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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The Financial Details Every Couple Should Share (Before There’s an Emergency)
From passwords to policy numbers, having shared access to key accounts can prevent financial chaos when life throws a curveball.
By Choncé Maddox
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What Bilt Cardholders Need to Know as Wells Fargo Exits the Program
A major shake-up in the Bilt Rewards program could affect your credit card, rent rewards and points strategy in 2026.
By Choncé Maddox
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Countries That Will Pay You to Move: Cash Grants, Incentives and What to Know
Explore real relocation incentives — from cash grants and tax breaks to startup funding — that make moving abroad or to smaller towns more affordable and rewarding.
By Choncé Maddox
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How to Plan a Microvacation That Actually Feels Restful
How a simple long weekend can boost your mood, reduce stress and make winter feel shorter.
By Choncé Maddox
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Builders Are Offering Big Mortgage Incentives — What Homebuyers Should Watch For
Builder credits and below-market mortgage rates can ease affordability pressures, but the savings often come with trade-offs buyers should understand before signing.
By Choncé Maddox
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All That Cash in Your Checking Account Might Be Holding You Back
Keeping too much cash in your checking account might seem safe, but it could be costing you in missed opportunities.
By Choncé Maddox
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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
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How AI Is Changing the Way Americans Spend on Live Events
AI bots are reshaping ticket prices, resale markets and how fans shop. Here's what it means for your wallet and how to get the best deals on concerts, sports and shows.
By Choncé Maddox
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Are T-Mobile's Prepaid Perks a Home Run or a Strikeout?
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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4 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
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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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CD vs. Money Market: Where to Put Your Year-End Bonus Now
Falling interest rates have savers wondering where to park cash. Here's how much $10,000 earns in today's best CDs versus leading money market accounts.
By Choncé Maddox
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Should You Tap Your Home Equity Before 2026?
As borrowing rates and tax law shifts converge, here's what homeowners need to know before pulling equity out of their home.
By Choncé Maddox
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Frontier’s GoWild! Annual Flight Pass: Is the $349 All‑You‑Can‑Fly Deal Worth It?
Frontier’s GoWild! Pass offers unlimited flights for $349, but blackout dates, standby rules and fees apply. See who benefits and if it’s worth it.
By Choncé Maddox
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Why This Year’s Black Friday Deals May Fall Short
From rising import duties to supply-chain cost creep, the discounts you expect may be smaller this year.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
