About Lindsay VanSomeren
Current Role
Personal finance writer
Expertise
- Mortgages
- Personal Loans
- Student Loans
- Auto Loans
- Banking
- Budgeting
- Debt
- Insurance
- Credit Cards
- Credit
Degrees
- Bachelor's and master's degree in wildlife biology and conservation from the University of Alaska Fairbanks
Personal Finance Experience
Lindsay doesn't come from a traditional personal finance background, having originally trained to be a wildlife biologist in Alaska. She changed course after being driven nearly to bankruptcy from a combination of poor money management skills, a low income, and buying a home that turned out to be a lemon.
Happily, she's turned her financial life around and recently purchased a new home (the right way) in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Today she dedicates her time to helping other people learn how to manage their money better, too, whether that's through explainers, guides, company reviews, and more. Her work appears widely around the internet, and she's written more than a thousand personal finance articles for over 60 different websites.
Latest from Lindsay VanSomeren
What Happens If You Don’t File Taxes but Don’t Owe Anything?
Just because you don’t owe any taxes doesn’t mean you don’t need to file a...
Brazos Student Loan Refinance 2025 Review: Low Rates and No Fees for Texas Residents
If you live in Texas and you’re looking to refinance your student loans, Brazos is...
What Is the Maximum Personal Loan Amount You Can Get?
The maximum personal loan amount you can get depends on the lender itself and your...
Brazos Student Loans 2025 Review: Low Rates for Texans
Everything’s bigger in Texas, except for the interest rates on Brazos student loans. If you’re...
How to Consolidate Student Loans [Federal and Private]
Most students end up taking out many different loans over the course of their college...
How to Access HELOC Funds: 5 Ways to Withdraw
One of the defining features of home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) is their versatility. You can borrow money, repay it, and borrow...
Should You Sell Your House to Pay Off Debt? How It Works and When It Makes Sense
Becoming a homeowner is usually a happy experience, but it can become bittersweet if you...
Is Debt Relief a Good Idea?
No, debt relief isn’t a good idea for most people. Several other ways to handle debt are less risky, less expensive, and offer...
Can I Use a HELOC to Buy Property?
You can use a HELOC for just about anything you want, including buying a second property. Many homeowners have leveraged their first home...
Year-End Tax Planning Guide [2024 Edition]
Year-end tax planning can turn an otherwise frustrating exercise for many people into a smooth sailing experience, with bright winds that can blow...