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.

Happy lottery winner with cash
11 Survival Tips for Lottery Winners

on December 29, 2020

Winning the money is just half of the game. Winners must have — or quickly set up — a strategy to stay sane, anonymous and solvent.

Riot damages
Will Your Insurance Cover Riot Damages?

on December 22, 2020

Your insurance will likely cover claims related to civil unrest, but only if you have the right policy.

A child opens a present with her mother
9 Great Kid Gifts for $20 or Less

on December 7, 2020

These ingenious presents will delight the youngsters in your life, and they won’t break the bank.

How Much Americans Spend on the 10 Biggest Holidays
How Much Americans Spend on the 10 Biggest Holidays

on November 24, 2020

How does your outlay compare?

Senior getting a prescription at a pharmacy
7 Other Retailers With Free Prescription Delivery

on November 18, 2020

Amazon’s new pharmacy is hardly the first to offer free shipping.

Man worried about repairing his bad credit
4 Credit Repair Company Lies — and How to Fix Your Score Without Help

on November 5, 2020

Credit repair companies promise the sun and the moon, but they may instead be taking you for an expensive ride.

Election Day
5 Chains Offering Free Food on Election Day

on November 2, 2020

Get rewarded after doing your civic duty by collecting some free food from these chains on Tuesday.

Bad home renovation
6 Times You Should Not DIY a Home Improvement Project

on October 5, 2020

Deciding to go DIY can sometimes be costly — or disastrous. Learn when to put down the tools and call in a pro.

A sick warehouse worker blowing his nose
Workers in These 10 Industries Have the Worst Health

on September 26, 2020

Could certain industries be hazardous to your health? Here’s a look at which workers are most likely to rate themselves as being in fair or poor condition.

How Much State Legislators Are Paid Across the Country
How Much State Legislators Are Paid Across the Country

and on September 17, 2020

Are the lawmakers in your state earning their keep?

Man with hush money
7 Secret Perks of Individual Retirement Accounts

on September 4, 2020

IRAs come with bells and whistles that many other accounts lack — including some perks you may not know exist.

U.S. Capitol
The 15 Most Beloved U.S. Politicians

on September 3, 2020

A weekly poll shows us that politicians on both ends of the spectrum are popular with Americans.

Baby sitter with child
9 Ways to Save Money on Babysitting

on September 2, 2020

The cost of child care can be daunting. These money-saving strategies will help you get some time to yourself.

Buying bottled water
Stop Overpaying for These 10 Common Purchases

on August 25, 2020

The best price for many of these items is “free.”

Telephone switchboard operators
16 Jobs That No Longer Exist

on August 25, 2020

Don’t get your heart set on having one of these jobs. They’ve gone extinct.

father and son opening an online purchase
9 Comfort Buys That Have Been Popular Amid the Pandemic

on August 8, 2020

The pandemic is upending shopping trends.

A woman in a mask reviews tax documents
5 Ways the Coronavirus Will Change Your Next Tax Return

on July 25, 2020

The pandemic is changing everything, even income taxes.

Student with loans
How to Get Free Help With Your Student Loans

on July 14, 2020

Is student loan debt crushing you or someone you know? Here are some ways to get relief.

woman with box of clutter
Cash In on Your Spring Cleaning in 6 Steps

on June 9, 2020

Cleaning out your home can bring in good money. Here’s how to maximize the profits.

Wedding couple
31 Inspired Wedding Gifts That Keep on Giving

on June 8, 2020

When shopping for wedding gifts, consider these ideas that bring joy, enrich life or help save the couple money.

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