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.

Convenient Alternatives to Credit Cards
Convenient Alternatives to Credit Cards

January 15, 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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3 Ways to Pay Off Holiday Credit Card Debt Fast
3 Ways to Pay Off Holiday Credit Card Debt Fast

January 19, 2026

It’s easy to find yourself swamped by debt, especially after the holidays. If you’re wondering…

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

January 19, 2026

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

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What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act - FDCPA
What Is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act - FDCPA?

January 31, 2026

You’ve got leverage—you can sue debt collectors who don’t follow the rules. Read up on the details.

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How to Stop Credit Card Collection Calls
How to Stop Credit Card Collection Calls

January 12, 2026

Learn your rights and how to stop collection calls from credit card companies and debt collectors.

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

January 15, 2026

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

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Denied credit card
Denied a Credit Card? Here’s What to Do Next

January 9, 2026

Card denial isn’t the end of the story—use it as a step toward stronger credit and future approvals.

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

January 24, 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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7 Smart Ways to Pay off Student Loans
9 Smart Ways to Pay off Student Loans

January 21, 2026

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

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Survey: 54% of Americans Can’t Handle a $500 Expense
How to Handle an Unexpected $500 Bill

January 9, 2026

We surveyed more than 2,000 Americans on their financial situation and learned that 54% of…

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