
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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
