About Rebecca Neubauer
Current Role
Personal finance writer
Expertise
Credit cards, student loans, personal loans
Education
Bachelor's degree in earth and environmental sciences from Susquehanna University
Personal Finance Experience
Rebecca realized she needed to learn about personal finance when she graduated from college with $100,000 in student debt. She started a blog in 2016 about her debt-free journey and the money management lessons she learned along the way.
Rebecca initially planned to achieve Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) and retire by the age of 35. However, after a serious medical scare when she was 23, she realized that she did not want to pursue accelerated deferred-life plans like retirement or even early retirement. Instead, she committed to enjoying her life during a slower, more sustainable journey to financial independence.
She paid off $67,000 of debt in less than two years, saved and invested $100,000 by the time she was 26, and reached CoastFI with her husband in 2020. Rebecca left her corporate project management job to start her own business as a personal finance and science freelance writer.
She also practices sustainability and alternative living to save money on housing and travel. Rebecca lived and traveled in a self-converted Sprinter van for a year, and is now building a homestead, constructing a house with her husband, and growing a perennial food forest. Through these projects, she's developed many skills and saved thousands of dollars.
Latest from Rebecca Neubauer
Chime Credit Builder Credit Card Review
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Types of Credit Cards
We’ve researched the differences and benefits of nine credit card types, including rewards cards, business cards, and charge cards.
Cheese Credit Builder Review
Cheese credit builder offers an easy way for users to improve their credit scores without credit checks or additional fees. Find out whether...
What Is a Student Loan Master Promissory Note?
Find out all about master promissory notes and why understanding your student loan agreement is...
How to Get a Student Loan Without Parents
Yes, you can get a student loan if your parents are unwilling or unable to help. We’ve researched how you can pay for...
Student Loan Garnishment
If your student loan defaults, the consequences could reach your paycheck. Here’s what you need to know about wage garnishment.
Student Loans for Private High School
Find out about funding options, including student loans, for private high school. This guide explains how to apply.
Best Debt Consolidation Loans
A debt consolidation loan allows you to consolidate multiple debts into a single loan. Find out about the available loan options.
Solar Loans: Lenders Offering Solar Panel Financing
Several financing options exist for solar panels—including home improvement loans that don't require collateral in...
Why You Shouldn’t Advance Your Due Date on Student Loans
Don’t advance your due date on student loans if you want to pay off your...