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 ProgramA 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 KnowExplore 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 RestfulHow a simple long weekend can boost your mood, reduce stress and make winter feel shorter.
By Choncé Maddox
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All That Cash in Your Checking Account Might Be Holding You BackKeeping 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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How AI Is Changing the Way Americans Spend on Live EventsAI 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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CD vs. Money Market: Where to Put Your Year-End Bonus NowFalling 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 ShortFrom 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 EndsFinish 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 SeasonWith 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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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
