Lindsay VanSomeren
Contributor
Lindsay VanSomeren is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance, credit, and insurance. Her work has been featured in publications like Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, Credit Karma, The Balance, and Business Insider. Over nearly a decade, Lindsay has written hundreds of articles on topics like credit cards, debt management, and bank accounts, helping readers make informed decisions to improve their financial lives.
Lindsay’s passion for personal finance began after she graduated with two degrees in wildlife biology and conservation from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, only to find herself underemployed and facing $100,000 in debt. Determined to take control of her finances, she learned how to manage money wisely and now uses her experience to help others make smart financial decisions.
When she’s not writing, Lindsay enjoys hiking, reading, homebrewing, travel hacking, and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where she currently resides.
Education
- University of Alaska Fairbanks: B.S. and M.S. in Wildlife Biology and Conservation
Media Mentions
Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn to learn more or check out her latest articles on DollarSprout.
13 Sites Like Craigslist to Buy and Sell Used Items
You can make a quick buck by selling your unwanted items on Craigslist, but there are a lot of reasons why you might want to avoid the platform. Maybe you prefer a more modern-looking site, you’re tired of no-shows, or you just don’t want to meet anyone in person. In some cases, you can earn…
4 Best Micro Investing Apps for Beginner Investors
Think about the last time you heard the stock market mentioned on the news. How was it presented? Here’s what I’ve seen – just this morning – as I’m writing this: “Stocks are [UP or DOWN] on [FEARS or HOPE] of [INSERT EVENT].” Example: “Stocks down on fear that the housing bubble may be ready…
12 Best Places to Sell DVDs for Cash
If you need to make money, one of the easiest ways to do so is by selling CDs and movies you no longer use. DVDs are a perfect first choice, especially if you use a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu for entertainment. Even though these digital entertainment platforms have quickly taken over, there’s still…
6 Best Places to Get a Free Credit Score Check
If you are one to periodically check your credit score for free, you know it can pay dividends in more ways than one. If you’ve never checked your credit score before, or it’s been a while since you last have, it might be time to look into it. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that one…
How to Increase Your Credit Score
Building and maintaining a respectable credit score is an important part of your financial life. With a good credit score, you can qualify for the best loans at the lowest rates, earn cash rewards with responsible credit card use, and more. But how do you actually earn a great score? If you don’t know what…
How to Create a Financial Plan in 5 Simple Steps
Chances are you have some goals you’d like to tick off in your lifetime. Maybe you want to visit three dozen countries, buy a house, retire by the time you’re 55, or start a family and send your children off to college. Chances are also good that you won’t be able to achieve those goals…
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on Bank Account Interest?
The money that you earn from your savings account is just gravy on top of what you’ve already saved. It feels like free money. That’s why it can be such a shock when you find out that yes — paying taxes on interest is something you need to do. The amount you actually owe in…
How Many Bank Accounts Should I Have? Experts Say At Least These 3
If you’ve ever asked yourself “How many bank accounts should I have?” or find it difficult to manage your money in general, you’re not alone. According to one 2017 CareerBuilder survey, nearly eight in 10 Americans currently live paycheck to paycheck.[1] An alarming trend, but one we can work together to address. Fortunately, there are…
14 Smart Ways to Save Money on Groceries
There are a few things that everyone needs to spend money on, like housing, utilities, and food. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2017 the average single American spent $3,008 on food prepared at home. The average couple? $7,500 per year.[1] That’s about $250 per month if you’re flying solo, and $625 if…