Personal Finance
Advertiser Disclosure
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 Low-Interest Personal Loans for September 2024
Low-interest personal loans let you borrow money for needed expenses at a lower cost, since you’ll save on interest. Here are our picks for the best low-interest personal loans and what each lender offers.
Best Installment Loans for September 2024
If you’re looking for a secured personal loan, an unsecured debt consolidation loan, or something in between, check out our top picks for the best installment loans.
Best Peer-to-Peer Personal Loans in September 2024
If you need a loan and want an alternative to traditional banks, the peer-to-peer marketplace might be for you. Here’s what to know.
7 Best Reverse Mortgage Companies for September 2024
A reverse mortgage allows you to tap into your home equity in retirement, but there are caveats. Here are the best reverse mortgage companies and what they offer.
Best Secured Personal Loans in September 2024
Some personal loans are backed by collateral, like savings or a car title. Here are some of the best secured personal loans and why you might consider one.
Discover It Cash Back Review 2024
The Discover It Cash Back is a no-annual-fee credit card offering rewards on everything you buy. Here’s what to expect and how to decide if it’s right for you
Amazon Prime Visa Review 2024
Is the Amazon Prime Visa card worth getting? Our review can help you decide.
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.
Best Joint Personal Loans in September 2024
Joint loans are loans taken out with a co-borrower. The best joint personal loans offer a range of terms and limits and can be used for a number of purposes.
Conventional Loan: What You Need to Know to Qualify
Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage. Here’s a look at how they work and what you need to qualify for one.
Best Auto Loan Rates & Lenders for September 2024
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.
Best HELOC Rates in September 2024
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.
Best Business Savings Accounts in September 2024
Business savings accounts can help you manage your company’s money and earn interest on the balance. Here’s a look at the best business savings accounts.
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.
How To Open A Bank Account Online: 6 Easy Steps
If you’re looking to get a new checking or savings account, you don’t need to leave home. Check out our guide explaining how to open a bank account online.
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.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Review 2024
The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card features a low annual fee, consumer protection, and some great rewards and perks.
Should You Refinance Your Car Loan?
Refinancing an auto loan can save you money and reduce your monthly car payment. Here’s a look at when to refinance and how.
Short Term Loan: What It Is, Types, Pros and Cons
A short-term loan may be all you need to get past an immediate financial hurdle—but be careful. Here’s what you should know about your options, the risks, and how they work.
Chase vs. Wells Fargo: Which Bank Is Better for You?
Chase and Wells Fargo are both national banks. We’ll walk you through the differences in fees, tech, services, and security so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
Best Emergency Loans for Bad Credit in September 2024
Here’s where to look if you suddenly need money and what it takes to get the cash.
Discover it Miles Review 2024
Looking for a simple travel credit card with straightforward rewards? Check out our Discover it Miles review to learn about this no-annual-fee card and what it offers.
Best Credit Card Consolidation Loans for September 2024
Struggling to manage your credit card debt? Looking for more flexible repayment terms? Here are the best credit card consolidation loans we could find.
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.
United Explorer vs. Capital One Venture: Travel Rewards Cards Earning Miles on Every Purchase
Thinking about applying for a new travel rewards credit card? We compare the United Explorer and Capital One Venture cards. Learn more.
Empower Review 2024: Pros, Cons, Who Is It For
Formerly Personal Capital, Empower is an investment platform with free financial tools and customizable advisory services. Check out our Empower review to learn more.
Disney Premier Visa Review 2024
The Disney Premier Visa Card is designed for Disney fans and diehard Mouseketeers alike. Read our Disney Premier Visa review to learn about the benefits and features.
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.
Cashier's Check? Cost, Uses, Alternatives
Cashier’s checks are often accepted for transactions, even when personal checks aren’t allowed. Here’s a look at what cashier’s checks are and how they work.
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.
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.
Best Money Transfer & Payment Apps for September 2024
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.
Bad Credit Auto Loans for September 2024
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.
Home Appraisal: What Is It, How It Works, Types
When buying or refinancing, a home appraisal report is often required by lenders prior to closing. Here’s a look at what home appraisals are and how they work.
Best Mortgage Lenders for 2024
Mortgage loans typically have repayment terms that last decades, so it’s important to choose the right lender from the start. Our list of the best mortgage lenders can help you narrow down the choices.
What Documents Are Required for a Personal Loan?
Need to borrow money for a project or big expense? Here are the documents required for personal loans and how to make the process as efficient as possible.
Discover it Student Cash Back Review 2024
Looking for a no-fee student cash back credit card? Check out our Discover it Student Cash Back Review to find out what this card offers.
Best Online Mortgage Lenders for 2024
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.
What Is a Car Insurance Deductible?
A car insurance deductible is the amount of money you are required to pay when you file an insurance claim. How much it is will vary depending on the size of your insurance premiums.
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.
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.
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.
1.3116.0+2.4.7