
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 pros and cons of buying a new-build house
the explainer Repairs and maintenance will be minimal on a brand new build — but moving into an existing home can be easier upfront
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What's the best time of year to buy a house?
The Explainer There are pros and cons to each season
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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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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How much does it cost to move? Here's how to budget and save.
the explainer Factors like move distance and the weight of your furnishings can affect the total cost — but there are several ways to economize
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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When does a personal loan make sense?
the explainer Personal loans tend to be more flexible and versatile than home, auto or student loans
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Should you downsize for retirement? Here's what to consider.
The Explainer Moving to a smaller place may seem easier, but there are also some real benefits to staying put
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What to do if you want to move but don't want to give up your low mortgage rate
the explainer 30-year mortgage rates are currently averaging 7% — and homeowners who secured rates closer to 3% during the pandemic are reluctant to sell their homes
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Is hands-off investing the way to go?
The Explainer In many cases, your money might be better off left alone
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What to know before turning to AI for financial advice
the explainer It can help you crunch the numbers — but it might also pocket your data
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Should you add your child to your credit card?
The Explainer You can make them an authorized user on your account in order to help them build credit
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How will the new Repayment Assistance Plan for student loans work?
the explainer The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) will replace existing income-driven repayment plans
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What taxes do you pay on a home sale?
The Explainer Some people — though not many — will need to pay capital gains taxes upon selling their home
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What is an upside-down car loan and how do you get out of it?
the explainer This happens when the outstanding balance on a car loan exceeds the vehicle's worth
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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Is grad school worth it?
the explainer Determine whether the potential for better employment and higher earnings outweighs the upfront cost of school
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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4 ways to cover unexpected home repairs
The Explainer Home is where the heart is — but it might cost you
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How does a 401(k) hardship withdrawal work and is it smart to take one?
the explainer More Americans than ever are resorting to this option in a pinch
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How can you borrow less for grad school?
the explainer Borrowers will soon face stricter limits on federal student loans. But there are other ways help cover the cost of grad school.
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How is the Trump bill changing 529 plans?
The Explainer The new bill provides a boost for people pursuing trades and vocational careers or seeking professional licenses and certifications
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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Clean energy tax credits are going away. Here's how to get them before it's too late.
The Explainer Trump's recently passed megabill promises the early demise of clean energy tax credits
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What to expect for student loan repayment under Trump's budget bill
The Explainer Millions of borrowers may soon be forced to alter their plans
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How will the new tax deductions on auto loans work?
the explainer Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced a tax deduction on auto loan interest — but eligibility for the tax break is limited
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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What are the Trump Accounts for kids and how do they work?
The Explainer Parents will soon be able to open tax-advantaged investment accounts on their child's behalf
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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How can you get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?
the explainer These steps can help boost the Social Security amount you receive
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
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