Rebecca Lake is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF), freelance writer, and blogger whose mission is helping others learn how to master their money. Her writing has been featured on Forbes Advisor, Investopedia, SoFi, and SmartAsset. She's also the founder of Boss Single Mama, a personal finance website for moms who want to become financially savvy.
Articles by Rebecca Lake
Best 529 College Savings Plans for 2024
A 529 college savings plan offers a tax-advantaged way to save for higher education Find out which states offer the best plans.
May 08, 2024
How to Get a Personal Loan Without a Credit Check
A credit check is usually standard when applying for personal loans, but there are some lenders that don't require them.
May 08, 2024
Best Fast Personal Loans for Quick Cash
When you need money quickly, fast personal loans can help you get cash in your bank account as soon as the next business day.
May 07, 2024
13 Ways to Make Money on Your Phone
If you're looking for some easy ways to make extra money, here are a few side hustles you can do right from your phone.
May 07, 2024
Best CD Rates in May 2024
Comparing the best CD rates at banks and credit unions can help you find the right savings option for your needs and goals.
May 05, 2024
Best 1-Year CD Rates in May 2024
Certificate of deposit (CD) accounts can help you save for short- or long-term goals. Here are the best one-year CDs to grow your money.
May 05, 2024
Best Bank Accounts for Kids (Checking and Savings) in May 2024
The best bank accounts for kids include checking and savings accounts from online banks, neobanks, and traditional banks.
May 05, 2024
Best Savings Accounts for Kids for May 2024
Banks and credit unions offer savings accounts for kids and teens to help them reach their financial goals. Learn which kids' savings accounts rate the best.
May 05, 2024
LendingClub Bank Review 2024
LendingClub Bank offers checking accounts, high-yield savings, CDs, personal loans, and auto loans. Learn how it works to decide if it's the right bank for you.
May 01, 2024
10 of the Fastest Ways to Make Money in 2024
There's no such thing as a reliable get-rich-quick scheme, but there are some ways to make money fast when you need extra cash.
April 21, 2024
What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?
Ready to open a bank account? There are a few key things you'll need to get your account set up and funded.
April 11, 2024
What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?
Ready to open a bank account? There are a few key things you'll need to get your account set up and funded.
April 11, 2024
8 Types of Personal Loans Explained
Personal loans can help you cover planned or unplanned expenses. Here are the different types to choose from. Learn more.
April 11, 2024
Money Order: What Is It, How Does It Work, How to Get One
Money orders offer a secure way to pay bills or send funds without requiring a bank account. Find out how they work and when you might use them.
April 11, 2024
What Is a Thrift Savings Plan?
The Thrift Savings Plan is a defined-contribution plan that allows federal employees and military members to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis.
April 09, 2024
Multicurrency Account: How Does It Work?
Multicurrency accounts let you hold different currencies in one place, without the need for multiple foreign bank accounts.
April 09, 2024
How to Make A Budget in 6 Simple Steps
Using a budgeting app to make a budget can help you stay on track financially. Learn more about how to make a budget.
April 09, 2024
How to Sell Gift Cards for Cash
If you've got unused gift cards, selling them could put some extra cash in your pocket. There are different ways to sell gift cards for cash online.
April 08, 2024
9 Cash App Scams You Should Know Of
Cash App is a convenient way to send and receive money, but it's important to know how to avoid scams that might cost you big.
March 31, 2024
What Is a Line of Credit and How Does It Work?
A line of credit allows you to borrow money as needed and pay it back with interest.
March 20, 2024
Are CDs Worth It?
Certificates of deposit (CDs) can offer competitive rates to savers, but it's important to compare options from different banks to find the right one.
March 05, 2024
How Much Cash to Keep in Your Checking Account (vs. Savings)
Checking and savings accounts can help you reach different goals. It's important to know how much money you should keep in each one.
February 07, 2024
What Is Mobile Banking?
Mobile banking refers to banking services and functions that are performed on a mobile device, such as a cellphone or tablet.
February 07, 2024
Opening a Business Bank Account: What You Need
Setting up a bank account for your business can make it easier to track expenses, but there are a few important things you'll need to get started.
February 06, 2024
Home Warranties: What Are They and Are They Worth It?
Home warranties can supplement a homeowners insurance policy, but it's important to weigh the cost against the benefits.
January 31, 2024
What Is a Hard Inquiry?
Hard inquiries happen when an authorized person or entity requests a copy of your credit reports. Hard inquiries are also known as “hard pulls” or “hard credit checks.” They’re usually standard when applying for credit.
January 29, 2024
What Is a Delinquency on a Credit Report?
Credit report delinquencies can cost you credit score points, but it's possible to avoid them if you pay bills on time.
January 29, 2024
How Long Do Late Payments Stay on a Credit Report?
Late credit card payments can cause your credit scores to drop. Learn how long they stay on your credit report and whether you can ever get them removed sooner.
January 29, 2024
How to Get a Credit Report
Checking your credit reports regularly can help you stay on top of score changes. Learn how to get a credit report online.
January 29, 2024
8 Ways to Build Credit
Good credit can make it easier to qualify for loans, so it helps to know how to build credit if you're starting from scratch.
January 12, 2024
How to Dispute a Credit Report
Disputing credit report errors could help to add points to your credit score. Learn how to initiate—and pursue—a dispute.
November 08, 2023
What Is a Soft Inquiry? All You Need To Know
A soft inquiry is a credit check (performed by you or someone else) that doesn’t affect your credit score.
August 29, 2023