Jon McDonald

Managing Editor
Jon McDonald

About the Author

With more than 15 years of journalism expertise, Jon McDonald stays up to date on emerging finance trends and news about the companies impacting the industry. He is most knowledgeable in the areas of budgeting, loans, and responsible credit use and is committed to bringing that experience to readers around the world. He has a passion for both writing and editing, and his articles have appeared in publications produced by The New York Times.

Latest Posts

Worked On 360 Articles To Date

Guide

12,342 views

7 min read

How to Tell Which Accounts Are Hurting Your Credit the Most

How to Tell Which Accounts Are Hurting Your Credit the Most

Pay down your credit card balances. Pay on time. Don’t close your oldest account. Dispute mistakes on your credit report.  One of the biggest... read more »

By: Gerri Detweiler • 3/31/26

Study

15,930 views

11 min read

31 Eye-Opening Global Poverty Statistics (2025)

Eye-Opening Global Poverty Statistics

If you’re living in the U.S., you may be aware of rising poverty levels. However, you may not know the scale of poverty across the world — and... read more »

By: Zina Kumok • 3/31/26

Guide

16,764 views

5 min read

Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Charge-Off and a Collection on Your Credit Report?

Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Charge-Off and a Collection?

Charge-offs and collections are both bad for your finances, but they aren’t the same thing. When banks or lenders designate your account as... read more »

By: John Ulzheimer • 3/31/26

Guide

12,816 views

7 min read

Why Paying Off Collections Doesn’t Always Raise Your Credit Score

Why Paying Off Collections Doesn’t Always Raise Your Credit Score

Paying off your debt is supposed to make your credit score increase, but what about when it comes to an account that’s in collections? Paying off... read more »

By: Choncé Maddox • 3/30/26

Guide

12,397 views

7 min read

How to Time Credit Applications to Avoid Credit Score Damage (Step-By-Step)

How to Time Credit Applications to Avoid Credit Score Damage

Have you ever thought: “I want a credit card, but every time I apply, I get turned down, and now my credit score is lower!”  This is such a... read more »

By: Erica Sandberg • 3/27/26

Guide

10,725 views

7 min read

Why Applying for Multiple Loans Can Hurt Your Credit Score

Why Applying for Multiple Loans Can Hurt Your Credit Score

We’ve all had that moment when we decide to get serious about a big purchase. Maybe it’s a new car, a big piece of furniture, or a new shed for... read more »

By: Choncé Maddox • 3/26/26

Guide

27,547 views

9 min read

How to Get Approved for a Credit Card After a Denial (Step-by-Step)

How to Get Approved for a Credit Card After a Recent Denial

Rejection is awful, but it can be especially disheartening when it comes to your finances. Imagine that you researched all of your options and... read more »

By: Erica Sandberg • 3/10/26

Guide

19,908 views

7 min read

How to Use a Credit Card With a Low Limit to Build Credit

How to Use a Credit Card With a Low Limit to Build Credit

When you’re trying to build or rebuild your credit, starting small with a low-limit credit card may not seem like it will get you very far.  Take... read more »

By: Gerri Detweiler • 3/9/26

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