
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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The basics of credit scores: how they are determined and why they matter
The Explainer A higher credit score is better than a lower one
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How to invest for short-term vs. long-term goals
The Explainer You may want to implement a planned home improvement project in the near future while also saving for your eventual retirement
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Standard vs. itemized deductions: Which should you take?
the explainer The deduction you choose can impact how much you save on your taxes
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Are bonds worth investing in?
the explainer They can diversify your portfolio and tend to be a safer investment than stocks
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What are your retirement savings account options?
The explainer The two main types of accounts are 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What is your net worth and why is it worth knowing?
the explainer Take stock of your assets
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What to know before lending money to family or friends
the explainer Ensure both your relationship and your finances remain intact
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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The best time of year to buy a car
Some months — and days — are better than others
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Considering quitting your job? Here's what to do first.
The Explainer Your job likely comes with a number of financial strings attached
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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The pros and cons of online-only banks
the explainer You can get your finances in order without getting off your couch
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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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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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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