- Ascent Authors
- Margo Winton Parodi
Margo Winton Parodi
Expert Contribution: Copy Editor
FINANCIAL INDUSTRY EDITOR AND WRITER SINCE 2019
NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 47 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 04-10-2024
Margo is a freelance copy editor who has worked on a wide range of subjects, from cookbooks to young adult novels to personal finance. She received a BA in Communication from UC San Diego and a Copy Editing Certificate from UC Berkeley Extension. She's been contributing to The Ascent as an editor since the spring of 2019 and as a writer since the summer of 2022.
Financial Areas of Expertise
Personal Finance
Education
- BA, Communications, UC San Diego
Margo's Recent Articles
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I Quit Amazon Prime Years Ago. Here's Why I Don't Regret It
Apr 10, 2024
Amazon Prime is undoubtedly convenient, but I realized that for me, it wasn't necessary. Take a look at how I came to that decision.
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This Tip Could Help You Cut Back on Your Impulse Shopping Habit
Apr 10, 2024
Let's go to the mall! But if you lean on retail therapy a little too much, read on for advice on how to scale back …
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3 Things That Keep Me Up at Night as a Freelancer, and How I Resolve Them
Apr 10, 2024
It's hard to drift off when you have financial worries running through your mind. Take a look at moves you can make to ease those …
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3 Pieces of Advice I Got From The Ascent and Actually Started Following
Mar 30, 2024
Not only am I a copy editor and occasional writer here, but I'm also an avid reader. Check out three tips that I got from …
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This Is My Biggest Mental Hurdle as a Freelancer -- and How I Work to Overcome It
Mar 30, 2024
Freelancing requires a lot of discipline to make sure you're working enough. But find out what happens when you lean too far in the other …
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How You and Your Partner Can Team Up to Double Your Credit Card Benefits
Mar 19, 2024
There are many benefits to sharing your life with someone. Find out how earning extra credit card rewards is one of them.
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3 Reasons I'm Glad I Didn't Splurge on a Forever Home
Mar 18, 2024
They say a home is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make. Find out some of the benefits of buying a great home rather than …
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Carry On, World Traveler! Airlines Are Adding More Overhead Bin Space for Your Luggage
Mar 13, 2024
Time to invest in some compression cubes and learn to pack light! Take a look at the details on airlines expanding space for carry-on luggage.
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This Airport Mistake Cost Me $72. Here's How You Can Avoid It
Feb 27, 2024
Buying food at the airport can leave a major dent in your finances. Take a look at a few ways you can avoid that cost.
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I Forgot to Compare Prices When Shopping. Here's How It Almost Cost Me $70
Feb 27, 2024
I was nearly bamboozled into a much more expensive purchase. Check out how comparison shopping saved me a lot of money.
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I Saved $144 on These 4 Platform Memberships by Doing This 1 Thing
Feb 16, 2024
There are so many streaming and music platforms to choose from, but signing up for all of them at once is expensive. Learn a way …
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I Made This Silly Financial Mistake on an International Trip. Here's How You Can Avoid It
Feb 16, 2024
Vacations are well worth spending money on, but foreign transaction fees aren't. Make sure you're using the right credit card when you travel to avoid …
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3 Perks of My United Explorer Card That Make My Flight Feel More Like Business Class
Feb 1, 2024
Airline credit cards can offer perks that make your travel days a lot smoother. See what those are for the United Explorer Card.
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Here's an Easy Way to Earn Hundreds of Dollars in Passive Income as a Freelancer
Jan 29, 2024
Paying quarterly taxes is an expensive necessity. Find out how preparing for it ahead of time can bring in extra income.
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This Is My Favorite Travel Perk -- and It Was Free Thanks to My Credit Card
Jan 26, 2024
Days at the airport usually come with some amount of stress and plenty of expense. Learn how you can save on both with this travel …
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I've Never Flown Business Class. Here's How I Make My Economy Seat as Comfortable as Possible
Jan 25, 2024
A business-class seat may not be in the cards, but don't resign yourself to a terrible flight experience just yet. See a few ways to …
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Tackling Personal Finances: The NFL and Arik Armstead of the San Francisco 49ers Encourage Financial Literacy
Dec 21, 2023
Solid money advice can come from unexpected places. Check out what this professional football player has to say about managing your finances.
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Kevin! This New York Hotel Is Offering a Home Alone 2 Package
Dec 21, 2023
You can fulfill your childhood dream of living it up like Kevin McCallister at The Plaza Hotel. Read on to see what you can get …
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Here's How I Spent $609 in 2023 to Potentially Save Myself $8,916 in 2024
Nov 30, 2023
It's no fun to pay for preventive services, but it's likely cheaper than paying for repairs. See how much you could save by paying before …
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5 Gifts to Give Yourself This Holiday Season That Will Earn You Money
Nov 16, 2023
'Tis the season to be jolly...and spend money. Read on to find ways you can give yourself the gift of earning more in the future.
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4 Holiday Traditions From Around the World That Can Save You Money
Nov 13, 2023
Even if you're not traveling for the holidays, you can take lessons from around the world. Read on for new ways to celebrate that can …
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3 Financial Life Lessons I Learned at Costco
Nov 12, 2023
Shopping at Costco can lead to big savings on your grocery bill. But take a look at these lessons that can be applied to other …
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3 Money Lessons I'm Thankful I Learned Early
Nov 7, 2023
Thanksgiving is almost here, and there's plenty to be grateful for. Check out a few financial tips that will help set you on the right …
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4 Experience-Based Gifts to Give This Holiday Season
Nov 6, 2023
This time of year often comes with a big price tag, but not every gift needs to cost a bundle. Check out a few ideas …
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5 Money-Saving Habits Every Football Fan Should Adopt
Oct 31, 2023
Being a football fan is a big investment, both emotionally and financially. Check out a few tips that can help you save money throughout the …
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Act Now: Here's How to Save for Travel in 2024
Oct 30, 2023
Traveling may bring you joy, but the costs associated with it likely don't. Take a look at some ways you can save now to make …
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5 Smart Ways to Enjoy Football Season Without Breaking the Bank
Oct 24, 2023
American football is one of the most popular sports in the U.S. Check out a few ways to root for your team while protecting your …
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4 Ways to Create Memorable Halloween Costumes for Less
Oct 13, 2023
The only thing spookier than witches running amok is how much it can cost to dress as one. Check out a few ways to stick …
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3 Ways I Stay Under Budget When I Travel
Sep 22, 2023
Unfortunately, not all of the best things in life are free. If you love exploring new places, check out ways you can keep your trip …
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5 Unexpected Money-Saving Items You Can Check Out From the Library
Sep 18, 2023
If you still think the library is only filled with books and shushing, it's time to expand your horizons. Check out these surprising things you …
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The 3 Biggest Travel Mistakes I've Made
Sep 17, 2023
Hitting the road and seeing the world? Take a look at some ways the world can hit back, and learn how you can prepare for …
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5 Low-Cost Ways to Keep Cool in a Heat Wave
Aug 9, 2023
Another day, another scorcher. If you've been feeling the heat this summer, check out some tips for keeping cool while saving money.
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How I've Earned $700 and Counting Selling Clothes Online
Aug 8, 2023
We're all looking for ways to bring in more money with less effort. Check out how your old clothes could be your ticket to doing …
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Here's What Happened When I Referred My Parents for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Jul 18, 2023
Earning money feels good, but sometimes it's nice to get some cash with little effort required. Find out how to do just that through credit …
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These 4 Simple Things Saved Me $6,000 in a Year
Jul 7, 2023
Little financial changes don't necessarily mean little savings. Find out how much a few small tweaks can save you each year.
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Here's What Happens When You Take On a Smaller Mortgage Than You Qualified For
Jul 5, 2023
Browsing million-dollar homes online is certainly fun. But when it comes to buying a home, learn how a more realistic approach can save you a …
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How I Earned More Than $1,000 Just by Planning My Wedding
May 10, 2023
Planning a wedding is as fun and joyous as it is expensive. Find out how to make all that spending work to your financial advantage.
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Shopping at Aldi Shaved 35% Off My Grocery Bill This Week
Mar 23, 2023
Shopping at Aldi can provide important savings at a time when expenses are running high. Take a look at how big of a difference it …
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Make an Extra $4,000 a Year as a Freelancer by Taking This One Simple Step
Mar 5, 2023
Freelancing is all about flexibility. Find out how you can make that work to your benefit.
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3 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Adopting a Dog
Mar 1, 2023
I waited years to get a dog, but I still wasn't entirely prepared. Check out a few of the expenses of pet ownership that might …
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How I Saved $200 on My Home and Auto Insurance With One Phone Call
Nov 23, 2022
You have to pay your bills, but you may not have to pay as much as you think. Check out these tips for getting your …
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I Accidentally Became a Freelancer -- and I Love It
Nov 8, 2022
There are more opportunities than ever for freelancers in the workforce. Find out how rewarding it can be, even if it wasn't your original plan.
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Heating Bills Are Expected to Jump This Winter. Here's How to Save Money
Oct 22, 2022
Experts are saying this winter will be colder than last. Find out what you can do to combat rising prices amid falling temperatures.
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How I Turned My Starter Home Into a Profitable Fixer-Upper
Sep 28, 2022
Buying a home is a huge decision, and fixing one up can be equally as daunting. Find out how, with the right moves, it can …
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I Meant to Rent an Apartment. Instead, I Bought a House in One of the Country's Most Expensive Areas
Sep 24, 2022
Apartment hunting can be brutal, and even seem impossible at times. Find out what happened when I decided to change things up midway through my …
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I Saved Over $700 on 5 Purchases by Shopping Secondhand
Sep 5, 2022
Some people like to shop, but may love a good deal even more. Read on to find out how to save hundreds of dollars without …
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How to Finally Make Those Big Money Moves That Scare You
Sep 1, 2022
Many people find reasons not to make financial changes that can benefit them. Here's how a little investment upfront can lead to big gains in …
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