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.
14 Things That Are Free With Medicare
Maryalene LaPonsie and Brandon Ballenger on December 6, 2023
These services could save you money and help prevent costly health problems.
5 Medicare Marketing Tactics That Are Red Flags
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 23, 2023
Insurers and brokers selling Medicare plans desperately want your business – and some employ shady practices to get it.
The 10 Most Affordable Places for Homebuyers
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 17, 2023
If you are in the market for a new home, these cities get high marks for affordability in a recent ranking.
10 Dumb Ways Retirees Blow Their Savings
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 17, 2023
You can make retirement money last a lot longer by avoiding these costly mistakes.
Here’s the Average Social Security Benefit at Every Age
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 10, 2023
See how your Social Security benefits compare with those of other people your age.
6 Tough Money Questions To Ask Yourself Today
Maryalene LaPonsie on November 2, 2023
If you can’t answer these money questions, then you may need to change your approach to finances.
10 Foods That Might Help Fight Off Dementia
Maryalene LaPonsie on October 31, 2023
What you eat could help slow or avoid the mental decline associated with dementia.
9 Spooky Things That Can Hurt Your Home’s Value
Maryalene LaPonsie on October 27, 2023
It’s downright frightening how these things could affect a property’s sale price.
10 Things That Can Ding Your Social Security Payments
Maryalene LaPonsie on October 23, 2023
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 14, 2023
Seniors have several opportunities to sign up for and switch Medicare plans.
12 Habits Happy People Use To Make Life Better
Maryalene LaPonsie on October 12, 2023
If you want to walk through life with a smile on your face, try these habits on for size.
9 Ways To Screw Up a Job Search When You’re 50 or Older
Maryalene LaPonsie on October 9, 2023
Finding a job in your 50s or 60s can be hard. Raise the odds of success by avoiding these mistakes.
10 Growing Jobs That Pay Over $100,000
Maryalene LaPonsie on October 7, 2023
If you are looking for a career change, these occupations are expected to have strong growth and pay well too.
15 States Where Many People Go Without Any Health Insurance
Maryalene LaPonsie on September 21, 2023
These are the states with the biggest share of residents who reported having no health coverage at all.
13 States That Still Tax Groceries
Chris Kissell and Maryalene LaPonsie on September 19, 2023
Residents of these states pay a tax rate of as much as 7% on food.
The 5 Worst Domestic Airlines — and the Best Ones
Maryalene LaPonsie on September 14, 2023
Planning a trip? There are several airlines you may want to avoid when booking a flight.
19 Things You Should Never Buy at a Grocery Store
Maryalene LaPonsie on September 1, 2023
These household necessities are overpriced at the grocery store. Here’s where to get them cheaper.
16 Things That Used To Be Free but Now Cost Money
Maryalene LaPonsie on August 30, 2023
At one time, these things were provided free of charge. If you want them now, you may have to open your wallet.
7 Mistakes Guaranteed To Ruin Your Retirement
Maryalene LaPonsie on August 28, 2023
Make even one of these money mistakes, and you might end up eating ramen noodles in your golden years.
7 Ways to Ensure You Never Have Enough Money to Retire
Maryalene LaPonsie on August 9, 2023
Make these errors, and the task of retiring goes from “difficult” to “impossible.”
41 - 60 of 419