About Melody Stampley, CEPF®
Current Role
Personal finance writer & consultant
Expertise
- Writing
- Editing
- Budgeting
- Credit
- Loans
- Mortgages
- Auto Insurance
- Giving
- Saving
Certifications & Degrees
- Certified Educator in Personal Finance
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Florida
- Master’s degree in mass communication from the Florida International University
Personal Finance Experience
Melody Stampley is a writer and editor who has enjoyed reading personal finance articles since she was a preteen.
Melody recognized her passion for personal finance in 2020, the same year she paid off nearly $25,000 of debt, became a certified Ramsey Solutions Master Financial Coach, a certified Connect Financial Ministries Financial Coach, and started her own personal finance consulting business.
Since then, Melody has hosted financial literacy workshops for children and high-school students, led financial discipleship Bible studies for adults, and offered one-on-one financial coaching consultations and sessions.
Becoming a full-time stay-at-home mom, has further motivated Melody to equip others to teach following generations sound financial principles while they’re young.
Melody earned the designation Certified Educator in Personal Finance® (CEPF®) from the Institute for Financial Literacy in 2024.
Latest from Melody Stampley, CEPF®
How to Calculate Discretionary Income for Student Loans
Understanding how to calculate your discretionary income for student loans is important if you’re exploring...
SELF Refi Student Loans Review
Editor’s note: Before you read our SELF Refi review below, please note that, due to a temporary suspension, SELF Refi is not accepting...
Student Loans for Books and Supplies
Most students use loans to cover their tuition and fees, but you can also use these funds to pay for supplies, books, and...
Can You Get Student Loans Without a High School Diploma or GED?
A high school diploma or GED is often required for federal student loans, though private...
Student Loans for Cosmetology School
While federal student loans for cosmetology school are the best, you can also use private student loans to pay for beauty school. We’ve...
Sallie Mae vs. Ascent: Student Loan Comparison
In this comparison, we review loan terms, repayment options, and more to find out if...
College Ave vs. SoFi: Who Offers Better Student Loans?
College Ave and SoFi both offer private student loans and student loan refinancing. In this...
The Best Parent Student Loans in 2024: How to Choose Among Parent PLUS and Private Options
Federal Parent PLUS Loans are often the best starting point for parents, offering fixed rates,...
Student Loans for Summer Classes
Paying for summer classes can be a bit different than paying for fall or spring semesters. Here’s how to get student loans for...
How to Get Help With Back Taxes
Back taxes come with a variety of consequences, including fees, liens, wage garnishment, and more. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid these...