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Lauren Ward
About the Author
Bio and Experience
-Seasoned writer covering personal finance for 10 years
-Mortgage and real estate expert
-Passionate about simplifying complex financial topics to help people make smart decisions
Education
Lauren earned a bachelor’s degree in Japanese Language from Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
Social
LinkedIn link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-ward-4ba56575/
Instagram link:
https://www.instagram.com/writewithlauren/
The Archive
How to get a no-down-payment mortgage
August 3, 2023 | 8:41amNo-down-payment mortgages help you buy a home without paying any of the purchase price upfront. But you have to meet strict eligibility requirements to qualify.
Debt consolidation alternatives
July 20, 2023 | 9:13amA personal loan isn’t the only option to consolidate your debt. Consider these alternatives.
Debt consolidation vs. bankruptcy
July 12, 2023 | 11:57amWhich is best depends on your credit score, income, assets, and other factors.
Personal loan term length: Which should you choose?
July 12, 2023 | 9:37amConsider overall costs plus future expenses and changes to income.
When to refinance student loans
May 10, 2023 | 9:27amRefinancing your student loans is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Here are a few scenarios where it makes sense to refinance.
Adoption loans: how to cover the cost of growing your family
May 5, 2023 | 10:15amAn adoption loan lets you borrow money over a fixed period of time to cover the high costs of adopting a child.
Auto repair loans: financing options to consider
May 4, 2023 | 5:00pmUsing a personal loan for auto repairs can spread out the cost of those expenses over a set period with a fixed interest rate.
Debt consolidation vs. credit card refinancing: What’s the difference?
May 4, 2023 | 10:15amDebt consolidation and credit card refinancing are the same thing. Both options streamline your monthly payments at a potentially lower interest rate.
How to get a personal loan when you're self-employed
May 3, 2023 | 2:15pmExpect to provide additional documents to verify your income when applying for a personal loan as a self-employed borrower.
How to consolidate private and federal student loans together
May 3, 2023 | 1:45pmConsolidating your federal student loans can broaden some of your benefits, while adding private loans to the mix can end up costing you.
What is credit card debt consolidation?
May 3, 2023 | 1:15pmConsolidating your credit card debt could help you pay off your balance faster and at a lower interest rate.
How to qualify for a jumbo loan
May 3, 2023 | 12:15pmExpect stricter qualification requirements when applying for a jumbo loan.
Cash-out refinance on an investment property: what to know
May 3, 2023 | 11:30amYou can use the funds from a cash-out refinance on your investment property to make home improvements, consolidate debt, and more.
How to get out of student loan debt: 7 options
April 29, 2023 | 4:28pmExplore how to pay off your student loan debt faster so you can free up your cash flow and think about other financial goals.
What are property taxes?
April 29, 2023 | 1:23pmProperty taxes help fund public projects like schools and roads, but can add a hefty sum to your mortgage payment each month.
Best student loans for community college of December 2023
April 29, 2023 | 11:14amStudent loans can help cover gaps in financial aid when attending community college.