers the Best Standard of Living
Maryalene LaPonsie on December 31, 2020
These U.S. counties offer retirees a chance to stretch their benefit checks while enjoying their golden years.
11 Survival Tips for Lottery Winners
Maryalene LaPonsie on December 29, 2020
Winning the money is just half of the game. Winners must have — or quickly set up — a strategy to stay sane, anonymous and solvent.
11 Huge Retirement Costs That Are Often Overlooked
Maryalene LaPonsie and Dori Zinn on December 26, 2020
Does your retirement budget account for all of these costs?
The Minimum Wage in Every State in 2021
Maryalene LaPonsie on December 23, 2020
The federal minimum wage may not change in 2021, but many states have plans to increase their wage requirements.
Will Your Insurance Cover Riot Damages?
Maryalene LaPonsie on December 22, 2020
Your insurance will likely cover claims related to civil unrest, but only if you have the right policy.
9 Great Kid Gifts for $20 or Less
Maryalene LaPonsie on December 7, 2020
These ingenious presents will delight the youngsters in your life, and they won’t break the bank.
How Much Americans Spend on the 10 Biggest Holidays
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 24, 2020
How does your outlay compare?
The 13 Best Things to Buy at Warehouse Stores
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 23, 2020
Warehouse stores save their best bargains for certain types of products. Here’s what to shop for at Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s and other club stores.
10 Reasons Renting Is Better Than Buying a Home
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 23, 2020
Homeowning has its benefits. But there are compelling reasons — cost, for one — why renting may be smarter.
7 Other Retailers With Free Prescription Delivery
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 18, 2020
Amazon’s new pharmacy is hardly the first to offer free shipping.
7 Things That Prove Cheaper Isn’t Always Better
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 13, 2020
These purchases can end up costing you more if you try to go the cheap route.
4 Credit Repair Company Lies — and How to Fix Your Score Without Help
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 5, 2020
Credit repair companies promise the sun and the moon, but they may instead be taking you for an expensive ride.
The 6 Worst Mortgage Mistakes You Can Make
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 3, 2020
A house may be the most important purchase of your life. Don’t blow it by making one of these dumb mistakes.
5 Chains Offering Free Food on Election Day
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 2, 2020
Get rewarded after doing your civic duty by collecting some free food from these chains on Tuesday.
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