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 361 Articles To Date

Guide

224 views

11 min read

How to Use “Credit Utilization Zones” to Target Credit Score Increases

How to Use Credit Utilization Zones to Target Score Increases

When it comes to credit, I think I’ve heard all the rumors and partial truths by now. This myth is among them: “The only way to have a high... read more »

By: Erica Sandberg • 6/4/26

Guide

17,632 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

23,175 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

14,832 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

16,588 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

23,104 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

25,109 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

25,194 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

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