Jess Ullrich

Boston, Tewksbury

Financial Writer at Freelance

Kind human. Freelance financial writer. Bylines: @investopedia @bankrate @nextadvisor & more. Former editor: @thebalance @investopedia @financebuzz. She/her.

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Articles

Credit Card Charge-Off: What It Means, Why It Happens

1 week ago | financebuzz.com | Christy Rakoczy |Jess Ullrich

If you're struggling with debt, you're not the only one. According to a recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, U.S. household debt hit a record $18.2 trillion in the first quarter of 2025. Credit card debt accounts for around $1.18 trillion of this outstanding debt.
Choosing a Mortgage? Conventional Loans vs. FHA, VA, and USDA Loans

1 month ago | newamericanfunding.com | Jess Ullrich

Homebuyers If you’re a first-time homebuyer shopping for a mortgage, you likely have more loan options than you realize. Conventional loans, which aren’t backed by the government, are one of the most popular choices. But Federal Housing Administration (FHA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans may be a better fit.
Earn crypto rewards by making eligible purchases

1 month ago | finance.yahoo.com | Jess Ullrich

Digital assets have been gaining ground in recent years, with many large financial firms warming up to cryptocurrency. Some companies even allow you the option to buy crypto with a credit card. In the case of The Gemini Credit Card®, you earn crypto rewards via eligible purchases.
Varo Believe Card

1 month ago | finance.yahoo.com | Jess Ullrich

There’s no disputing that a secured credit card may help you build credit when used wisely. That said, secured cards often have minimum security deposits and high APRs. Plus, card issuers often do a hard credit check when determining if you qualify. The Varo Believe Card is different. This no-interest card doesn’t require a security deposit or a credit check, and you won’t pay any fees either. Sound too good to be true? It isn’t, but there are a few crucial things to know before you apply.
Short on Paperwork, Big on Ideas: How Can I Get Business Funding

2 months ago | mediafeed.org | Jess Ullrich

What do most business loans have in common? Besides helping businesses grow, these loans typically come with strict eligibility requirements. Chief among them? A strong financial history. Many lenders hesitate to offer financing if your business is just starting out or has limited capital to show. This creates a significant roadblock for entrepreneurs seeking to expand.
How Many Times Can You Refinance a Student Loan?

2 months ago | lendedu.com | Jess Ullrich |Michael Menninger

Refinancing a student loan involves replacing an old loan with a brand-new one. While you might decide to refinance for a few reasons, it’s common to go this route if you want a lower interest rate or a different repayment term. There are no restrictions on how often you can refinance your student loans. So if rates decline in the future and you’ve already refinanced once before, you can do so again, provided you meet lenders’ qualification requirements.
How to Get Debt Relief

2 months ago | money.com | Jess Ullrich |Kaitlin Mulhere

Americans are struggling to keep up with their credit card bills. The share of cardholders making only the minimum payment recently hit a 12-year high, and delinquency rates have been climbing over the past year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. If you're trapped in the cycle of barely affording your minimum payments each month — or worse, you've already fallen behind — debt relief is one path to getting your finances under control. But it’s not right for everyone.
Debt Consolidation vs. Debt Relief: Which Is Right for You?

2 months ago | money.com | Jess Ullrich |Kaitlin Mulhere

The total credit card debt in the U.S. climbed to over $1.2 trillion at the end of last year, up 4.0% from just a year prior, according to the Federal Reserve. Credit cards have some of the highest interest rates of all financing types, and growing high-interest debt can make it increasingly difficult to pay down your balances. If you’re among the Americans struggling to manage your credit card debt, there are a few ways you can take control and pay off your balances.
Debt Relief vs. Bankruptcy: Which Is Right for You?

2 months ago | money.com | Jess Ullrich |Kaitlin Mulhere

Several recent signs are highlighting the fact that consumers are struggling to keep up with their debt payments. Bankruptcy filings jumped last year, delinquency rates remain elevated and Americans are feeling pessimistic about almost all aspects of their finances. Significant debt and an inability to keep up with your monthly bills can make it feel like you’ll never regain control of your finances.
Should I pay off credit card debt with a financial windfall? What to do with extra money.

Mar 26, 2025 | finance.yahoo.com | Jess Ullrich

Credit cards can add value to your life with their lucrative rewards programs, exclusive travel credits, trip insurance, and more. While they have perks, it’s also dangerously easy to get carried away with credit card spending. Overspending on your credit cards could make it difficult to keep up with payments and the rising interest costs on your balances. You're not alone if you find yourself burdened with high credit card balances.