Michelle Lambright Black
Michelle is a credit expert, freelance writer, and founder of CreditWriter.com. She has over 20 years of experience writing and speaking about credit and money, and focuses on helping families and small business owners make smart, informed decisions about their credit, money, and financial products. Michelle's work has appeared in publications such as Reader's Digest, Parents, Experian, FICO, Forbes, Money, Bankrate, Seattle Times, MarketWatch, BuySide from Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and more. She is a two-time finalist for the best personal finance freelancer award from the Plutus Foundation. When she isn't writing or speaking about credit and money, Michelle loves to travel with her family or read a good book.
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4 money-saving apps to help you grow your wealth
Whether you’re looking to build an emergency fund or start investing on a regular basis, a money-saving app can help. Here’s a look at some of the best money-saving apps available today and their costs.
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Fixed vs. variable expenses: Key differences and how to budget for each
Understanding the difference between fixed expenses and variable expenses is key to proper budgeting. See examples of both and learn how to plan for them.
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Budgeting basics: What are monthly expenses?
What counts as a monthly expense? Check out this list of common monthly expenses to include in your budget, along with helpful tips on how to cut monthly expenses for savings and other financial goals.
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Does closing a bank account hurt your credit score?
There are certain cases in which closing a bank account could impact your score indirectly. Here’s what you should know.
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Is it safe to store money in apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App?
Keeping money in PayPal, Cash App, Venmo, or another P2P payment app puts your money at risk. Here’s why, and what to do instead.
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Need a new budgeting tool? Try one of these 5 Mint alternatives
Looking for a replacement now that the Mint app is gone? Consider these five budgeting apps as Mint alternatives.
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Tips for getting cheap car insurance in 2024
No one wants to pay more than necessary for car insurance. Here are ways to lower your bill or find cheaper coverage.
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How to switch car insurance companies
You can switch car insurance companies at any time. Here are the steps to follow, plus pros and cons to consider.
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The best CD rates for November 2023
To find the best deals on CDs, shop for one that combines the best CD rates, a term that matches your savings goal, and a minimum deposit that fits your budget.
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What to do with a CD when it matures
It’s important to have a plan for your money before your CD matures, or your bank might make a decision on your behalf.
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What is annual percentage yield (APY)?
Different interest-earning accounts all have an APY. The higher the number, the more interest the account will earn.
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How to save with CDs
Explore different types of CDs and learn to use them to grow your savings.
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Why now is a good time to open a savings account
Before interest rates start sliding back down, you should take advantage of the highest rates we’ve seen in years and open a savings account.
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Proof of insurance: What you need for your auto policy
Proof of insurance is simple to get but vitally important to have anytime you’re driving.
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What happens if your car insurance lapses?
A lapse in coverage can have serious consequences. Here’s how to avoid a lapse in coverage – and what to do if it does happen.
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What is a moving violation?
Learn how moving violations can impact your insurance rates and what to do if you have blemishes on your driving record.
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What you need to know about car insurance deductibles
Your car insurance deductible — the money you pay out of pocket toward a covered claim — can have a big impact on how much you pay for car insurance.
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Buying a car? Here’s how to shop for insurance
When you buy a car, you’ll need new car insurance, whether you’re sourcing a new policy or transferring existing coverage.