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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How Prepaid Verizon Phone Service Works and When It's a Smart ChoiceSponsored
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 ThinkThe 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 StartsA 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 RiskNissan 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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Walmart Takes on Prime Day with Competing October Deals EventWalmart 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 StoriesGoogle 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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Ford Recalls 115,500 Vehicles for Steering Defect: What Owners Should KnowFord 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 SameAfter 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 InvestorsAs 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 SeptemberNew 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 SuccessThe 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 2025From 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 PointA 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 UnpackedThe 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 GenerationBaby 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 ExplainedRoku 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 2025Ford 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 ProtectionApple'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 BanksTraditional savings accounts aren’t cutting it — here’s where the money is going instead.
By Choncé Maddox
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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
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$280 Million Boost Revives Florida’s Home-Hardening Grant ProgramA major infusion of state funds revives Florida's flagship home-hardening grant program to protect homeowners and potentially lower insurance costs.
By Choncé Maddox
