Author: Lauren Ward

Featured

Yikes: Wedding photographers are getting expensive

Written by:

How much is a wedding photographer? Costs vary, but the national average is $2,600. While you may pay less or more than this amount, wedding photographers …

Featured

5 things that could be hurting your credit score

Written by:

As of 2022, the average American has a credit score of 714. But how was that number arrived at, and, more importantly, how is your own …

Featured

How to grow your own landscaping business this summer

Written by:

The landscaping industry never slows down. While spring and summer are the busiest seasons, there is plenty of work to be done all year round. If …

Featured

Cherry blossoms, marvelous museums & 8 other things you can only do in D.C.

Written by:

As the nation’s capital, DC is never quiet., but certain times of the year are busier than others. Like many tourist destinations, the mild months of …

Featured

4 types of personal loans for people with bad credit: Are any of them right for you?

Written by:

Subprime personal loans can help you obtain financial help if you’re being denied access to traditional loan products. However, because they’re usually tailored to low credit …

Featured

23 small business & side hustle ideas for 2023

Written by:

When you’re thinking of starting a new business, there are plenty of possibilities to consider. But what if you don’t have a large startup budget ready …

Featured

Marching with ducks & 9 other things you can only do in Memphis

Written by:

Memphis is at its most comfortable during the spring and fall months, typically from late April through the beginning of June and again from late August …

Featured

Can I count my cell phone as a business expense?

Written by:

What Cell Phone Expenses Can Be Deducted Researching how to write off cell phones for business? The good news is that just about any cell phone …

Featured

Volcanic beaches, hot springs & other amazing spectacles in Costa Rica

Written by:

Considering a Costa Rica vacation? As part of Central America, Costa Rica is a beautiful country with lush rainforests, active (and safe) volcanoes, and pristine beaches. …

Featured

Traveling internationally? Don’t tip in these countries!

Written by:

As you travel, there are many people you could tip: the ones who help you into the airport, out of the airport, into your hotel, out …

Featured

How to get a personal loan if your credit is ‘problematic’

Written by:

Personal credit scores typically range from a low of 300 to a high of 850. Scores less than 670 may be considered fair if not poor. …

Featured

No, a rainy day fund is not an emergency fund. Here’s the real difference

Written by:

A rainy day fund is money that’s set aside to cover lower cost expenses that invariably come up but you weren’t necessarily planning on having to …

Featured

20 savings challenges that can help you start saving now

Written by:

Are you looking to make some changes in 2023? If beefing up your savings account is one of them, consider trying a savings challenge. These challenges …

Featured

7 budgeting secrets to help you pay off debt

Written by:

There’s no shortage of debt in America. Total household debt reached $11.67 trillion in September 2022. But no matter how large or small your balance may …

FeaturedMoney

The pros & cons of a $20k personal loan

Written by:

  If you have a large upcoming expense, such as a big move, home renovation, or major medical cost, you may find yourself in need of …

FeaturedMoneyRetirement

What are retiree loans & should I get one?

Written by:

  You might assume that once you’re retired, you can’t take out a loan — for a home renovation, a new car, or an emergency — …

FeaturedMoney

What happens to your estate when you die?

Written by:

It may not be a fun thing to think about or talk about, but it’s important to get your estate planning organized. Unfortunately, death doesn’t just …

FeaturedMoneySmall Business

The ultimate business checklist for new freelancers

Written by:

  Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive …

MoneySmall Business

How to use crowdfunding loans for your business

Written by:

The amount of money you need to start a business can seem intimidating. Even though you may have a great idea, nothing will ever come of …

AutosMoney

6 tips that can lower your car payment

Written by:

  Vehicle prices are on an upward trend. In July 2021, the average new vehicle cost was more than $41,000, according to J.D. Power. And the …

MoneySmall Business

A guide to microloans for women-owned small businesses

Written by:

  There are 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., and they generate 1.8 trillion dollars per year. Nonetheless, in 2019, less than 3% of all venture …

MoneySmall Business

Invoice financing vs Invoice factoring

Written by:

  If you have a small business, you know that cash flow can be a big concern. And when you’re searching for small business loans, you may …

AutosMoney

Can you get auto loans after bankruptcy?

Written by:

  Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive …

Featured

Getting a cash flow loan for your small business

Written by:

Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct …

MoneySmall Business

How to calculate your EIDL loan amount

Written by:

  Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive …

AutosMoney

Can you refinance a car loan with the same lender?

Written by:

  Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive …

Money

Are EIDL loans taxable?

Written by:

  Should you expect to be taxed on emergency help? The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program has historically been reserved for businesses impacted by …

MoneySmall Business

What’s a lean startup & is it right for you?

Written by:

    Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not …

Featured

EIDL vs. PPP loans: What’s the difference?

Written by:

Editor’s note: At Lantern, we strive to help you make financial decisions with confidence. To do this, we occasionally feature content that includes information about our partners …

FeaturedMoney

Can you apply for an EIDL loan twice?

Written by:

Editor’s Note: At Lantern, we strive to help you make financial decisions with confidence. To do this, we occasionally feature content that includes information about our partners …