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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 credit cards for international travel in December 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.

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.

Best hotel rewards credit cards of December 2024

The best hotel credit cards offer valuable on-property benefits, generous rewards and other perks that can make them worthwhile.

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.

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.

How much are Marriott Bonvoy points worth?

Marriott Bonvoy points can be worth varying amounts based on how you redeem them. Find out their average point value here.

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 much does it cost to paint a house?

Does your house need a fresh look? On average, it costs between $1,810 and $4,511 to paint a house. This cost depends on the size of your house and whether you hire a contractor.

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.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry: Two programs to make air travel easier

TSA PreCheck offers departure benefits at eligible U.S. airports, whereas Global Entry provides expedited reentry after travelers return to the United States.

The 8 best mortgage lenders for December 2024

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

Best homeowners insurance for 2024

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

Credit card minimum payments: Everything you need to know

Your credit card's minimum payment is the lowest possible amount you can pay each billing period.

If your credit card bill looks wrong, here's how to dispute a charge

You can dispute credit card charges online, over the phone or via the regular mail, and there's a legal framework for the process.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.