Catherine Collins

Chicago

Freelance Contributor at Freelance

💻 #FreelanceWriter 💰 #FinancialWriter 📖 #Author 🎙️ #Podcast Co-Host of @FiveYearYou

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Articles

What Happens If There's a Government Shutdown? Who's Affected?

3 weeks ago | lendedu.com | Catherine Collins

Here’s what happens if there’s a government shutdown: Some government agencies and programs remain open while others—those considered nonessential—close. Government shutdowns can cause delays in pay and economic disruption. The longest shutdown in the U.S. lasted 34 days. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about government shutdowns, including what they are, how they happen, and how many the U.S. has had.
How to Reduce Your Total Student Loan Debt: 13 Strategies

1 month ago | lendedu.com | Catherine Collins |Erin Kinkade

It can be overwhelming learning how you can reduce your total loan costs when it comes to your education. The FAFSA only provides colleges with information about your parents’ finances, which tells you what type of aid you will receive. If there’s a gap in what your school offers you and what your parents can afford, most students turn to student loans.
INvestEd Student Loans and Refi: A Solid Option for Indiana Students

1 month ago | lendedu.com | Catherine Collins

Private student and parent loans Low fixed interest rates compared to competitors Several repayment terms and in-school repayment plans Offers student and parent loans Applicants must be Indiana residents or attending school in Indiana Not listed on BBB or Trustpilot; Facebook company page contains several spam reviews High minimum credit score of 670 required Student loan rates (APR) + fixed, + variable Parent loan rates (APR) + fixed, + variable Loan amounts In-state Indiana students:...
Will Social Security Run Out? Our Analysis for 2025 and Beyond

1 month ago | lendedu.com | Catherine Collins

News outlets tend to publish sensational headlines warning that Social Security will be depleted in the near future. But will Social Security run out in our lifetime? No, it won’t, according to the data. It is possible, however, that retirees will not get 100% of their Social Security benefits after the year 2033. Instead, they might get a reduced amount.
What Are Tariffs? 6 Facts You Need to Know in 2025

1 month ago | lendedu.com | Catherine Collins |Erin Kinkade

If you’ve read the news lately, chances are you’ve seen plenty of stories about tariffs. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods. Countries tack on this extra fee for several reasons, including to improve domestic businesses and industries and increase government income. Countries also use tariffs to negotiate trade agreements with other countries. Not all economists agree that tariffs will be beneficial; they have far-reaching effects on citizens and the economy.
How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt in 7 Steps

1 month ago | lendedu.com | Catherine Collins |Erin Kinkade

Right now, we’re all coping with inflation, higher-priced goods, expensive groceries, and economic uncertainty. So it’s no wonder that thousands of people are grappling with credit card debt. If that’s you, you’re not alone, even though it can feel isolating and scary to look at your credit card statements each month. We know that most credit card debt comes from paying for unexpected expenses or living paycheck to paycheck, not from booking fun vacations or shopping sprees.
8 Types of Financial Advisors to Know and Who's Right for You

1 month ago | lendedu.com | Catherine Collins |Erin Kinkade

There are several types of financial advisors, and it’s important to find the right one to help you with your specific money goals. Some financial advisors specialize in long-term retirement planning, while others have expertise in budgeting and helping clients manage money stress. Other options include robo-advisors, which simulate human advisors. Below, we’ll clearly define the eight types of financial advisors, tell you who they’ll benefit most, and describe the certifications they should have.
CPA vs. Financial Advisor: Which One Is Right for You?

1 month ago | lendedu.com | Catherine Collins |Chloe Moore

Although the roles of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a financial advisor seem similar, these professionals offer different financial advice. For example, as a financial writer and business owner, I work closely with my CPA. He advised me on the best business formation, filed my taxes, and even helped me set up a payroll (even though it’s just me on it)! However, when I became a parent, I didn’t go to my accountant.
Do You Need a Financial Advisor? Ask Yourself These 7 Questions

1 month ago | lendedu.com | Catherine Collins |Erin Kinkade

If you’re trying to reach big financial goals, like paying down debt, saving for your kids’ college educations, or planning for retirement, you might consider hiring a financial advisor, a professional who can help you make important decisions about investing, estate planning, taxes, and more. Many people believe you need a high net worth or multiple investments to hire a financial advisor, but that’s not necessarily true. There are many types of financial advisors with varying fee structures.
[Q&A] What Is Student Loan Default? What It Means and What to Do About It

1 month ago | lendedu.com | Catherine Collins |Eric Kirste

Student loan default happens when you fail to repay your loan as agreed, typically after missing several months of payments. Defaulting can trigger serious consequences, including damage to your credit score, wage garnishment, and loss of access to repayment plans or forgiveness programs. Default timelines vary by loan type. Federal student loans usually default after 270 days of missed payments.