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.

Man eating hamburger
9 Fun Ways Anybody Can Eat for Free

on July 22, 2019

Here are nine ways to help fill your belly without emptying your wallet.

Woman at the beach
Don’t Go to the Beach Without These 15 Hacks

on July 8, 2019

Lost keys, stolen goods and sunburned children can ruin a day at the beach.

Man eating meat
7 Ways to Slice the Price of Red Meat, Pork and Poultry

on July 8, 2019

Meat is often the most expensive part of a meal. Here are ways to slash those costs.

Thoughtful woman
5 Ways Retirement Planning Is Different for Women

on June 20, 2019

Here are the special retirement challenges women face — and what they can do to tackle them.

Happy female employee celebrating employed new job
The Best and Worst Entry-Level Jobs in 2019

on June 17, 2019

This analysis of pay, future job prospects and safety of a work environment reveals some of the more and less desirable occupations for new job seekers.

18 Ways Save on Every Kind of Travel
18 Ways Save on Every Kind of Travel

on June 13, 2019

No matter your travel style or destination, there are ways to get a better deal.

Hands protect globe. Save Earth Planet World environment earth
8 High-Paying Eco-Friendly Jobs

on June 12, 2019

Want to heal the planet? You can feel good about money earned in these environmental fields.

Lazy man
The Lazy Person’s Guide to Money Management

on May 30, 2019

This guide quickly explains what you need to know, leaving you with the time to take vacations, read books or play golf this summer.

Sad senior woman
5 Common and Costly Retirement Investing Mistakes

on May 20, 2019

Avoid these five common retirement fund mistakes, or you might have to work well into old age.

Family on vacation
5 Ways to Take a Memorable Family Vacation for Less Than $1,000

on May 8, 2019

On a tight budget? No problem. Pack up and hit the road with these affordable approaches to family trips.

Young African-American couple
9 Money Moves You Need to Make in Your 30s

on May 1, 2019

Your life is on the upswing now: Don’t squander it by missing these nine money moves.

Young woman with piggy bank
10 Money Moves You Need to Make in Your 20s

on April 30, 2019

Every 20-something has a golden opportunity to make simple moves today that can lead to great wealth tomorrow.

Men Hands High Five Meeting Greeting
The Best Company to Work for in Every State

on April 23, 2019

These companies win recognition for their salaries, diversity, company performance and other strengths.

Motorcycle
9 Ways to Slash the Cost of Motorcycle Insurance

on April 23, 2019

Before you hit the open road, take a minute to read these tips on how to slash the cost of coverage.

Couple shopping online
5 Ways to Save Money on Every Online Purchase

and on April 22, 2019

Not following these simple tips? You’re wasting money every time you buy something online.

making money online
How to Switch Banks in 5 Steps

on February 26, 2019

Hate the service — or the interest rate — that you are getting at your bank? Here’s how to find a better institution.

broke
13 Things That Got a Lot More Expensive in 2018

on February 17, 2019

These everyday products and services are now more expensive due to factors ranging from inflation to tariffs.

Older worker
5 Things to Weigh Before Going Back to School After Age 50

on February 11, 2019

Need a degree to compete with younger workers? Find the sweet spot in the market before you invest in education.

Couple Push Daughter In Stroller As Son Rides Scooter black african american family neighborhood
Buying a Home? Check Out How Friendly the Neighbors Are in These 20 Cities First

on February 6, 2019

If you’re making a move in 2019, will it be to a city where everyone knows your name?

Woman with avocado
19 Easy Ways to Make Your Stuff Last Longer

on February 5, 2019

You can save a lot of money by replacing things less often. These tips help you extend the life of everything from soap to avocados.

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