Rebecca Lake, CEPF® Profile Photo

Rebecca Lake, CEPF®

Rebecca Lake is a certified educator in personal finance (CEPF®) and freelance writer specializing in finance.

About Rebecca Lake, CEPF®

Current Role

Personal Finance Writer

Expertise

  • Student Loans
  • Mortgages
  • Home-buying
  • Home Equity
  • Credit
  • Debt
  • Personal Loans
  • Education Planning
  • Taxes
  • Investing
  • Small Business

Certifications & Degrees

  • Certified Educator in Personal Finance
  • Bachelor's degree in political science from the University of South Carolina

Personal Finance Experience

Rebecca began writing about personal finance in 2013 after finding herself nearly $100,000 in debt with credit cards, student loans, and a car loan. As she learned about finance and paid down the debt, she became interested in teaching others how to manage money, save, and build wealth.

She's written for a number of top publications in the personal finance space, covering a wide range of topics. In 2019, she founded Boss Single Mama, a personal finance blog for moms who are interested in earning and saving more while spending less. In 2022, she became a CEPF® and continues to share her passion for finance with others.

Latest from Rebecca Lake, CEPF®

HELOC rates current

Current HELOC Rates in April 2026

A HELOC offers flexibility when you need cash, and rate-shopping can help you find the best deal. As of April 2026, average current...

Best HELOC investment property

Best HELOCs for Investment Properties: April 2026 Rates

An investment property can pay for itself and then some if you’re collecting enough rent...

second home vs investment property

Second Home vs. Investment Property: What’s the Difference?

You own a home, and now you want to buy another one, which means applying...

HELOCs with no appraisal

The Best No-Appraisal HELOCs and Home Equity Loans in 2026

When you need cash for home improvements, debt consolidation, or a financial emergency, a home...

Signing mortgage application, another person holds key

Mortgage Rate Lock: What Is It, and Should You Lock Your Rate Today?

A mortgage rate lock is basically your lender saying, “This is your interest rate, and...

Splitero alternatives

Splitero Alternatives: How Its Home Equity Investment Compares to Hometap, Unlock, and Point

Home equity investments (HEIs) offer access to cash as an alternative to a home equity...

Calculator

Simple Interest Calculator

When you borrow money, the lender usually expects you to pay interest. Most loans, including mortgages, student loans, and personal loans, use a...

Compound Interest Calculator

Compound Interest Calculator: See How Fast Your Savings Can Grow

You have financial goals you want to reach, and a savings account or CD account...

CD calculator

CD Calculator: Estimate Your Certificate of Deposit Interest and Total Value

A certificate of deposit (CD) account can help you lock in a great rate on...

Plan and Execute a College Budget

Best Checking Accounts for College Students in 2026: Compare Top Banks

College is all about learning new things, but personal finance is one subject that may...