
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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 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 The explainer
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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 the explainer
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 What to know before lending money to family or friendsthe explainer Ensure both your relationship and your finances remain intact By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published the explainer
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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 The Explainer
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 The pros and cons of online-only banksthe explainer You can get your finances in order without getting off your couch By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published the explainer
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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 the explainer
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 3 tips to prepare in case of a recessionthe explainer President Donald Trump admits a recession is possible amid his newly imposed tariffs By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published the explainer
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 Income-driven repayment for student loans: how it works and alternativesThe explainer IDR can make a big difference in the affordability of federal student loan payments By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published The explainer
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 What to know about the latest Social Security cost-of-living adjustmentThe Explainer The COLA for 2025 marked the smallest increase in years, and benefit recipients are not happy By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published The Explainer
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 The pros and cons of investing in cryptoThe Explainer A passing fad or an enduring investment opportunity? By Becca Stanek, The Week US Last updated The Explainer
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 How to pay off student loansThe explainer Don't just settle for the default repayment plan By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published The explainer
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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 the explainer
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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 The Explainer
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 You are now entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed or canceledThe explainer So long to the days of vouchers By Becca Stanek, The Week US Last updated The explainer
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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 the explainer
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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 The Explainer
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 How to get student loan forgivenessthe explainer Four options for paying back (less of!) your federal student loans By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published the explainer
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 ABLE accounts: how they work and who can benefit from themthe explainer These state-administered accounts are available to people with disabilities By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published the explainer
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 5 reasons to file your taxes sooner than laterthe explainer Many experts recommend filing well ahead of the annual April deadline By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published the explainer
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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 The Explainer
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 5 options for filing your taxes for freethe explainer This year, the IRS has expanded its Direct File program into 25 states By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published the explainer
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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 the explainer
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 Financial steps to take if you are laid offThe explainer Four moves to minimize your losses By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published The explainer
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 How to figure out when your tax refund will arriveThe explainer How long do you have to wait between submitting your return and receiving the money? By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published The explainer
