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Laura

Laura Gariepy

Laura Gariepy is a personal finance and loans expert at BestMoney.com, specializing in credit cards. Her past writing has been featured in U.S. News & World Report, Fortune Recommends, The New York Post, and USA Today, among other publications. Laura also brings valuable experience from her previous career in human resources, holding an MBA and a Bachelor's in Psychology, which informs her writing on managing money and career navigation.

Posts by Laura Gariepy

American Express Platinum Card® Review

The American Express Platinum is a popular travel rewards card. The card may be ideal for you if you book a lot of flights and hotel stays or want to enjoy a suite of travel-related perks. However, if you want to earn rewards for making everyday purchases, like groceries or restaurant meals, you may want to check out other cards, like the American Express® Gold Card.
Read ReviewSep 11, 2025
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Your First-Time Homebuyer Guide: 12 Steps to Owning Your Dream Home

Buying your first house is a major life milestone and financial transaction.
Read MoreSep 9, 2025
A couple that bought their first home using a first-time homebuyer guide.

How to Choose the Best Mortgage Lender: 9 Steps to Save Thousands

Choosing the right mortgage lender is one of the most important financial decisions you'll make as a homebuyer.
Read MoreSep 9, 2025
A man talking to a mortgage lender.

How Does A VA Loan Work? The Essential Details You Need To Know

Serving your country takes sacrifice, so the government rightfully established several benefit programs to recognize your dedication.
Read MoreSep 9, 2025
A veteran completing a VA loan application.

13 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes To Avoid

Buying your first home is one of life's biggest financial decisions—and it's surprisingly easy to make costly mistakes.
Read MoreSep 9, 2025
A woman buying her first home.

How to Get Approved for a Mortgage With Bad Credit: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Having bad credit doesn't mean you can't buy a home.
Read MoreSep 9, 2025
A woman standing in front of a house after she got approved for a mortgage with bad credit.

12 Ways To Get a Lower Mortgage Rate in 2025

Your mortgage rate dramatically impacts your total costs. Even a 1% difference can mean tens of thousands in additional payments.
Read MoreSep 9, 2025
A man and a woman standing in front of their house after learning how to get a lower mortgage rate.

Travel Insurance Through Credit Cards: What You Need to Know

Credit card travel insurance offers financial protection against trip cancellations, delays, lost baggage, rental car damage, and travel accidents when you pay for your trip with an eligible card.
Read MoreAug 19, 2025
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Pet Insurance That Pays Vets Directly: Simplify Your Vet Visits

When your dog suddenly needs emergency surgery or your cat requires expensive diagnostics, the last thing you want to worry about is paying thousands upfront while your pet is in pain. Pet insurance that pays veterinarians directly eliminates this financial stress by settling covered bills at checkout, letting you focus entirely on your pet's recovery.
Read MoreAug 19, 2025
Pet Insurance That Pays Vets Directly: Hassle-Free Coverage for Your Pet's Care

How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? Understanding Pet Care Expenses in 2025

Pet ownership can be a joy, but it also comes with significant costs. Between diagnostic testing, vaccinations, and x-rays, a visit to the vet can quickly become expensive.
Read MoreAug 19, 2025
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American Express® Business Gold Card Review

The American Express® Business Gold Card rewards you generously for spending in select business-related categories and booking trips through American Express® Travel. Plus, being a cardholder gives you access to several travel-related perks that can protect and enhance each journey. However, the card has a high annual fee, so you'll need to ensure you get enough value from being a cardholder to justify the ongoing cost.
Read ReviewAug 1, 2025
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The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Review

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a solid cashback card for business owners who want to earn rewards without worrying about specific spending categories. However, other cards may be a better fit if you'd like a higher reward rate or would prefer to receive your cashback in your bank account.
Read ReviewJul 3, 2025
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The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Review

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express could be a great addition to your wallet if you want a basic rewards card that gives you a solid return on all your company purchases. However, you should likely explore other options if you travel often or want a higher reward rate in select spending categories.
Read ReviewJul 3, 2025
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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Review

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is known as a top-tier business rewards credit card. The card may be a good addition to your wallet if you plan to use it to book frequent business travel. On the other hand, you may want to explore different options if you won't fully use the card's benefits to offset the high annual fee.
Read ReviewJul 3, 2025
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American Express® Gold Card Review

The American Express® Gold is a solid rewards credit card, offering points for both everyday and travel purchases. The card could be a great addition to your wallet if you use it regularly to buy groceries, pay for restaurant meals, or book flights. However, if you want a card with more luxurious travel benefits, you should probably look at other options, like the American Express® Platinum Card.
Read ReviewJul 3, 2025
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Pet Insurance that Covers Pre-Existing Conditions: What You Need to Know

Understanding pre-existing conditions is crucial if you're considering pet insurance for your furry friend. This knowledge can help you choose among the best pet insurance companies and potentially save you from significant financial stress.
Read MoreMay 20, 2025
Everything You Need to Know About Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions
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