author

Cole Tretheway

Financial writer

Cole is a freelance writer. He’s written hundreds of useful articles on money for personal finance publications like The Motley Fool Money. He breaks down complicated topics, like how credit cards work and which brokerage apps are the best, so that they’re easy to understand.

Do Consolidation Loans Hurt Your Credit
Do Consolidation Loans Hurt Your Credit?

April 18, 2026

Consolidation could hurt or help your score. Here’s how to tell when it’s the right choice for you.

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Convenient Alternatives to Credit Cards
Convenient Alternatives to Credit Cards

March 28, 2026

Stay secure and in control of your money—see the best credit card alternatives for debt- and stress-free spending.

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7 Smart Ways to Pay off Student Loans
9 Smart Ways to Pay off Student Loans

March 16, 2026

Learn how to pay off student loans in seven smart and effective ways that maximize…

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Credit Card Debt Lawyer
Getting a Lawyer for Credit Card Debt: Fees and When It’s Worth It

March 20, 2026

Debt lawyers specialize in law concerning the collection of debt. If you loan money to someone, you may use a debt lawyer to file a lawsuit to collect it.

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What Is VantageScore
What Is VantageScore?

March 8, 2026

Lenders are looking at VantageScores more than ever before. Here’s what you need to know.

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What collection debt looks like in Americal
What Collection Debt Looks Like in America: A Mid-Year Look

March 18, 2026

Collections debt averages $3,000: What do the numbers reveal about finances today? Find out how you stack up.

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How to get out of credit card debt without ruining your credit
How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt Without Ruining Your Credit

March 17, 2026

Smart debt payoff strategies could free you from credit card stress while you protect your credit score.

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Budget billing graphic
What Is Budget Billing? A Guide to How It Works

March 28, 2026

Skip the bill shock—budget billing keeps your utility payments steady month after month.

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How to Check Your Credit for Free Online
How to Check Your Credit for Free Online

April 4, 2026

You don’t need to sign up for a subscription to check your credit score.

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Your First Credit Card
Your First Credit Card: How to Choose It, How to Use It

April 1, 2026

Your first credit card can level up your financial game. Here’s how to choose it and use it.

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