About Zina Kumok
Current Role
Personal finance writer
Achievements
Three-time finalist for Best Personal Finance Contributor at the Plutus Awards
Expertise
Student loans, credit scores, personal loans, banking, education planning
Education
Bachelor's degree in journalism from Indiana University
Personal Finance Experience
Zina has been a personal finance writer for almost a decade. In that time, she has written for prestigious publications and household brands.
She has also worked as a financial coach helping real consumers tackle their loans. She paid off her student loans in three years and documented the progress on her blog.
Latest from Zina Kumok
Best Medical School Loans
When taking out medical school loans, you should start with federal loans and then fill the gap with private loans. Here are your...
Parent PLUS Loan Repayment
You can choose from several repayment plans for Parent PLUS loans. We’ve researched to help you compare all the options before choosing one.
Non-Degree Seeking Student Loans
Non-degree programs can help you broaden your horizons and increase your income. You can access federal and private loans, although you may have...
Best Student Loans for Nurses
The Department of Education and private lenders offer student loans for nurses. Here are the best options.
Adult Student Loans
Going to college can be expensive, but adult students have several financing options. Grants, scholarships, loans, and employer benefits can all help you...
FHA Streamline Refinance
An FHA streamline refinance is a way to get a lower monthly payment or lower interest rate on an FHA home loan. Learn...
How to Buy a House With Bad Credit: Compare Your Home Loan Options
Having bad credit doesn’t disqualify you from getting a mortgage. First-time home buyer programs like...
What Credit Score Do I Need for a Student Loan?
The credit score you need for a student loan will vary by lender. We'll show...
Which Student Loans to Pay Off First
Knowing which student loan to pay off first is crucial. The right one can save you thousands in interest over the long term.
Student Loans and Divorce: What Happens to the Debt?
Divorcing while you have student loans can be difficult to manage, and the outcomes vary...