Education Finance Writer
Daniel writes about paying for education — student loans, repayment strategy and the paperwork in between. He has spent a decade translating lending fine print into plain English.
A clear guide to student loan refinancing: what it is, when a lower rate is worth it, when refinancing federal loans is a costly mistake, and how to shop for a lender.
8 min read
A plain-English guide to high-yield savings accounts: how they pay more, how deposit insurance keeps your money safe, what to watch for, and where they fit in your plan.
7 min read
A plain-English guide to student loan interest capitalization: when unpaid interest is added to your principal, why it makes loans cost more, and how to limit it.
10 min read
Google's Career Certificates promise a path into tech jobs in data analytics, IT support, UX, project management and cybersecurity without a degree. This honest guide…
7 min read
Federal Work-Study is a federal financial aid program that helps students with financial need earn money through part-time jobs while enrolled. This plain-English guide…
10 min read
A plain-English guide to 529 plans: the two types, the tax breaks, financial-aid impact, contribution limits, and leftover money.
9 min read
Learn how student loan deferment and forbearance differ, especially how interest is treated, when each makes sense, and why income-driven repayment is often better.
6 min read
Learn what a Roth IRA is, how its after-tax contributions and tax-free withdrawals work, the income and contribution limits, and how it differs from a 401(k).
8 min read
An honest look at Codecademy: who its interactive in-browser coding lessons help, where they fall short, and whether the paid tier is worth it for you.
7 min read
Learn how the main student loan forgiveness paths work, who they help, the common traps to avoid, and why you should always confirm details on the official site.
7 min read
Learn how employer tuition assistance works, the common rules attached, the tax angle, and how to pitch your boss to fund a course when no program exists.
7 min read
A plain-English guide to the FAFSA, the free federal form that unlocks grants, work-study, and student loans, plus why filing early and free matters.
7 min read
A plain-English guide to credit reports: what they contain, the three major US bureaus, who can see yours, how long items stay, and how to dispute errors.
8 min read
An honest look at Duolingo: how its free gamified lessons build a daily habit, where the app falls short, and which kind of learner it really suits.
6 min read
An honest look at Khan Academy: where the free nonprofit platform shines, where it falls short, and who gets the most value from using it.
6 min read
Learn how federal student loans go from missed payments to default, what the consequences are, and the main paths to get back on track.
6 min read
A plain-English look at how LinkedIn Learning works, what its certificates mean, where to find it for free, and who gains the most from a subscription.
6 min read
A practical checklist for vetting a coding bootcamp before you enroll, covering outcomes, curriculum, career support, financing, red flags, and ways to test interest.
6 min read
Learn what an emergency fund is, what counts as a real emergency, how big yours should be, where to keep it, and how to build it back after you use it.
6 min read
A plain-English guide to what a credit score is, what it is used for, the factors that shape it, and simple steps you can take to build it.
7 min read
An honest look at Coursera Plus, the all-access subscription. What it covers, who saves money with it, who should skip it, plus clear pros and cons.
6 min read
Learn what a student loan grace period is, how federal and private loans differ, when interest builds, and smart moves to make before your first payment.
6 min read
A plain-English guide to the University of Washington digital marketing certificate, what these university programs cover, who they fit, and cheaper alternatives.
6 min read
Learn what a payday loan is, how the fees and repayment work, why the real cost runs so high, and which safer alternatives can help you avoid a debt cycle.
7 min read