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.

7 Grocery Supply Chain Issues Caused by the Pandemic
7 Grocery Supply Chain Issues Caused by the Pandemic

on June 4, 2020

Hoarders aren’t the only ones to blame when supermarket shelves are bare.

Vacation rental
7 Tips to Avoid a Vacation Rental Rip-off

on May 27, 2020

Fantastic vacation rentals are available, but watch out for scams. Here’s what to know before you book.

College graduates
15 Graduation Gifts They Will Actually Use

on May 20, 2020

We’ve got plenty of budget-friendly gift ideas for this graduation season.

Woman assembling furniture
10 Money-Making Side Gigs You Probably Haven’t Considered

on May 18, 2020

Some of the things you can do to earn a buck are lucrative, if a bit unexpected.

Mom and daughter
10 Influential Money Lessons From Mom

on May 6, 2020

As Mother’s Day nears, we consider some wise ways our moms taught us to save and spend money.

Invention
7 Steps to Turning Your Idea or Invention Into Cash

on April 21, 2020

Could your great idea or invention make you a fortune? Here’s what it takes to find out.

Man lying on the beach and using tablet
10 Ways to Simplify Your Finances and Enrich Your Life

on April 20, 2020

Decluttering your finances, home and relationships is key to preventing stress and enjoying life.

Young saver
Grow Your Savings in 2020 With These 5 Tricks

on March 30, 2020

Saving money doesn’t have to be painful. Here are some ways to game yourself into stashing more cash.

Woman practicing social distancing
9 Ways the Coronavirus Has Changed Daily Life as We Know It

on March 26, 2020

The coronavirus is changing everything — from how we work to how we play.

Sick woman holding thermometer
What Everyone Should Know About Coronavirus Symptoms

on March 21, 2020

Is that cough a cold or the new coronavirus disease? Here’s what the experts say about symptoms of COVID-19.

6 Investing Tools That Help You Diversify
6 Investing Tools That Help You Diversify

on March 17, 2020

Here’s how you can lend to startup businesses, fund social causes or get in on investments once available only to the very rich.

Man with credit card
Test Your Credit Card IQ With These 9 Questions

on March 10, 2020

Know the answers to these common credit card questions, or it could cost you.

Couple preparing their tax returns
The 5 Best Tax Software Programs for 2020

on February 23, 2020

These products will save you money and grief in the process of filing your tax return.

Rich retirees
The 10 Golden Rules of Retiring Rich

on February 18, 2020

You don’t have to be wealthy now to be a millionaire at retirement.

Happy shopper
15 Golden Rules for Saving on Every Purchase

on February 17, 2020

We’ve got a big list of ways to save on everything — and we do mean everything.

Young woman using calculator
It’s 2020: Stop Spending So Much on These 8 Bills

on February 7, 2020

You can almost certainly lower your costs for these services — and in some cases you may be able to get them for free.

Girl at summer camp
7 Steps for Finding a Great, Affordable Kids Summer Camp

on February 4, 2020

Here are seven tips for finding the right camp at a great price.

Worried woman
Beware These 6 Income Tax Scams

on January 27, 2020

Don’t let scammers trick you out of hard-earned cash; be on the lookout for these popular scams.

Tax audit
6 Tax Missteps That Will Get You Audited

on January 21, 2020

Before you send in your tax return, double-check that you haven’t made one of these mistakes that can trigger IRS scrutiny.

Tax app
The Best Apps to Get Your Taxes Done Right

on January 20, 2020

These smartphone apps can help you file tax forms — and track your refund.

141 - 160 of 419