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
How to Refinance Student Loans With Bad Credit
Bad credit makes paying off student loan debt challenging, but it can be done through...
FHA Loan Requirements: How to Get Help Buying Your First Home
If you want to take out an FHA loan, you'll need to meet the Federal...
7 Personal Loan Scams to Avoid
If you need a personal loan, it’s wise to be aware of common scams so you can make sure the lender you choose...
How to Refinance Your Student Loans in 7 Steps [Federal and Private]
You refinance student loans by taking out a new loan to pay off your old...
What You Need to Know About Physician Mortgage Loans
Physician mortgage loans help doctors with high student loan balances obtain home loans. These loans...
Best RV Loans: Compare Rates
RV loans give you the funds you need to buy a recreational vehicle, such as a motor home or camper van. You may...
How to Save Money: 14 Expert Tips for 2026 and Beyond
Saving money can seem like a daunting task, especially when you live paycheck to paycheck....
Student Loan Forbearance: What It Is, How It Works, and When It Makes Sense
See our research on student loan forbearance options for federal and private borrowers, who’s eligible,...
How to Deal With Debt After a Spouse’s Death
Managing your spouse’s financial affairs after their death can be overwhelming, but knowing the best...
Cash-Out Refinance vs. Home Equity Loan: Which Is Better?
When weighing a cash-out refinance loan vs. home equity loan, it's important to consider how...