Lindsay VanSomeren Profile Photo

Lindsay VanSomeren

Lindsay VanSomeren is a personal finance writer living in Suquamish, Washington. She's passionate about helping people manage their money better so that they can live the life they want. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, and learning new languages and hobbies.

About Lindsay VanSomeren

Current Role

Personal finance writer

Expertise

  • Mortgages
  • Home Equity
  • Personal Loans
  • Student Loans
  • Auto Loans
  • Banking
  • Budgeting
  • Debt
  • Credit
  • Tax Relief

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

Important FAFSA Deadlines for Financial Aid

The deadline to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for the 2022 to 2023 school year is June 30,...

Sallie Mae Student Loans Review 2025: A Look at Its Full Range of Loan Options

Sallie Mae offers loans for a variety of schooling levels with competitive rates, terms, and...

LightStream Auto Loans Review

LightStream, a division of Truist, offers unsecured loans ideal for refinancing or purchasing a vehicle if you have good credit. Unlike traditional auto...

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? How to Do It and the Pros and Cons

In some cases, you can use a credit card to pay your mortgage. It’s not,...

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...