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.

Couple shopping online
5 Ways to Save Money on Every Online Purchase

and on April 22, 2019

Not following these simple tips? You’re wasting money every time you buy something online.

Gifting Money
2-Minute Money Manager: Can Gifting Lower My Taxes?

on April 22, 2019

If you want to lower your tax bill, you can give to charity. But can you also lower it by giving to family? Yes and no.

Senior Couple Hospital
2-Minute Money Manager: What’s the Best Medicare Supplement Insurance?

on April 8, 2019

Don’t wait until you’re 65 to start learning about Medicare, or Medicare Supplement Insurance. Here’s what you need to know.

Jig Saw Puzzle Crowdfunding
2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Invest in Real Estate Through Fundrise?

on April 1, 2019

Crowdfunding through companies like Fundrise is becoming a popular path to potential profits in real estate. Here’s how it works.

Couple
2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Invest In a Fixed Annuity?

on March 25, 2019

If you’re of a certain age, you’ve probably heard of annuities. Here’s a simple explanation of how they work and whether they’re for you.

Woman Questioning
2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Get a Variable Annuity?

on March 18, 2019

Some variable annuities offer all the upside of the stock market without any of the downside. Too bad that protection comes at a cost.

REIT
Should I Invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts?

on March 9, 2019

REITs offer a relatively easy way to invest in real estate. But should you take the plunge?

Woman Senior
2-Minute Money Strategy: How Should I Invest My Retirement Savings?

on March 4, 2019

If retirement is on the horizon, you can’t afford to take too much risk, but you also need to make as much as possible. Here are your options.

A man expressing shock
Did You Miss These 7 Tax Credits and Deductions?

on February 27, 2019

Every dollar of deductions and credits you uncover can mean money in your pocket. Don’t file that return until you’ve gone over this list.

Woman looking at her debts
2-Minute Money Manager: What’s the Best Way to Pay Down Debt?

on February 25, 2019

Which is the best method for paying down credit card debt? Here are the pros and cons of three main options.

Woman Question
2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Rent or Buy a House?

on February 18, 2019

It’s the million-dollar question — possibly literally! Are you better off renting or owning? Here’s how to tell.

What’s the Fastest Way to Increase My Credit Score?
What’s the Fastest Way to Increase My Credit Score?

on February 12, 2019

Applying for credit soon? Here’s a simple list of things you can do to get your credit score in top shape ASAP.

Couple in Pool
Is Buying a Timeshare Ever a Good Idea?

on February 11, 2019

Timeshares are not — repeat, “not” — an investment. Learn why purchasing one typically is a mistake.

Inflation
Should I Buy Inflation Bonds?

on February 11, 2019

Looking for protection against inflation? Look no further than Uncle Sam: When inflation goes up, I-bonds pay more.

Old Cell Phones, Electronics
2-Minute Money Manager: How Can I Sell Used Electronics?

on February 4, 2019

Everybody has them: electronic devices that are too old to use and too valuable to trash. Here’s how to convert them into money.

Couple working on home repair
Should I Fix Up My House Before Selling It?

on January 28, 2019

You want to get top dollar for your house, but don’t want to put more money into it. Here’s what to do.

Do You Qualify for a Home Office Deduction?
Do You Qualify for a Home Office Deduction?

on January 23, 2019

If you’re eligible, a home office deduction can save you big bucks at tax time. If you’re not, claiming it can get you in big trouble.

Senior Woman Piggy Bank
2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Buy an Annuity?

on January 21, 2019

Some investors love them, some hate them, but you should understand annuities. Here’s a simple explanation.

Piggy Bank Drowning
2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Use a Credit Counselor for Debt Help?

on January 14, 2019

If you’re in debt trouble, there’s free help available. But not all of it is on the up and up.

Woman in Hospital
2-Minute Money Manager: How Do I Get Help With Medical Debt?

on January 7, 2019

Is medical debt making your credit ill? Here are some ideas that might help it heal faster.

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