Catherine Collins Profile Photo

Catherine Collins

Catherine Collins is a personal finance writer and author with more than 10 years of experience writing for top personal finance publications. As a mother to boy/girl twins, she is passionate about helping women and children learn about money and entrepreneurship. Cat is also the co-host of the Five Year You podcast.

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 writer, speaker, and author of the book Mom's Got Money: A millennial mom's guide to managing money like a boss. She is the go-to personal finance expert for educated, aspirational moms who want to recapture their life passions, earn more, reach their goals, and take on a more active financial role in their families.

Named the Best Freelance Contributor for Personal Finance by the Plutus Foundation, her writing and expertise have been featured in dozens of notable publications and in national media. She founded her award-winning personal finance blog in 2010 and since then has become a sought-after speaker and leading voice in the personal finance space.

As a self-employed entrepreneur and mother, she spends her days writing for numerous publications, co-hosting her podcast called Five Year You, and raising her boy/girl twins.

Latest from Catherine Collins

How Does Rent-to-Own Work? Understand the Process, Pros and Cons, and When It’s Right for You

Many people want to own a home, but getting there can be challenging given the...

The Complete Guide to Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Most people know having good credit helps you qualify for a loan, but its lesser-known...

9 Smart Alternatives to a Reverse Mortgage

If you’re considering getting a reverse mortgage (or your parent told you they might apply for one), there are pros and cons to...

Second Mortgage vs. Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC: What’s the Difference?

If you’re a homeowner who wants to tap into your home equity, you have several...

How to Improve Your Credit Score in 3 Months—and Beyond

Improving your credit score can open doors to lower interest rates, better loan terms, and...

What to Expect From the Trump Administration on Student Loan Forgiveness

If you’re unsure about the future of student loan forgiveness, join the club (it has...

The Ultimate Playbook for Buying and Selling a Home at the Same Time [6 Steps]

Figuring out how to sell and buy a home at the same time doesn’t need...

Your Guide to Emergency Debt Relief Options

Finding help when you need emergency debt relief can be incredibly stressful, especially if you’re worried about making your mortgage payment or paying...

What Is Simple Interest? Its Effect on Loans and Investments

Interest is the fee lenders charge consumers for borrowing money. It also describes the amount...

What Is Money Dysmorphia, and Do You Have It? All About the Latest TikTok Trend About Your Finances

Money dysmorphia is what happens when how you feel about your finances doesn’t match what’s...