
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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6 Quick Money Moves to Make Before the Year Ends
Finish the year strong with smart money moves that can boost savings, trim taxes and set you up for a better 2026.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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How Much Should You Spend on Holiday Gifts This Season
With U.S. consumers spending near record levels on holiday items, here's how much to allocate for gift-giving, how to avoid debt and how to fit your budget into your bigger financial picture.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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More Than 1 Million Toyota, Lexus and Subaru Vehicles Recalled for Camera Issue. Is Your Vehicle Affected?
A software glitch in the Panoramic View Monitor system causes blank or frozen rear-camera images, triggering a massive recall of 2022-26 models.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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Costco Gold Bars Keep Selling Out. Are They a Smart Investment?
How Costco's bullion program works, how to get the best deal and whether it makes sense for investors.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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My Mortgage Rate is 6.5%. Should I Refinance If Rates Fall By Half a Point
A half-point dip may not be enough to offset closing costs. Here's the magic number that makes refinancing pay off.
By Choncé Maddox Last updated
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How Prepaid Verizon Phone Service Works and When It's a Smart Choice
Explore the differences between Verizon Prepaid and Verizon Postpaid plans — costs, perks, flexibility and when going prepaid makes sense.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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Starbucks Just Announced Red Cup Day and It's Sooner Than You Think
The coffee chain's annual holiday cup giveaway returns — with a twist — as the holiday beverage lineup launches early and staff investments ramp up.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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The Surprising Trick to Stop Money Stress Before It Starts
A dedicated 15-minute weekly slot to confront financial stress could help you make smarter money moves.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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Nissan Recalls Over 173,000 Vehicles Due to Fuel-Pump Fuse Risk
Nissan is recalling more than 173,000 U.S. vehicles due to a fuel-pump fuse short-circuit risk. Learn which models are affected and what owners need to do.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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Why the Ultra-Rich Still Lose Sleep Over Money
A 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 Published
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Walmart Takes on Prime Day with Competing October Deals Event
Walmart is launching its own multiday sales event to rival Amazon Prime Big Deal Days — and it could be a smart time to shop, even if you're not a member.
By Choncé Maddox Last updated
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What Happens to National Parks During a Government Shutdown?
A guide to what stays open and what's at risk — and how to plan your park trips when federal funding stalls.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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How to Add Your Favorite News Sources to Google Top Stories
Google now lets you choose which outlets you want to see more often in Top Stories. Here's how to set your preferred sources in a few clicks.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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Home Equity in Retirement: Should You Sell, Borrow or Rent?
Learn 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 Published
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Ford Recalls 115,500 Vehicles for Steering Defect: What Owners Should Know
Ford is recalling more than 115,500 U.S. vehicles over a steering column issue that can lead to loss of control. Learn which models are affected and what to do next.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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Why Jerry Quit Ben & Jerry's: Five Signs It Might Be Time for You to Do the Same
After 47 years with Ben & Jerry's, co-founder Jerry Greenfield has stepped down. His decision highlights an important truth: Sometimes it's not about waiting for retirement — it's about recognizing the signs that it's time to quit.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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Falling Interest Rates: What They Mean for Homeowners, Savers and Investors
As interest rates fall, homeowners may celebrate while savers feel the pinch. Here’s what the change could mean for your money.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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US Increasing ESTA Fee to Nearly Double Starting in September
New fee structure hikes ESTA from $21 to $40, adding a new layer to visitor costs under the One Big Beautiful Bill.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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7 Emotional Habits to Avoid If You Want Financial Success
The same traits that make people emotionally intelligent can also keep your money decisions on track.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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Frontier’s GoWild! Annual Flight Pass: Is the $299 All‑You‑Can‑Fly Deal Worth It?
Frontier’s GoWild! Pass offers unlimited flights for $299, but blackout dates, standby rules, and fees apply. See who benefits and if it’s worth it.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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Taylor Swift Can Shake Off Wedding Costs — But Most Couples Can't: The Price of Getting Married in 2025
From engagement rings to bachelor parties, here's what it really costs to get married in 2025.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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Four Money Habits Boomers Swore By That Millennials Are Walking Away From
Millennials are trading tradition for flexibility when it comes to building wealth.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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Sling TV Launches Select Plan With Lower Price Point
A lean new $19.99 bundle combines top news, sports and entertainment channels with 4K options and local feeds.
By Choncé Maddox Published
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YouTube AI Age Verification: Safety and Privacy Risks Unpacked
The promise of safer screens meets the reality of sensitive data.
By Choncé Maddox Published
