Articles by Rebecca Lake

Rebecca is a writer for MyBankTracker.com. She is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF) and an expert in consumer banking products, saving and money psychology. She has contributed to numerous online outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, and more. Education: B.A. in Political Science and Government from University of South Carolina; MS. in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Charles Southern University.

How to Get the Saver's Credit (Tax Credit) When You Save for Retirement Photo of Rebecca Lake Rebecca Lake How to Get the Saver's Credit (Tax Credit) When You Save for Retirement For many people, taxes are not too complex. Unless you buy a house or you... What to Know About the Discover Free FICO Score Program Find out whether you should use the free FICO score program from Discover. Learn how it works, who can use it, and what it costs. Pay Off Your Student Loans or Open an IRA: What Should You Do? Find out whether it makes more financial sense to pay off your student loan debt or to open an IRA to start saving for retirement. Compare the benefits and drawbacks of each step to see how it can impact you and your money. Learn how to approach a balanced plan to pay of college debt and save for the long term. 6 Extreme Ways to Get Out of Debt for Good Photo of Rebecca Lake Rebecca Lake 6 Extreme Ways to Get Out of Debt for Good When you've got a big black cloud of bills hanging over you, it takes a toll on... How to Invest $100 a Month Wisely Photo of Rebecca Lake Rebecca Lake How to Invest $100 a Month Wisely Investing is one of those things that a lot of people say they want to do but they... The True Cost of Lying On Your Mortgage Application (Even the 'White Lies') Telling a few white lies on your mortgage application may seem harmless enough but it comes with some expensive consequences if you're found out. Mortgage Closing Costs and Fees Explained Home buyers are by and large in the dark when it comes to closing costs but understanding how they work makes it easier to save on mortgage fees. How to Pay For Study Abroad and Avoid Debt Photo of Rebecca Lake Rebecca Lake How to Pay For Study Abroad and Avoid Debt Studying abroad can be a life changer but it's not one that comes... 3 Lies the Media Uses to Try to Scare You Into Saving More Photo of Rebecca Lake Rebecca Lake 3 Lies the Media Uses to Try to Scare You Into Saving More Sometimes, news headlines paint a pretty depressing picture these days when it... Should You Contribute to Your 401(k) or Pay Down Your Mortgage? Paying off your mortgage ahead of schedule makes sense when you're trying to free up extra cash but investing offers a bigger bang for your buck.