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 middle-aged woman outside at sunset
7 Things Every Woman Should Know About Social Security

on March 15, 2024

Social Security is a gender-neutral program, but here’s a look at factors that may be especially pertinent to women.

Surprised senior looking at bill
11 Huge Retirement Costs That Are Often Overlooked

and on March 12, 2024

Does your retirement budget account for all of these costs?

Coscto membership card in wallet
8 Things Costco Members Can Get for Free

on March 11, 2024

Your Costco membership comes with a variety of free services and perks that can save you money.

Etar, Bulgaria
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Europe, Ranked for Affordability

on March 6, 2024

A recent ranking reveals the best European countries for retirees. But which is most affordable?

Costco Warehouse cart
9 Shopping Mistakes to Avoid at Costco

on March 5, 2024

Are you missing out on serious savings at your favorite warehouse club?

woman showing man his taxes investment banking
12 Tax Deductions You Can Claim Without Itemizing

on February 26, 2024

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

Stressed woman sitting on the couch holding her head in her hands feeling overwhelmed by financial paperwork or bills with a calculator and a laptop
5 Ways the IRS Can Fine You

on February 14, 2024

How could you end up owing the IRS a penalty? There are more reasons than you might realize.

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 February 10, 2024

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

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 February 9, 2024

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

Myrtle Beach South Carolina beach homes
9 Reasons Renting Is Better Than Buying a Home

on February 5, 2024

Owning a home has its benefits. But there are compelling reasons — cost, for one — why renting may be smarter.

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

on February 2, 2024

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

Happy senior citizen
7 Social Security Benefits You May Be Overlooking

on January 31, 2024

There’s more to Social Security than retirement benefits.

man receiving upsetting news
9 Awful Things That Can Happen If You Don’t Pay Your Taxes

on January 30, 2024

IRS penalties can range from the mildly costly to the truly horrific.

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

on January 29, 2024

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

active senior couple
10 Places Where Social Security Offers the Best Standard of Living

and on January 27, 2024

If you don’t mind rural living, these counties can be ideal places to stretch your Social Security payments.

Patient talking to her doctor while sitting on an exam table
12 Ways Medicare Coverage Has Changed in 2024

on January 27, 2024

Heads-up, Medicare recipients: Your costs have gone up, but your coverage has expanded.

Business analyst woman working in an office on a computer and analyzing data
The 10 Best Entry-Level Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree

on January 26, 2024

No degree? No problem. You can still earn a good income with these jobs that don’t require a degree.

Upset investor
9 Things That Can Get Your Home Insurance Canceled

on January 25, 2024

Insurers may not want to cover your home for these reasons, but you usually have options.

Unhappy real estate agent
9 Dumb Ways You Are Ruining Your Home Value

on January 23, 2024

Beware these mistakes that can drive away potential buyers.

Happy woman wearing headphones and holding passport ready to travel with her luggage suitacase
9 Countries With the Most Powerful Passports in the World

and on January 16, 2024

People with passports from these nations can easily see more of the world, the latest annual Henley Passport Index finds.

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