Personal Finance
Advertiser Disclosure
Holly D. Johnson is a nationally recognized expert and award-winning insurance writer who covers life insurance, health insurance, and various other insurance-related topics for corporations and well-known magazines with millions of readers. Johnson also covers personal finance, credit, credit cards, and loyalty programs for a variety of publications including CNN Underscored, Bankrate, CreditCards.com and Forbes Advisor.
The author is also the founder of Club Thrifty and the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love." She and her husband Greg live in Central Indiana with their two daughters where they enjoy a debt-free lifestyle and travel up to 20 weeks of the year.
Articles by Holly Johnson
VantageScore vs. FICO
VantageScore and FICO are the two major credit scoring models in use today, yet these companies do things slightly differently.
Best Small Business Credit Cards for November 2024
The best small-business credit cards offer rewards and other important perks. Find out how they stack up and compare.
The 15/3 Credit Card Hack That Could Help Your Score—But Not How You Think It Will
The 15/3 credit card hack is a mostly made-up trick that has the potential to help your credit score. But it doesn’t work the way influencers say it will. Here’s what you need to know.
Delta Skymiles Platinum American Express Card Review 2024
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers an acceptable rewards rate but comes up short on perks for its $250 annual fee. Learn more.
12 Venmo Scams to Watch Out For
Venmo scams all have one thing in common—a third party who tries to trick you into sending money or revealing sensitive data.
Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in November 2024: 9 Top Options
The best credit cards for building credit come with easy approval requirements and other perks. These are the cards we recommend and why.
How Much Are American Airlines Miles Worth?
American Airlines miles are worth approximately 1.5¢ each on average, although you may get better or worse value depending on how you redeem them.
American Express Business Gold Card Review 2024
The American Express® Business Gold Card offers bonus rewards in two top spending categories per billing cycle and a very specific set of benefits. Find out where this card shines and reasons to consider alternatives.
Best Credit Card Sign-up Bonuses for November 2024
The best credit card sign-up bonuses can be worth $1,000 or more. Find out which cards offer them and how to qualify.
Are Credit Cards with Annual Fees Worth It?
Paying a credit card's annual fee can be worth it if you love earning rewards and accessing exclusive benefits.
Should You Use Your Credit Card Before It Arrives in the Mail?
Some credit cards can be used before they arrive in the mail. Find out which cards offer this option and how the process works.
How to Open a Bank Account as a Non U.S. Citizen: Requirements and Documentation
Non-citizens absolutely have the right to open an account with a U.S. financial institution. Here’s the documentation you need to have—and the procedure to follow—to get one.
What Is the Ideal Percentage of Income for Mortgage Payments?
The percentage of your income that should go to a mortgage depends on your other debts and your comfort level. Find out the common rules of thumb and when they apply.
American Express® Gold Card vs. The Platinum Card® from American Express: Why the Platinum Is The Better Offer
Our detailed comparison of Amex Gold versus Platinum will help you figure out which of these rewards cards suits your spending style the most.
Store Credit Cards vs. General Credit Cards: What's the Difference?
Closed-loop store credit cards can only be used within a specific store or brand of stores, whereas general credit cards can be used almost anywhere. Learn about their major differences and why you might choose one card type over the other.
What Is the Average Down Payment on a House in 2024?
The average house down payment varies across the country. Find out how much you need to save based on where you live and the type of home loan you want.
Credit-Card Processing Fees: A Guide for Shoppers (and Merchants)
Credit-card processing fees cost businesses 1.5% to 3.5% of each transaction that takes place. These fees are shared among credit card networks, payment processors, banks, and other related service providers. Here’s how they can affect what you pay.
Business vs. Personal Credit Cards: What's the Difference?
Business credit cards and personal credit cards have their share of similarities and differences. Find out what those are and how to pick the right card for you.
Amex Points vs. Chase Points: Which Rewards Currency Rules Them All?
Flexible rewards points offered through American Express and Chase have many of the same redemption options—but different strengths.
What Is a Credit Card Product Change and How Does It Work?
A credit card product change lets you trade one credit card for another without having to apply for a new one. Here’s how it works and when you should consider making one.
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