Personal Finance
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Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

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 cd rates

Best CD Rates in 2024

Comparing the best CD rates at banks and credit unions can help you find the right savings option for your needs and goals.

best bank accounts for kids

Best Bank Accounts for Kids (Checking and Savings) 2024

The best bank accounts for kids include checking and savings accounts from online banks, neobanks, and traditional banks.

how to open a bank account

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.

types of personal loans

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.

money order

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.

Thrift Savings Plan

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.

Multicurrency Account

Multicurrency Account: How Does It Work?

Multicurrency accounts let you hold different currencies in one place, without the need for multiple foreign bank accounts.

Budget

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.

Gift cards

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.

Personal loan

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.

How to Make Money Fast

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.

savings for kids

Best Savings Accounts for Kids for 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.

cash app scams

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.

What Is a Line of Credit and How Does It Work?

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.

lendingclub review

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.

best 1-year cd rates

Best 1-Year CD Rates in March 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.

personal loan no credit check

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.

are cds worth it

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.

how to make money from phone

12 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.

cash in checking account

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.

mobile banking

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.

business bank account

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.

home warranty

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.

credit score hard inquiry

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.

delinquency report

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.

late payments on credit report

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.

credit report

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.

ways to build credit

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.

credit report dispute

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.

soft inquiry

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.

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