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Holly Johnson

Holly Johnson

Holly D. Johnson is a nationally recognized expert and award-winning insurance writer who covers life insurance, health insurance, and various other insurance-related topics for corporations and well-known magazines with millions of readers. Johnson also covers personal finance, credit, credit cards, and loyalty programs for a variety of publications including CNN Underscored, Bankrate, CreditCards.com and Forbes Advisor.

The author is also the founder of Club Thrifty and the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love." She and her husband Greg live in Central Indiana with their two daughters where they enjoy a debt-free lifestyle and travel up to 20 weeks of the year.

Best mortgage lenders

Best mortgage lenders for July 2024

The best mortgage lenders offer a large selection of loan types, competitive interest rates and strong customer service ratings.

What is a savings account?

Savings accounts give you a place to safely store any extra money you don't need. Find out how these accounts work and how to open one.
Credit cards for international travel

Best credit cards for international travel in July 2024

Maximize your travel experience with the best credit cards for international trips. Compare features like no foreign transaction fees, rewards, and premium perks to find the right card for your next adventure.
Are solar panels worth it?

Are solar panels worth it?

The average residential solar system costs $25,000, but lower electricity bills can mean you’ll break even in eight to nine years.
How to make a winning offer on your dream house

How to make a winning offer on your dream house

Making a winning offer on a home requires a preapproval letter and a willingness to negotiate on important terms. Find out what you need to secure the home of your dreams

American Express Membership Rewards guide

Amex Membership Rewards can be earned with cards from this issuer and redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards and more. Here’s how Amex’s Membership Rewards work and how to earn points.
What is a black credit card?

What is a black credit card?

Black credit cards offer the best possible perks for the highest annual fees, and they're available on an invite-only basis.

Best credit cards for travel insurance in 2024

The best credit cards with travel insurance can reimburse you when your flight is canceled, your trip is interrupted, your bags are lost and more.
Couple paying with credit card at a hotel.

Best hotel rewards credit cards of July 2024

The best hotel credit cards offer valuable on-property benefits, generous rewards and other perks that can make them worthwhile.
Woman with map in a European city

Should you take out a personal loan to pay for your vacation?

You can take out a personal loan to fund any type of travel plans, but that doesn't mean you should.
Adjustable-rate vs fixed-rate mortgage

Adjustable-rate vs. fixed-rate mortgages: Which one is best for you?

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) feature interest rates that can change over time. Find out how these mortgages work and which factors set them apart from fixed-rate loans.
What credit score do you need to buy a house?

What credit score do you need to buy a house?

Most mortgage lenders want to see a credit score of 620 or higher when you apply for a home loan, but it’s not always required for all loan types.
homeowners insurance cover

What does homeowners insurance cover?

Homeowners insurance provides coverage for your dwelling, other structures on your property, your personal belongings, and general liability.
what does renters insurance cover

What does (and doesn't) renters insurance cover?

Renters insurance provides coverage for your personal possessions, important liability protection, and reimbursement for additional living expenses.

How to pay off credit card debt fast

Getting out of debt fast is easier if you have a plan. Find out the best ways to pay off credit card debt and the tools that can make it happen.
homeowners insurance

Best homeowners insurance for 2024

Protect your home with the best homeowners insurance. Compare rates, coverage, and benefits for peace of mind.

How do VA loans work?

VA loans help military members and veterans purchase a home with preferential terms. Find out how these home loans work and what the eligibility requirements are.

Spot bitcoin ETFs: How do they work?

Spot bitcoin ETFs let investors gain exposure to the price of bitcoin without owning the asset directly.

What is a jumbo loan?

Jumbo loans are home loans in amounts that exceed conforming loan limits. Find out what this means and the criteria you'll need to meet to qualify.
How to buy a house: A step-by-step guide

How to buy a house: A step-by-step guide

The home-buying process can require up to 15 steps from start to finish. We break it down from first finances to closing costs.
What is a home appraisal and how does it work?

What is a home appraisal and how does it work?

Having a home appraised is a necessary part of the process of buying a home, but the outcome of an appraisal can be equally important to sellers and lenders. After all, the value listed in an appraisal can make a difference in the sale price of a home, the down payment required, or whether the buyer can be approved for financing in the first place.
retired couple looking in the distance

How to retire early

Early retirement requires diligent planning early on. Find out the steps you'll need to take to retire while you're still young enough to enjoy it.
What Is Travel Insurance?

What is travel insurance and what does it cover?

Travel insurance can protect the financial investment you've made in your travel plans. Find out how this coverage works and what is typically included.
how to refinance your mortgage

How to refinance your mortgage

Refinancing a mortgage replaces the existing home loan with a new one, ideally with superior rates or terms. Find out how refinancing works and who should do it.
Early Retirement Health Insurance Options Before Medicare

Early retirement health insurance options before Medicare

Early retirement health insurance options may be slim, but they do exist. Find out the best ways to get health care coverage until you're eligible for Medicare.

Your emergency fund: What it's for and how to build one

An emergency fund is a stash of money you save for emergencies only. Find out why you need a fund for emergencies and where you should open an account.
What are business loans and how do they work?

What are business loans and how do they work?

Small business loans can offer an infusion of cash when companies need it most. However, loan amounts, repayment terms, and fees vary widely across lenders.
Rental car insurance

Rental car insurance: Do you need it?

Rental car insurance may not be necessary if you have a robust auto insurance policy of your own, but there are situations where purchasing separate coverage still makes sense.