
Becca Stanek, The Week US
Becca Stanek has worked as an editor and writer in the personal finance space since 2017. She previously served as a deputy editor and later a managing editor overseeing investing and savings content at LendingTree and as an editor at the financial startup SmartAsset, where she focused on retirement- and financial-adviser-related content. Before that, she was a staff writer at The Week, primarily contributing to Speed Reads.
She currently works as a freelance writer and editor while she earns her MFA in creative writing from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Becca earned her bachelor's degree in English Writing at DePauw University. During her freelance tenure, her work has appeared in publications including Forbes, SoFi, Credible, Atticus, Policygenius, MoneyMade, and Finance of America Mortgage, among others. She has covered a wide range of financial topics, including investing, saving and budgeting, banking, retirement, mortgages, student loans, personal loans, insurance, financial advisers, the Federal Reserve, and credit cards.
Becca lives in Valatie, New York, with her husband and their dog, Matilda, where you can most often find her at the yoga studio, the library or outdoors.
Latest articles by Becca Stanek, The Week US
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Do you owe taxes on sports betting wins?
the explainer If you gain wealth of any kind, you must pay taxes on it
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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3 tips to prepare in case of a recession
the explainer President Donald Trump admits a recession is possible amid his newly imposed tariffs
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Income-driven repayment for student loans: how it works and alternatives
The explainer IDR can make a big difference in the affordability of federal student loan payments
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What to know about the latest Social Security cost-of-living adjustment
The Explainer The COLA for 2025 marked the smallest increase in years, and benefit recipients are not happy
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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The pros and cons of investing in crypto
The Explainer A passing fad or an enduring investment opportunity?
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Last updated
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How to pay off student loans
The explainer Don't just settle for the default repayment plan
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Do student loans affect a credit score?
the explainer Repaying loans on time will strengthen your credit — but paying late will hurt it
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Do I qualify for student loan forgiveness?
The Explainer There are a number of different pathways to qualification, though each requires strict criteria to be met
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What's next for US interest rates?
The Explainer Rates go unchanged amid economic uncertainty
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Last updated
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You are now entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed or canceled
The explainer So long to the days of vouchers
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Last updated
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Should I consolidate my student loans?
the explainer Consolidate your loans and you will have just one monthly payment to keep track of — but your interest rate may increase
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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When is the best time of year to buy a car?
The Explainer Some months — and days — are better than others
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Last updated
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What's a student loan and how does it work?
The Explainer These loans can cover the cost of tuition, housing and textbooks — but they must eventually be repaid, plus interest
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How to get student loan forgiveness
the explainer Four options for paying back (less of!) your federal student loans
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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ABLE accounts: how they work and who can benefit from them
the explainer These state-administered accounts are available to people with disabilities
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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5 reasons to file your taxes sooner than later
the explainer Many experts recommend filing well ahead of the annual April deadline
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What are your options if you end up owing taxes?
The Explainer If you can't pay your bill in full, do not despair
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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5 options for filing your taxes for free
the explainer This year, the IRS has expanded its Direct File program into 25 states
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What is the CFPB and how does it protect consumers?
the explainer The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has had its work stymied by the Trump administration
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Financial steps to take if you are laid off
The explainer Four moves to minimize your losses
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How to figure out when your tax refund will arrive
The explainer How long do you have to wait between submitting your return and receiving the money?
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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5 tax deductions to know if you are self-employed
The explainer You may be able to claim home office, health insurance and other tax deductions
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How should you navigate debt when dating?
The Explainer Three steps you can take to ensure your credit card or student loan debt won't become a dating dealbreaker
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Planning a trip? These are 3 budget-breaking mistakes to avoid.
The Explainer Don't accidentally inflate your travel costs
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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