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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Why retirees are spending more on travel now
Here 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 Do
Geopolitical 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 Rise
From 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 Price
New 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 Now
Fuel 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?
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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 IRS
Many 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 By
From 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 Meeting
A 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 Year
From 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 Benchmarks
From 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
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What Is an Assumable Mortgage and Could It Save You Thousands?
With mortgage rates still elevated, taking over a seller’s existing home loan could lower monthly payments — if the numbers work.
By Choncé Maddox
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Before You Go to Costco, Try This Grocery Strategy First
A simple shift in how you plan meals could help you spend and waste less.
By Choncé Maddox
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Why Most Millionaires Don't Feel Wealthy — and What It Really Takes to Feel Financially Secure
A growing share of Americans reach millionaire status yet still worry about money. Here's why wealth feels different today and how to build true financial confidence.
By Choncé Maddox
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Money Questions Couples Should Ask Before Combining Finances or Planning a Future Together
Honest financial conversations can reduce stress, strengthen trust and help couples align long-term goals.
By Choncé Maddox
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The High Cost of Sunshine: How Insurance and Housing Are Reshaping Snowbird Living
The snowbird lifestyle is changing as insurance and housing costs climb. Here’s how retirees are adapting and where they’re choosing to go.
By Choncé Maddox
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How Much It Costs to Host a Super Bowl Party in 2026
Hosting a Super Bowl party in 2026 could cost you. Here's a breakdown of food, drink and entertainment costs — plus ways to save.
By Choncé Maddox
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The Cost of Leaving Your Money in a Low-Rate Account
Why parking your cash in low-yield accounts could be costing you, and smarter alternatives that preserve liquidity while boosting returns.
By Choncé Maddox
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Are Costco Gold Bars Worth IT?
How Costco's bullion program works, how to get the best deal and whether it makes sense for investors.
By Choncé Maddox
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Pay-As-You-Go vs. Monthly Plans: Which Saves More for Light Phone Users?
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Light phone users may be paying for data they never use. Here's how pay-as-you-go and low-cost monthly plans really compare.
By Choncé Maddox
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Do You Really Need All Those Phone Plan Perks?
Sponsored
Unlimited data plans now come bundled with streaming, travel perks and device deals — but many people pay for extras they rarely use.
By Choncé Maddox
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Is the Housing Market's 'Lock-In Effect' Finally Starting to Ease?
As mortgage rates stabilize and fewer owners hold ultra-low loans, the lock-in effect may be losing its grip.
By Choncé Maddox
