Articles by Valerie Ashton

Valerie Ashton is a commercial pilot, California Real Estate Broker and writer. A life-long California resident, Valerie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University and attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law.

What Makes a Bad 401(k) Plan? Photo of Valerie Ashton Valerie Ashton What Makes a Bad 401(k) Plan? An employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan is usually an excellent retirement... 9 Signs That You Have Too Much Debt These are the tell-tale signs that you have too much debt. Learn how you can take control of your finances and start paying down your debt and loan balances. How to Pay for High Emergency Care Expenses Learn about the different options to help pay for emergency care expenses that you didn't anticipate, including payment plans, loans, and more. Debt Repayment: Pay Off Smallest Balance or Highest APR? Photo of Valerie Ashton Valerie Ashton Debt Repayment: Pay Off Smallest Balance or Highest APR? If you are paying hundreds or thousands of dollars each month in credit cards,... When to Use Personal Loan to Fund Continuing College Education Photo of Valerie Ashton Valerie Ashton When to Use Personal Loan to Fund Continuing College Education Taking out a student loan to fund your education is the most widely used financing... What You Have to Consider Before Lending Money to Family and Friends When a family or friend asks to borrow money from you, it can be a tough decision. Learn what you need to consider before giving this personal loan. What's a Good Credit Score For a College Student? Find out what is considered a good credit score for a college student who wants to ensure that they're a low borrowing risk as they enter adult life. Learn what goes into calculating credit scores to understand how students should manage their debt correctly. See which credit cards are best for college students to build credit. Can Your Credit Score Suffer Because You Have Student Loans? Photo of Valerie Ashton Valerie Ashton Can Your Credit Score Suffer Because You Have Student Loans? Your credit score is that tricky number that really only matters when you need... Compare Overdraft Protection Transfer Fees at the Top U.S. Banks Photo of Valerie Ashton Valerie Ashton Compare Overdraft Protection Transfer Fees at the Top U.S. Banks When your personal checking account balance dips below zero dollars, you have... Should Couples Open Joint Savings Accounts? Compare the benefits and drawbacks of sharing a joint savings account to see whether couples can use one to manage their money together.