Choncé Maddox
Choncé Maddox is a contributor to Kiplinger, where she writes about smart ways to manage money, including how to save wisely, find deals on everyday purchases, and make confident financial decisions. She’s especially passionate about helping readers understand the practical steps they can take to pay off debt, build a budget that works, and create a financial plan that supports their goals.
With more than nine years of experience as a personal finance writer, Choncé has written about mortgages and mortgage refinancing for Fox Business, covered investing topics for Business Insider, and contributed to sites such as LendingTree, Credit Sesame, Barclaycard, and the New York Post.
In 2017, she became a Certified Financial Education Instructor through the National Financial Educators Council. Her interest in how life insurance plays a role in family finances led her to briefly work as a licensed life insurance agent in Illinois before returning to her full-time writing career.
Choncé holds a B.A. in Journalism and Communications from Northern Illinois University.
Latest articles by Choncé Maddox
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Here's What It Takes to Join the 1% Club: The Real Numbers and Habits Behind the Super WealthyA closer look at the net-worth benchmarks, habits and long-term strategies that define top-tier wealth.
By Choncé Maddox
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How to Relist Your Home After a Sale Falls Through: What to Change on Price, Agent and Home IssuesA failed home sale isn't the end. Learn how to relist your home, reset pricing and marketing and improve your chances of closing.
By Choncé Maddox
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One Financial Detail That Can Cost You After a DivorceDivorce does not separate credit card debt. Here is what can follow you and how to protect your credit.
By Choncé Maddox
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3 Ways to Lower Your Car Payment Without Buying a New CarSponsored
Learn how to lower your monthly bill without trading in your vehicle.
By Choncé Maddox
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Gas Prices Are Climbing — Should You Rent an EV for Your Road Trip?With gas prices trending higher, electric vehicles are getting a second look. Here's how to compare total costs before you book.
By Choncé Maddox
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The Rules of 'Revenge Saving' to Take Control of Your Finances After OverspendingAmericans are saving with new urgency. Here's how to channel that momentum into lasting change.
By Choncé Maddox
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Sell, Borrow or Stay? How to Use Home Equity in RetirementLearn how to preserve your property's value, tap equity for income and make smart choices about downsizing, renting or leaving a legacy.
By Choncé Maddox
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Why the Ultra-Rich Still Lose Sleep Over MoneyA look inside the lesser-known financial anxieties of ultra-high-net-worth individuals — and what those fears reveal about markets, policy and wealth strategy.
By Choncé Maddox
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4 Money Habits Boomers Swore by That Millennials Are Walking Away FromMillennials are trading tradition for flexibility when it comes to building wealth.
By Choncé Maddox
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Gen Z Is Changing Retirement Saving. Here's What Millennials Can LearnRising costs and shifting priorities are changing how younger workers save. Here's what it means for your long-term plan.
By Choncé Maddox
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When Does Refinancing Make Sense?Thinking about refinancing your mortgage? Here's what you need to consider.
By Choncé Maddox
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Why retirees are spending more on travel nowHere is what the SKI trend means for your retirement plan.
By Choncé Maddox
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Are T-Mobile's Prepaid Perks a Home Run or a Strikeout?Sponsored
T-Mobile's prepaid lineup promises MLB.TV, T-Mobile Tuesdays and hotspot data. But do the perks make it worth switching?
By Choncé Maddox
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Mortgage Rates Are Rising Again — Here's What You Should DoGeopolitical tension, inflation pressure and shifting demand are pushing rates higher. Here's how the housing market is reacting and what it means if you're planning to buy, sell or refinance.
By Choncé Maddox
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The Goods That Get More Expensive as Oil Prices RiseFrom groceries to flights, higher oil prices ripple through your budget. Here's how the chain reaction works and when you might start to feel it.
By Choncé Maddox
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The Best Week to Sell Your Home in 2026 Could Boost Your PriceNew data reveal the best week to sell your home in 2026 and how timing could boost your sale price.
By Choncé Maddox
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Used EV Prices Are Falling — Here's How They Compare to Gas Cars NowFuel savings can add up quickly, but insurance, charging access and driving habits still matter.
By Choncé Maddox
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Paramount+ Slashes Prices — Should You Upgrade to Premium?Sponsored
A rare promotion discounts both plans to $2.99, but the long-term cost matters more than the headline price.
By Choncé Maddox
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What Your Tax Refund Could Earn Instead of Sitting With the IRSMany taxpayers celebrate a large refund. But that same money might have quietly earned interest or investment returns all year long.
By Choncé Maddox
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7 Rules Frequent Flyers Swear ByFrom dodging long lines to avoiding bad coffee, these clever travel rules can help you save time, stay healthy and reduce stress every time you fly.
By Choncé Maddox
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Buying a Home This Year? 3 Moves to Make Before the Next Fed MeetingA few smart financial moves now can help you qualify for better mortgage terms and act quickly if the market shifts.
By Choncé Maddox
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The 30-Minute Subscription Audit That Could Save You Hundreds This YearFrom forgotten free trials to duplicate streaming services, here's how to find and eliminate recurring charges fast.
By Choncé Maddox
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Women Are Strong Savers. So, Why Do Their Balances Often Lag Behind?Many women are consistent savers, but long-term balances don't always reflect those habits. Here's what's behind the gap — and what can help change it.
By Choncé Maddox
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How Much Savings Do You Actually Need to Feel Financially Secure? Start With These 3 BenchmarksFrom your first $1,000 cushion to a full emergency fund, here's how to build savings in stages and why each level matters.
By Choncé Maddox
