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Maya Dollarhide

Maya Dollarhide

Consumer Lending Expert

Maya Dollarhide is a Journalist for bestmoney.com, specializing in personal finance and consumer lending. She earned her MS in Journalism from Columbia University and has written for TIME, Yahoo Finance, Investopedia, Bankrate, Forbes, CNN, and AARP. Her work focuses on creating SEO-driven content, developing K-12 financial literacy curriculum, and producing B2B content for financial services clients.

Posts by Maya Dollarhide

Why 44% of Insured Adults Still Struggle with Medical Costs—and How to Bridge the Gap

Having health insurance doesn't guarantee affordable care: 44% of insured adults under 65 say it's still difficult to afford their medical costs. Provider payment plans, HSAs, and personal loans can all help bridge the gap, but each comes with different trade-offs worth understanding first.
Read MoreJun 23, 2026
Person reviewing a medical bill and insurance documents at home to understand how to pay medical bills with insurance.

Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Fair Credit

Our top picks — Freedom Debt Relief, Upgrade, and Discover Personal Loans — were selected after evaluating lenders and debt relief providers on credit score accessibility, APR competitiveness, fee transparency, and real-world fit for fair-credit borrowers
Read MoreJun 21, 2026
Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Fair Credit

Personal Loan vs. 401(k) Loan: Which Should You Use in an Emergency?

A personal loan is often the safer choice in an emergency since a 401(k) loan can trigger taxes, penalties, and repayment problems if you lose your job. Your decision should come down to how stable your employment is and how quickly you can realistically pay the money back.
Read MoreJun 19, 2026
A man deciding between a personal loan or a 401(k) loan in an emergency.

The $20,000 Shortfall: How Families Bridge the Gap Between Federal Aid and College Costs

For many families, federal student loans only cover part of the cost of college, leaving a funding gap of $60,000 to $80,000 over four years at a public university. The good news is that you have options: appealing your financial aid package, pursuing scholarships, and weighing Parent PLUS loans against private student loans can help bridge the difference.
Read MoreJun 11, 2026
A family learning how to bridge the gap between federal aid and college costs.

Survey Shows How America’s High Earners Use Personal Loans to Get Ahead

High earners are increasingly turning to personal loans to fund major expenses while keeping their savings and investments intact. BestMoney survey data found that 85% of households earning between $175,000 and $199,000 have used a personal loan for a major expense, challenging the notion that borrowing is primarily a tool for financial hardship.
Read MoreJun 10, 2026
couple moving in to new home

Childcare Costs as Much as Rent — Can Personal Loans for Childcare Help You Pay?

Childcare costs now exceed median rent in nearly every state, leaving many parents scrambling to cover the gap between what they earn and what care actually costs. A personal loan can work as a short-term bridge in specific circumstances, but exhausting free and subsidized options first is almost always the smarter move.
Read MoreJun 9, 2026
A woman worrying about childcare costing as much as her rent.

The 37% Overrun: Why Home Renovation Budgets Fail and How Personal Loans Fund the Difference

Nearly 37% of renovating homeowners spent more than they budgeted last year, often due to hidden structural issues, scope changes, and material price swings. A personal loan can cover the gap quickly without putting your home on the line, but phasing the project or using savings is almost always the cheaper option.
Read MoreJun 9, 2026
A couple deciding if they need a personal loan for a home renovation overrun.

6 Million Gen X Borrowers Still Owe Student Loans: Should You Refinance Near Retirement?

Nearly 6 million Gen X borrowers are still carrying student loan debt, with an average balance of $48,203. At a 6% interest rate on a 10-year term, that works out to roughly $535 a month—well into what should be peak retirement-saving years.
Read MoreMay 28, 2026
A Gen X borrower thinking about refinancing her student loan.

Why 1 in 3 Borrowers Without a Degree Fall Behind on Student Loans — And How to Catch Up

Nearly 1 in 3 student loan borrowers without a degree are behind on payments, with default, wage garnishment, and credit damage all at risk. Federal options like income-driven repayment can help, but acting before the 270-day mark is critical.
Read MoreMay 28, 2026
A woman worried about falling behind on her student loan debt.

1 in 10 Americans Plan to Borrow for Travel — Here's How to Do It Smarter This Summer

Financing a summer trip is common, but the tool you choose matters. Personal loans, credit cards, and BNPL all carry different costs and risks. Borrow only what you can repay quickly, and pay off last year's vacation debt before taking on new travel expenses.
Read MoreMay 28, 2026
A woman considering a personal loan to borrow for her Summer travels.
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