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
Student Loan Default Guide
Student loan default can make you feel like you’re out of options, but there are several ways to fix the situation and move...
Best No-Fee Personal Loans
It’s possible to find personal loans with no origination fee, especially if you have excellent credit. But watch out for higher interest rates...
Student Loan Repayment: Best Plans & Other Resources
Federal student loan repayment programs offer the most options, but there are possibilities for private...
Can You Pay Your Mortgage With a Credit Card?
In some cases, you can use a credit card to pay your mortgage. It’s not, however, a good idea unless you have no...
What to Know About BMW Financial Services Before You Borrow
BMW Financial Services gives you access to benefits, offers, and events. You’ll receive financing choices...
How to Report Parents’ Cash, Checking Accounts, and Savings Accounts Balances on the FAFSA
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has always been a chore...
Secured Personal Loans: What Are the Best Options?
Here are some of the best secured personal loans available nationwide that feature a range...
Car Loans for College Students
For many college students, having a car isn’t just convenient—it’s a necessity for classes, work, and activities. If you’re wondering how to finance...
Can You Use a Personal Loan for Treatment Centers and Rehab?
There are better alternatives to personal loans for rehab. But they’re better than not going,...
Teacher Student Loan Forgiveness: A Complete Guide
Stagnant wages and increasing student loan debt are squeezing today’s teachers. The average new teacher...