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
Chase Freedom® Rise Review 2024
The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card can help you build credit, but you may need a Chase checking account to qualify.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Review 2024
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers outsized rewards at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations, and on select U.S. streaming services.
What Is the FICO Score 8?
FICO Score 8 is one of the most widely used FICO scores, along with FICO Score 9. Find out how this type of score works and why it matters.
Does Refinancing Hurt Your Credit Score
Refinancing a loan can hurt your credit in the short term, but the temporary damage can be worth the trouble.
7 Popular Credit Card Hacks That Don't Work
Many popular credit card hacks don't actually work, and some will even cost you money in the long run.
VantageScore vs. FICO
VantageScore and FICO are the two major credit scoring models in use today, yet these companies do things slightly differently.
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 December 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.
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.
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.
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