About Catherine Collins
Current Role
Personal finance writer and author
Expertise
- Budgeting
- Mortgages
- Home Equity
- Credit
- Debt
- Investing
- Personal Loans
- Small Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Student Loans
Achievements
- Plutus Award Winner For Best Freelance Contributor For Personal Finance
Degrees
- Bachelor’s degree in history from the College of William and Mary, Master's degree in history from Virginia Tech University
Personal Finance Experience
Catherine Collins is a nationally recognized personal finance writer, speaker, and author of the book Mom's Got Money: A Millennial Mom's Guide to Managing Money Like a Boss. Named the Best Freelance Contributor for Personal Finance by the Plutus Foundation, her expertise focuses on budgeting, mortgages, debt management, home equity, and family finances.
Catherine launched her award-winning personal finance blog in 2010 and has spent over a decade helping readers build wealth, improve financial literacy, and navigate complex financial decisions. Beyond her work at LendEDU, she is the co-host of the Five Year You podcast and a frequent speaker on personal finance and entrepreneurship. As a self-employed mother to twins, she is especially passionate about empowering women and families to build financial confidence and long-term security.
1. https://abcnews.com/video/34623084/
2. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-nobody-tells-you-about-the-first-3-months-of-motherhood_b_5519562
3. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/23/business/parents-kids-social-inequality.html
4. https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/what-is-a-4-withdrawal-rate-how-it-might-haunt-your/426891
Latest from Catherine Collins
Beagle IRA: 2026 Review
If you’ve changed jobs recently and are confused about what to do with your 401(k), there’s a company that can help. Beagle IRA...
5 Loans Like Lendly
Things are getting more expensive these days, whether you’re at the gas pump or the grocery store. Sometimes, that means you might need...
What Does a Tax Attorney Do, and Should You Hire One?
There’s nothing fun about dealing with a tax issue. You’ll be there, minding your own...
Debt Validation Letters: What They Are And How to Send One
Few experiences are worse than checking the mail only to find a letter from a...
Should You Pay Off Debts With a HELOC or Home Equity Loan? Experts Weigh In
If you’re a homeowner with credit card debt or student loan debt, you might be...
Can’t Afford Down Payment? 7 Steps to Buy Your Next Home Sooner
If you grew up hearing that you need a 20% down payment to buy a...
What Are Home Equity Investments Loans? HEI Legislation, Regulation, and What the CFPB Says
If you’re a homeowner, your home’s value has likely increased over the past few years....
Axos Bank Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Fees, and Whether It’s a Safe Online Bank
Alternatives to Axos Bank Wondering how Axos compares to other banks? Here’s a quick look...
Figure vs. Aven HELOCs: Complete Comparison of Rates, Fees, and Features [2026]
Figure and Aven are our highest-rated HELOC lenders here at LendEDU. At first glance, the...
Loans That Accept Everyone Don’t Really Exist, But These Legitimate Lenders Come Close
If you’re having a hard time getting a loan, you might be wondering if there...