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.

Surprised senior looking at bill
11 Huge Retirement Costs That Are Often Overlooked

and on March 12, 2024

Does your retirement budget account for all of these costs?

Shoppers in Costco
10 Mistakes That Cost You Money at Warehouse Stores

on February 3, 2024

Wholesale clubs might have great deals, but these mistakes will cost you.

Sad empty Amazon box with a frowny face; an empty package delivered in an empty room
11 Things That Amazon Won’t Let You Return

on December 2, 2023

The retailer’s return policy does not cover everything you buy there — and you might be surprised by some of the exclusions.

Happy woman hugging lots of dollar bills in a huge pile of money
Could You Give up These 7 Expenses to Save Thousands of Dollars a Year?

on October 31, 2023

You could save tens of thousands of dollars by setting aside these costs for just one year.

Upset woman reading documents on her sofa
10 Retirement Prep Steps Giving People the Most Grief

on August 9, 2023

Some of us need more help preparing for retirement thanks to inflation.

Man running with water and looking at smart watch
7 Free Apps for Better Health in 2023

on January 20, 2023

These free fitness apps will help you get in better shape in as little as 7 minutes a day.

Young man recharging an EV car
9 of the Cheapest Electric Vehicles in 2022

on August 15, 2022

All of these models cost less than $40,000 brand-new.

Woman using a tablet
These Are the 8 Best Benefits of Amazon Prime

on July 4, 2022

These top-notch perks of a Prime membership won’t cost you a dime extra.

recession market scare crash downturn stock business men
6 Typical Warning Signs of a Recession

, and on May 13, 2022

Jittery over unpredictable financial markets? These indicators offer a reality check on the risks.

Woman working from home
9 Ways to Lower Your Internet Bill

on September 29, 2021

No matter what price you are paying for internet service, taking these simple steps can reduce it.

Man with money
35 Clever Ways to Make Extra Money

on March 18, 2021

Looking for additional cash? Here are a bunch of options that are accessible to anyone with internet access.

man trying to remember his passwords
The Best Way to Remember and Protect Your Passwords

on August 5, 2020

Passwords are hard to manage, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Amazon purchases
7 Free Tools for Saving More Money at Amazon

on August 4, 2020

Use these websites and other tools to save money — or earn extra cash — when shopping at Amazon.

man taking a photograph
10 Businesses You Can Start With Less Than $10,000

on June 29, 2020

These operations have low startup costs and good returns.

A woman sits on a toolbox during a kitchen renovation
5 Home Repairs You Should Not Attempt Yourself

on December 24, 2019

DIY can be cheaper, but some projects are better left to licensed professionals.

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The 15 Biggest Regrets of Homeowners in 2019

on August 13, 2019

The biggest regrets some homeowners have might surprise you.

Wedding dress
How to Pay Less for a Wedding Dress

on May 14, 2019

Less expensive doesn’t mean less magical. There are many ways to save on a dress and still have your dream wedding.

dad father working at home laptop son child on lap sleeping
7 First-Rate Job Benefits — Besides the Retirement Plan

on May 9, 2019

Pay is only one part of the package from a potential employer. Benefits like these can make a job worthwhile even when the pay isn’t stellar.

children popcorn multi ethnic african american joyful kids
11 Awesome Gifts for Kids Who Have Too Much Stuff

on December 17, 2018

This holiday season, give kids shared experiences, like a zoo membership or family night at the movies.

An older student sits in a college classroom
4 Steps to Boost College Savings When Money Is Tight

on October 13, 2018

The typical college degree may be outrageously expensive, but that doesn’t mean you or your child or grandchild has to give up on higher-education dreams.

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