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.

Coffee and aromatic coffee beans
The 15 Best Things to Buy at Warehouse Stores

on August 7, 2023

Warehouse stores save their best bargains for certain types of products. Here’s what to shop for at Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s.

Man and woman shaking hands for a new job or employee hire
The 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs, According to LinkedIn

on August 4, 2023

If you are worried about job security, maybe consider one of these fast-growing positions.

Gasoline
5 Ways to Earn Cash Back on Gas

on August 2, 2023

If gas prices are taking a bite out of your budget, you may be able to get relief with one of these cash-back options.

happy man looking at phone
11 Free Things That Used To Cost Us Money

on August 1, 2023

Not everything is getting more expensive.

Older couple planning inheritance with a lawyer
6 of the Best Assets To Pass On to Your Heirs

on July 27, 2023

If your dearly departed leaves you one of these things, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Woman with toilet paper
7 Things That Never Expire – and How to Store Them

on July 20, 2023

You can safely stock up on these household items, which should never go bad if stored properly.

man sweltering in heat desperate to stay cool
5 Unusual but Effective Tips To Stay Cool Without A/C

on July 17, 2023

Going without A/C during the summer can be miserable. But these unconventional tactics can actually help you cool down.

an employee is happy with his retirement plan
The 10 Best Cities to Ride Out a Recession

on June 26, 2023

If the economy goes south, these cities may be good places to weather the storm.

Man looking at grocery receipt and phone in surprise or excitement
7 Ways Receipts Can Save or Make You Money

on June 14, 2023

Hold on to those receipts. They could be worth something!

Excited man checking credit score
7 Ways to Get Your FICO Credit Score for Free

on June 7, 2023

You no longer need to pay for a look at this widely used credit score.

Front door of a home
The 7 Most Popular Home Upgrades for Energy-Efficiency Tax Breaks

on May 18, 2023

You could save money on taxes — and your utility bills — with these upgrades.

unhappy man with broken TV
7 Things That Prove Cheaper Isn’t Always Better

on May 12, 2023

These purchases can end up costing you more if you try to go the cheap route.

exasperated mom shopping with daughter for toys
16 of the Worst Things to Buy at a Dollar Store

on May 1, 2023

Not everything sold at dollar stores is a great bargain or a safe purchase.

Traverse City, Michigan
10 Great Places to Retire in the Midwest

on April 24, 2023

Ignore the naysayers: The Midwest can be a great place to spend your golden years.

The 10 Highest-Paid American Athletes of All Time
The 10 Highest-Paid American Athletes of All Time

on March 27, 2023

These men made millions and more off their athletic abilities.

Woman taking medication
7 Ways Medicare Coverage Is Changing in 2023

on February 28, 2023

Medicare is bringing lower costs and more coverage to beneficiaries in 2023.

Admiring businesswoman talking to businessman
The 10 Most Admired Companies in the World in 2023

on February 24, 2023

Who do you love? Compare your favorite brands to these most admired companies.

Police line in front of a burning car during a riot or protest
9 Surprising Things That Car Insurance Covers

on January 31, 2023

How many of these covered costs did you know about?

Woman buying something in a clothing store.
10 Retail Sales Tricks That Are Making You Overspend

on January 3, 2023

Think you’re a savvy shopper? Not so fast. You may be playing right into retailers’ hands.

Couple writing a will with a lawyer
7 Things You Should Not Include in Your Will

on October 13, 2022

These items don’t add much value to your will and could even be costly mistakes.

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