Personal Finance
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Catherine Hiles

Catherine Hiles

Catherine Hiles is a professional writer who was first published in 2009. Since then, she has written for several publications including The Penny Hoarder, Dayton Mom Collective, and The News Wheel. She loves to research and write about topics such as insurance, banking, parenting, pets, and the automotive industry.

Catherine hails from the U.K. but spent several years in Belgium before settling in the U.S with her husband. She currently resides in the heart of America — Dayton, Ohio — where she works as the manager of a content and design team at a local marketing agency.

In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading, cooking, walking her dog, and taking care of her two young children.

Personal website: https://catherinehiles.com/

Articles by Catherine Hiles

best secured credit cards

Best Secured Credit Cards for May 2024

A secured credit card can help you turn around your credit score and set you on the path to financial flexibility and freedom.

gas credit cards

7 Best Gas Credit Cards in May 2024

The best gas credit cards can help you save money on gasoline, as well as on purchases at grocery stores, restaurants, and for travel.

Best VA loans

Best VA Loans for May 2024

VA loans can help U.S. service members, veterans, and surviving spouses realize their dream of homeownership with $0 down. Learn more.

best rv loans

Best RV Loans for May 2024

The best RV loans boast low APR ranges, no added fees, and a range of amounts and terms to cater to a wide range of borrowers.

best bad credit loans

Best Bad Credit Loans in May 2024

The best bad credit loans can help you consolidate debt, pay unexpected expenses, fund important purchases, and build a better credit score.

best checking accounts

Best Checking Accounts in May 2024

The best checking accounts offer numerous benefits, such as no fees, special offers for opening an account, and high annual percentage yields.

Best Joint Checking Accounts for May 2024

Joint checking accounts allow account holders to pay for shared expenses more easily. The joint checking accounts listed here can get you started.

investing for beginners

8 Best Investments for Beginners in 2024

Investing your money can seem unsettling if you’re not sure which route to take. The best investments for beginners will help you get started.

Best Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024

Buying pet insurance may help defray the costs of healthcare for your furry (or feathered or scaly) friend. It helps to know which pet insurance companies offer the best deals for your wallet.

How Do I Get a Higher Limit on My Credit Card

How Do I Get a Higher Limit on My Credit Card?

Looking to get a higher limit on your credit card? Here’s what you need to consider and the steps to take. Learn more.

How to find a real estate agent

How to Find A Real Estate Agent (For Buyers and Sellers)

Choosing a real estate agent can be a stressful process, but by following a few easy steps you can find the best agent to help you buy or sell a home.

investing platform

M1 Finance Review 2024: Is it the Right Investing Platform for You?

Thinking of investing with M1 Finance? Our in-depth review will help you better understand the automated investing platform. Learn more.

Bank

What Is a Bank and How Does It Work?

A bank is a financial institution that allows customers to deposit money, take out loans, and perform other financial transactions. Learn more.

best mobile banking apps

Best Mobile Banking Apps 2024

Mobile banking apps let you manage your finances, deposit checks, and freeze your cards from anywhere in the world.

pet insurance for multiple pets

Best Pet Insurance for Multiple Pets in 2024

Pet insurance for multiple pets can help protect you financially if your four-legged friends are injured or become ill and need veterinary care.

pet dental insurance

Best Pet Dental Insurance 2024

The best pet dental insurance providers can help pay for vet treatment for dental injuries or illnesses that could quickly become costly.

Amazon Business Prime Card Review

Amazon Business Prime American Express Card Review

Considering the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card? It may be well worth it, as long as you’re an Amazon Business Prime member.

Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card Review

Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card Review 2024

The Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card has special benefits designed to help cardholders build long-term wealth.

cash out refinance mortgages

Best Cash Out Refinance Mortgages 2024

A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a new one while providing a lump sum of cash from your home’s equity.

credit score drop

8 Reasons Your Credit Score Dropped and 6 Ways To Fix It

A sudden drop in your credit score can cause anxiety, but by identifying and correcting the issue you can get your score back up in no time.

best way to earn interest on your money

6 Best Ways to Earn Interest On Your Money in 2024

The best way to earn interest on your money depends on your savings goals, but these six options may provide a great return.

FAT fire

What Is Fat FIRE?

Fat FIRE is a retirement strategy that focuses on retiring early and living in abundance once you reach financial independence.

What is a car warranty

What is a car warranty and What Does It Cover?

A car warranty is a time-specific service agreement that covers certain components of a vehicle against manufacturer defects.

cheap pet insurance

Cheap Pet Insurance 2024

Cheap pet insurance is designed to fit your budget while providing ample coverage if your pet is injured or becomes ill, making it a smart choice for many pet owners.

Personal Loan

Personal Loan Requirements And How To Qualify

Most personal loan providers require applicants to have good credit scores, sufficient income, and a low debt-to-income ratio. Learn more.

Best credit monitoring services

Best credit monitoring services for 2024

The best credit monitoring services can help you keep tabs on your credit score and provide additional services, such as identity protection and fraud alerts.

pet wellness insurance

Pet Wellness Plans for 2024

A pet wellness plan can take some of the sting out of vet bills for routine exams, vaccines, preventative medication, and more.

peer to peer lending

Peer-To-Peer Lending: What It Is, How It Works, And How to Invest In It

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending is an alternative to traditional personal loans. They are often easier to qualify for and offer faster funding than bank loans.

cost of pet insurance

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

Pet insurance adds an extra expense to your monthly budget, but it can help protect you from expensive vet bills if your pet is injured or seriously ill.

Side Hustles

How to Start A Side Hustle

Starting a side hustle doesn’t have to be difficult; you can create a side business with little to no money and start making money fast.

credit score to buy a house

What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House?

A credit score in the “good” or “excellent” range is ideal for mortgage approval, but borrowers with lower scores can find options as well.

680 Credit Score

Is a 680 Credit Score Good or Bad?

A 680 credit score is considered “good,” but there’s still room for improvement if you want to be approved for the best credit cards and loans.

760 Credit Score

Is a 760 Credit Score Good or Bad?

A 760 credit score is considered in the “good” to “very good” range and can help ensure approval for the best loans and credit cards.

how to get a business loan

How to Get a Business Loan in 5 Steps

A business loan can help you start or maintain a business. There are several types of business loans to choose from, and each has different requirements.

good credit score

What Is a Good Credit Score?

A credit score of 670 and up is usually considered good. If yours is lacking, there are several ways you can work on improving it.

what affects your credit scores

What Affects Your Credit Scores?

Your credit score can significantly impact your ability to qualify for loans and credit cards. Learn what affects your credit score so you can work toward a positive financial future.

prequalify for a loan

How to Prequalify for a Loan

If you want to apply for a loan, prequalifying can help you choose the best option. Find out how to prequalify for a loan and what to expect from the process.

different credit score ranges

What Are the Different Credit Scoring Ranges?

There are four broad credit scoring ranges: Bad, fair, good, and excellent. Knowing where your score falls is important if you plan on applying for credit.

pros cons annuitie

The Pros and Cons of Annuities

Annuities can help supplement your retirement income, but how do you know if it’s a good option for you? Learn more about the pros and cons of annuities.

Travelers Insurance Review

Travelers Insurance Review 2024

Travelers offers auto insurance with lower rates than the national average, plus a wide range of discounts to help decrease costs further.

bad credit

Bad Credit: Definition, Impact and How To Improve

A bad credit score isn’t the end of the world. With the right plan and solid determination, you can repair your credit score in around a year.

car loans

Which Credit Score Is Used for Car Loans?

While some car loan lenders may use the FICO auto score to check an applicant’s eligibility, they might also choose to use the basic FICO score or their VantageScore.

sinking fund

Sinking Fund: What Is It, Types & How to Set One Up

A sinking fund is a financial tool you can use to save money over time for a specific expense, such as a planned vacation or a home repair.

fixed annuity

What Is a Fixed Annuity?

A fixed annuity is a retirement savings option that provides a fixed return so you can more easily budget for your lifestyle post-retirement.

gap insurance

What is Gap Insurance?

Gap insurance helps to pay the difference between your car’s actual cash value and your outstanding loan amount if your vehicle is stolen or declared a total loss.

car payment

How Much Should My Car Payment Be?

When you’re in the market for a new vehicle, it’s important to set a budget for your monthly payment before determining your price range.

AAA Roadside Assistance

Is It Worth Paying for AAA Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance is a lifesaver when you’re stranded on the side of the road. But is AAA roadside assistance worth it, or is there a better option?

Father lets his son drive his car

Adding Your Child to Your Car Insurance Guide

Adding your child to your car insurance after they pass their driving test is easy—but you’ll need to be prepared for the high cost.

hit and run

What To Do After A Hit And Run Car Accident?

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to stay calm so you can follow the proper steps with the police and your insurer.

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