Zina Kumok

Contributor

Zina KumokZina Kumok is a seasoned personal finance writer, editor, and financial wellness speaker with over a decade of experience. A former Personal Finance Editor at DollarSprout, Zina specializes in helping readers master budgeting, saving, student loans, and retirement planning. Her personal journey of paying off $28,000 in student loans in just three years has inspired countless readers to take control of their finances.

Zina’s work has been featured in The Washington Post, Fox Business, Time, Investopedia, Mint, and LendingTree, among other major financial outlets. She is a three-time finalist for the Plutus Award for Best Personal Finance Freelancer/Contributor and has twice spoken at FinCon, the premier financial media conference.

With a background in journalism, Zina previously worked for newspapers, magazines, and wire services before transitioning to personal finance. She also provides one-on-one financial coaching, helping individuals improve their financial health and confidence.

Education

  • Indiana University: B.A. in Journalism

Media Mentions

Connect with Zina on LinkedIn to learn more or check out her latest articles on DollarSprout.

How to Get Paid to Watch Netflix in 2025 (Up to $45/hr)

Did you know you can actually get paid to watch Netflix as a Netflix Tagger? It’s not an easy gig to get, but you might be able to get lucky and land it. If not, we’ve got some alternatives for you.

Zina Kumok 01 Aug

20 Cheap Date Ideas Under $20 for a Romantic Night Out

Fun and cheap date ideas can spice up any relationship. Remember on your first date with your partner when you were so nervous you couldn’t stop smiling? You laughed hysterically at all their bad jokes and got the butterflies when you shared your first kiss. Now you’re the no makeup, sweatpants-wearing, do-everything-together couple that enjoys…

Zina Kumok 08 Jan

6 Cute Ways to Make Money with Your Dog (or Cat)

My dog costs me a lot of money. Not just in vet visits, food bills, or heartworm medicine, but also in how much stuff he destroys. When he was a puppy, he liked to chew on and destroy my shoes. After the fourth pair, I asked him, “How do you plan to pay me back…

Zina Kumok 29 Sep