Stephanie Colestock is a freelance writer with over a decade of experience in personal finance. You'll see her work on publications such as Fortune, MSN, Forbes, USA Today, Fox Business, Yahoo! Finance, and more. Stephanie's areas of expertise include loans, insurance, real estate, retirement, and credit/debt. She has a degree from Baylor University and is currently working toward her CFP ® certification. To contact Stephanie or learn more about her work, you can visit her website, stephaniecolestock.com or reach her on Twitter at @stephcolestock.
Articles by Stephanie Colestock

Best Money Transfer & Payment Apps for November 2023
The top money transfer and payment apps make it easy to send money to friends and family—or pay merchants for goods and services in your country and abroad.
November 27, 2023

Best Auto Loan Rates & Lenders 2023
Here is our guide to finding the best auto loan rates and lenders, whether you’re looking to buy a new or used car, refinance an existing auto loan, or buy out a lease.
November 21, 2023

How and Why to Get a Preapproved Car Loan
Auto loan preapproval can save you money and time when buying a vehicle. Here’s a look at how to get preapproved for a car loan and why it matters.
November 16, 2023

Bad Credit Auto Loans for November 2023
You may think that if you have bad credit, you can’t get a car loan. The good news is that you can, though the loan parameters may not be as advantageous as those for someone with good credit. Here are some places to look.
November 15, 2023

Best Online Mortgage Lenders for November 2023
Many of the best mortgage lenders offer an entirely online application and origination process. Here’s how to get an online mortgage and which lenders to consider.
November 13, 2023

Emergency Fund: Definition, Importance & How to Start One
Here’s how to build an emergency fund—and how much to have in it—to keep you from needing to resort to a loan or credit card.
November 02, 2023

What Are AM Best ratings?
When shopping around for insurance, it’s important to consider a carrier’s financial stability. Our guide to AM Best ratings can tell you what to look for.
November 02, 2023

Can You Back Out Of A House Offer?
A home purchase contract is legally binding, but you may still be able to back out of a house offer if certain situations occur.
October 25, 2023

Bounced Check: What Is It? How Long Does It Take to Bounce?
What is a bounced check? Read our guide to learn what a bounced check is, how much it will cost you, and what it means for your credit score.
October 18, 2023

How to Cash a Check
Whether you receive a personal, government, or payroll check, there are a few ways to go about cashing it. Here’s a look at how to cash a check and avoid fees.
October 18, 2023

Best HELOC Rates
Variable interest rates are common on HELOCs, but may be locked in at certain intervals. Here’s what to look for and where to find the best HELOC rates today.
October 03, 2023

How to Balance a Checkbook
Checkbook balancing helps you manage cash flow and track accounts each month. Here’s a look at how to balance a checkbook even if you don’t use paper checks.
September 26, 2023

Main Differences Between Checking and Savings Accounts
What is a checking account and how does it differ from a savings account? Here’s a look at what each account offers and how to choose the one you need.
September 23, 2023

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review 2023
The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card features a low annual fee, consumer protection, and some great rewards and perks.
September 20, 2023

What Is a Home Equity Line of Credit
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) offers revolving and on-demand access to cash that’s tied to your home’s existing equity. Here’s how it works.
September 19, 2023

Credit Unions vs. Banks: Key Differences and How to Choose the Right One for You
Credit unions and banks are similar institutions offering a range of financial services. The right one for you depends on your needs, location, and eligibility.
September 10, 2023