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
6 Ways You Can Go to College for Free (and Advice If You Can’t)
If you want to learn how to go to college for free, you’re in the...
How to Borrow Against Your Pension [and Best Alternatives]
Retirement is a dream for many, but it can also come with unexpected expenses. If...
Best Rent-to-Own Companies of 2026: Industry Changes & Options
For many people, buying a home can feel like a distant dream right now. Rent-to-own...
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
Have you been declined much-needed funding due to a low or non-existent credit score? Are...
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...