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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Is it worth renovating before listing your home?
The explainer Getting your house in top-notch shape will help attract potential buyers, but not all renovations are worth the money
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Is it worth trying to get the highest credit score?
The Explainer Here's what to know if you are seeking a perfect 850
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What are the rules of a no-buy vs. low-buy year?
The Explainer These two revised approaches to purchasing could help you save big
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Hoping to sell your house in 2025? Here's what to expect.
The Explainer Will the housing market favor buyers or sellers this year?
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How to decide on the right student loan repayment plan
The explainer President-elect Donald Trump seems unlikely to approve more student loan forgiveness, so you may want to consider other options
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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When does a Roth 401(k) make more sense?
The Explainer There are several key differences between a Roth 401(k) and a 401(k) that may make one option more beneficial than the other
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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4 tips to save if you're returning to the office
The Explainer There are ways to protect your budget as you change your daily work routine
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How to map out your financial plan for this year
The Explainer Stay on track to meet your short- and long-term goals
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Will you owe taxes on your year-end bonus?
The Explainer Since your bonus counts as supplemental wages, it can be subject to different federal withholding rules
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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PAYE vs. ICR: how these income-driven plans work for student loans
The Explainer As of December 2024, borrowers can once again enroll in Paye as You Earn (PAYE) and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What are annuities and how do they work?
The explainer They are commonly associated with retirement planning due to their ability to provide reliable payments over time
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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4 tips to make your New Year's financial resolutions a success
The explainer Self-discipline alone may not do the trick
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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The pros and cons of investing in crypto
The Explainer Should you hop on board the cryptocurrency train?
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Last updated
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How income tax brackets work and what's changing for 2025
The Explainer See which bracket you are in — and how you might lower it
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Last updated
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When will America's rental prices come down?
The Explainer Things may finally be cooling off
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Last updated
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The pros and cons of student loan forgiveness
The Explainer Examining some of the key arguments on either side of this contentious debate
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Last updated
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How much should you spend on holiday gifts?
The Explainer Let your personal budget be your guide
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What exactly are tariffs and how do they work?
The explainer Refresh your understanding ahead of Donald Trump's promise to levy heavy tariffs once he's back in office
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How to choose a high-yield savings account
The Explainer What to consider, from interest rates to fees to accessibility
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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4 tips to finally start your small business in the new year
The Explainer Make your dream a reality
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Looking to earn extra money around the holidays? 6 ideas for seasonal side hustles.
The Explainer Pad your paycheck
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Online shopping scams to look out for and how to avoid them
The Explainer Black Friday is a busy time of year for scammers
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Is a travel credit card worth it? How to decide and pick the right one.
The Explainer Upsides include travel-related benefits and welcome bonuses
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How IRAs work and what advantages they offer
The Explainer An IRA is a retirement savings account with tax benefits
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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