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
Best Personal Loans in Washington State: 2026 Roundup
You have plenty of options for personal loans in Washington state through local or national...
The Best Roof Financing Options in 2026: Home Equity, Personal Loans, and More
You may have several financing options for roof repairs. Here’s a complete breakdown of the...
5 Reputable Personal Loan Lenders with a 100% Online Application Process
Online loans make borrowing cash easy and convenient. Here’s our list of some well-known online...
Can You Refinance Sallie Mae Loans? Yes, Here’s How (and Your Best Options)
Refinance Sallie Mae student loans to save money, pay it off faster, or release a...
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 2026: Rates, Requirements, Pros and Cons
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...
What Is a Home Equity Loan, and How Does It Work? The Complete 2026 Guide
Home equity loans have low interest rates and long terms, making them an excellent way...
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...