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Brian Acton Bio

Brian Acton

Brian Acton is a seasoned personal finance journalist at BestMoney.com who specializes in loans and debt consolidation. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, TIME, USA Today, MarketWatch, Inc. Magazine, HuffPost, and other notable outlets.

Posts by Brian Acton

Pros and Cons of Personal Loans: What to Know Before You Borrow

Personal loans offer a straightforward way to borrow money for all kinds of reasons.
Read MoreNov 26, 2025
A man and a woman discussing the pros and cons of personal loans.

Personal Loans: What You Need to Know Before Borrowing

Personal loans offer quick access to funds with fixed interest rates, predictable monthly payments, and flexible use for debt consolidation, home improvements, or major expenses.
Read MoreNov 23, 2025
A woman looking for a personal loan chatting to a financial expert.

How Usage-Based Car Insurance Can Affect Your Policy Rates

Many car insurance companies now offer usage-based insurance, a program that tracks your driving behavior to determine how much you pay for coverage. It looks at the mileage you put on your car, your driving habits, and other factors to determine your risk level and calculate your rates.
Read MoreNov 20, 2025
How Usage-Based Car Insurance Can Affect Your Policy Rates

Do You Have Too Much Debt?

Debt can be a very useful strategy for reaching your financial goals. It can help you buy a home, start a business, or get an education. And you can use it to afford everyday purchases.
Read MoreNov 16, 2025
A woman worried that she has too much debt.

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Personal Loans?

Personal loans typically don't create tax complications since they're borrowed money that must be repaid.
Read MoreOct 26, 2025
A financial professional talking about whether you have to pay taxes on personal loans.

How Much of a Personal Loan Can I Get?

Personal loans typically range from $1,000 to $100,000, but the amount you can actually get depends on your financial situation.
Read MoreOct 26, 2025
A woman learning about how much of a personal loan she can get.

Debt Consolidation vs. Balance Transfer Card: Which Option Is Better?

Debt consolidation combines all your existing debts into one manageable balance with a single monthly payment. Plus, it could potentially save you money if you qualify for a lower interest rate.
Read MoreOct 26, 2025
A woman learning about debt consolidation vs. balance transfer cards.

Secured or Unsecured Personal Loans: Which is Right for You?

Comparing secured vs. unsecured personal loans can help you find the best fit for your financial goals. Secured loans offer lower interest rates and easier approval but require collateral, while unsecured loans fund faster and protect your assets. Learn which type of personal loan is right for your credit, budget, and borrowing needs.
Read MoreOct 20, 2025
A woman talking to a financial expert about whether she should get a secured or unsecured personal loan.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Loan?

Getting a personal loan can happen quickly.
Read MoreOct 20, 2025
A woman sitting at her desk trying to figure out how long it takes to get a personal loan.

What Is an Installment Loan and How Does It Work?

Installment loans are one of the most common types of borrowing, and for good reason.
Read MoreOct 20, 2025
A man learning about installment loans and how it works.
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