We earn commissions from brands listed on this site, which influences how listings are presented.
Laura

Laura Gariepy

Laura has been a freelance writer since 2018. Her work primarily focuses on managing your money, navigating your career, and running a successful business. Her words have been featured in U.S. News & World Report, Fortune Recommends, The New York Post, USA Today, and many other publications.

Posts by Laura Gariepy

Your 0% Intro APR Is Ending? Here's Your Action Plan to Save on Interest

0% intro APR ending soon? Here’s what happens when the promo ends and how to avoid costly interest: confirm your end date, set a payoff target, and choose the best next step, from faster payments to a balance transfer or rate reduction.
Read MoreJul 29, 2026
Here's Your Action Plan to Save on Interest

Mortgages for Investment Properties: What You Should Know Before Buying a Rental

Investment property loans cost more and require stronger credit, bigger down payments, and solid reserves, but they can build long‑term wealth if you buy conservatively and stress‑test cash flow.
Read MoreJul 26, 2026
A couple talking to a mortgage lender about investment properties.

How Do Credit Cards Work? A Beginner’s Guide to Smart Spending

Maybe you've always used hard cash or your debit card to shop, or perhaps you have a credit card in your wallet, but you're not sure how to best use it. You probably have some questions. Well, we’ve covered answers to all the credit card basics for you right here; from how they work and their types to learning how to use them for credit building.
Read MoreJul 19, 2026
How Do Credit Cards Work? A Beginner’s Guide to Smart Spending

What Is APR on a Credit Card, and How Much Can It Cost You?

When you look at your credit card's monthly statement, you'll likely see the term APR sprinkled in there. APR is short for annual percentage rate, and it's how much it costs to borrow from your credit card issuer each year.
Read MoreJul 19, 2026
What Is APR on a Credit Card, and How Much Can It Cost You?

How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? A 2026 Price Guide

From routine checkups to emergency surgery, here's what pet owners actually pay — and how to keep costs manageable.
Read MoreJun 30, 2026
Vet Visit Cost

Pet Insurance that Covers Pre-Existing Conditions: What You Need to Know

Most pet insurance policies won't cover pre-existing conditions — but some insurers will reconsider curable conditions after a symptom-free period. This guide walks you through how coverage works when your pet already has a diagnosis.
Read MoreJun 14, 2026
Everything You Need to Know About Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions

Where is My Tax Refund? | Everything You Need to Know to Receive Your Refund

Here's how to track your IRS tax refund status, understand processing timelines, and know exactly when to expect your money
Read MoreJun 14, 2026
Where is My Tax Refund?

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 MoreJun 3, 2026
Pet Insurance That Pays Vets Directly: Hassle-Free Coverage for Your Pet's Care

How Does Credit Card Interest Work? How to Calculate (and Avoid) This Expense

When you look at your credit card statement, sometimes your bill may be higher than the cost of your purchases.
Read MoreMay 24, 2026
How Does Credit Card Interest Work? Learn How To Calculate (And Avoid) This Expense

Credit Card Red Flags: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

A credit card can be a valuable tool, but using one isn’t without risks. Scammers might rack up fraudulent charges. Thieves may steal your identity. You could wake up one day sensing that your card just isn’t right for you, and that you’re wasting time and money keeping it.
Read MoreMay 7, 2026
Credit Card Red Flags: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Review

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, our partner, 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 ReviewDec 12, 2025
the-blue-business-plus-credit-card-from-american-express

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 from our partner 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 ReviewDec 12, 2025
the-business-platinum-card-from-american-express

American Express Platinum Card® Review

The American Express Platinum Card® is a popular travel rewards card from our partner. 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 ReviewDec 11, 2025
american-express-platinum-card

American Express® Gold Card Review

The American Express® Gold is a solid rewards credit card, offering points for both everyday and travel purchases, from our partner. 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 ReviewDec 11, 2025
american-express-gold-card

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Review

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card from our partner is a solid cash back 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 cash back in your bank account.
Read ReviewDec 11, 2025
the-american-express-blue-business-cash-card

American Express® Business Gold Card Review

The American Express® Business Gold Card from our partner 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 ReviewDec 11, 2025
american-express-business-gold-card
test