
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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How to manage student loans after a job loss
The Explainer Postponing your payments is tempting, but could end up making things worse down the road
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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4 instances when student loan refinancing doesn’t make sense
The Explainer Refinancing private student loans can sometimes save borrowers money — but not in these circumstances
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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3 tips to potentially increase your tax refund this year
The Explainer There may be some last-minute steps you can take
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How to make your offer stand out in a competitive housing market
The Explainer Don’t let yourself get beat out by other buyers
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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5 options for filing your taxes for free
the explainer The IRS is still offering its Free File program, which is one of several ways you may be able to file your taxes for free this year
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Last updated
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What to expect when applying for a mortgage
The Explainer The typical timeline
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What’s the difference between ETFs and mutual funds?
The Explainer While these investments have a lot in common, their distinctions may make one a better financial choice
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What happens when you miss a student loan payment?
The Explainer There can be consequences, from late fees and credit damage to collections calls and even wage garnishment
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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3 tips for buyers ahead of a home inspection
The Explainer As a potential home buyer, you need to be as informed as possible
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Secured credit cards: what they are and how they can jumpstart your credit
speed read They are easier to qualify for and more accessible to people with poor or no credit
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What’s TrumpRx and who is it for?
The Explainer The new drug-pricing site is designed to help uninsured Americans
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Secured vs. unsecured loans: how do they differ and which is better?
the explainer They are distinguished by the level of risk and the inclusion of collateral
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What to expect financially before getting a pet
the explainer Be responsible for both your furry friend and your wallet
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What are the best investments for beginners?
The Explainer Stocks and ETFs and bonds, oh my
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What to know before filing your own taxes for the first time
the explainer Tackle this financial milestone with confidence
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What’s a good credit card APR?
The Explainer They have gotten even steeper in recent years
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How to juggle saving and paying off debt
the explainer Putting money aside while also considering what you owe to others can be a tricky balancing act
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Filing statuses: What they are and how to choose one for your taxes
The Explainer Your status will determine how much you pay, plus the tax credits and deductions you can claim
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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The pros and cons of tapping your 401(k) for a down payment
pros and cons Does it make good financial sense to raid your retirement for a home purchase?
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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3 tips to help protect older family members from financial scams
the explainer Prevent your aging relatives from losing their hard-earned money
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Saving for a down payment on a house? Here is how and where to save.
the explainer The first step of the homebuying process can be one of the hardest
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What would a credit card rate cap mean for you?
the explainer President Donald Trump has floated the possibility of a one-year rate cap
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What to look for in a reliable budgeting app
The Explainer Choose an app that will earn its place in your financial toolkit
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Do you have to pay taxes on student loan forgiveness?
The Explainer As of 2026, some loan borrowers may face a sizable tax bill
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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