
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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 Published
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
YouTube AI Age Verification: Safety and Privacy Risks Unpacked
The promise of safer screens meets the reality of sensitive data.
By Choncé Maddox Published
-
Walmart to Pay $5.6 Million for Overcharging Shoppers
The retail giant's latest settlement highlights ongoing pricing accuracy issues and what consumers should know before their next shopping trip.
By Choncé Maddox Published
-
Do Baby Boomers Spend More on Travel? What You Can Learn from Each Generation
Baby Boomers lead in travel spending, but younger travelers may be getting better value. See how older travelers compare with younger ones — and what each generation can learn about smarter travel.
By Choncé Maddox Published
-
Roku Launches $2.99 Ad-Free Streaming Plan: Howdy Explained
Roku just launched Howdy, an ad-free streaming service with 10,000 hours of classic content. Here's how it compares to other platforms.
By Choncé Maddox Published
-
Ford Warns $3 Billion Tariff Bill Will Cut Profits and Pressure Prices in 2025
Ford now expects a $3 billion tariff hit this year — pushing up costs on parts, altering vehicle pricing and narrowing dealer discounts even as sales stay strong.
By Choncé Maddox Published
-
Three Electronics to Buy Before Tariffs Hit (And One to Skip, for Now)
With new tariffs taking effect August 1, certain electronics could soon cost more. Here's what to consider buying before prices rise.
By Choncé Maddox Published
-
Apple Rolls Out AppleCare One to Simplify and Expand Device Protection
Apple's new multi-device plan brings extended coverage, theft protection and the ability to insure older gadgets.
By Choncé Maddox Published
-
Is Your Money in the Wrong Place? Why More Savers Are Shifting Money Away from Big Banks
Traditional savings accounts aren’t cutting it — here’s where the money is going instead.
By Choncé Maddox Published
-
The Rules of 'Revenge Saving' to Take Control of Your Finances After Overspending
From post-pandemic spending to rising prices, Americans are saving with new urgency. Here's how to channel that momentum into lasting change.
By Choncé Maddox Published
-
Is It Time to Cut the Cord on Your Landline?
With rising costs and evolving technology, many are rethinking their home phone service. Here's how to decide if it's time to let go.
By Choncé Maddox Published
-
$280 Million Boost Revives Florida’s Home-Hardening Grant Program
A major infusion of state funds revives Florida's flagship home-hardening grant program to protect homeowners and potentially lower insurance costs.
By Choncé Maddox Published
-
A Hated TSA Rule Was Finally Phased Out
After nearly 20 years, the TSA is ending its shoes-off policy. Travelers will still need a Real ID, and advanced screening remains in place. Here’s what to expect on your next flight.
By Choncé Maddox Published