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.

What New Grads Need to Know About Filing Taxes for the First Time From getting your documents in order to making sure you get the right credits, there are some key things to know about how to file taxes for the first time. 4 Options to Consider When You Can't Pay Your Tax Bill Photo of Rebecca Lake Rebecca Lake 4 Options to Consider When You Can't Pay Your Tax Bill Tax day is finally here and the clock is ticking to get your return in. You've got... 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...