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.
18 Great Warm and Sunny Places to Retire in the U.S.
Maryalene LaPonsie on March 10, 2023
You don’t need to leave the country to find the perfect warm and sunny retirement spot.
11 Tax Deductions You Can Claim Without Itemizing
Maryalene LaPonsie on March 2, 2023
You don’t have to itemize to claim these deductions on your tax return.
7 Ways Medicare Coverage Is Changing in 2023
Maryalene LaPonsie on February 28, 2023
Medicare is bringing lower costs and more coverage to beneficiaries in 2023.
11 Free Things That Used to Cost Us Money
Maryalene LaPonsie on February 27, 2023
Not everything is getting more expensive.
The 10 Most Admired Companies in the World in 2023
Maryalene LaPonsie on February 24, 2023
Who do you love? Compare your favorite brands to these most admired companies.
21 of the Best Things to Buy at the Dollar Store
Maryalene LaPonsie on February 17, 2023
Dollar stores have great bargains on both everyday and occasional purchases.
The 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs, According to LinkedIn
Maryalene LaPonsie on February 16, 2023
If you are worried about job security, maybe consider one of these fast-growing positions.
7 Social Security Benefits You May Be Overlooking
Maryalene LaPonsie on February 2, 2023
There’s more to Social Security than retirement benefits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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