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Brett Holzhauer

Personal Finance Reporter

About the Author

Brett Holzhauer is a senior financial writer and editor with more than a decade of experience covering personal finance, consumer debt, investing, and the U.S. economy. He has written for major national outlets, including Forbes and CNBC, where his reporting has helped readers navigate everything from market volatility and retirement planning to credit, debt, and consumer behavior.

Brett’s perspective is shaped by the realities facing millennials and younger professionals: rising housing costs, student debt, shifting labor markets, and the growing gap between traditional financial advice and modern economic life.

He is particularly interested in opportunity cost, behavioral finance, and how technology is reshaping the way people save, spend, and invest.

A graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University, Brett brings editorial rigor, data fluency, and a strong consumer lens to every piece he publishes. In his off time, he is either traveling or watching college football.

Expertise

  • Personal Finance Research and Reporting

Education

  • Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State

Brett's Latest Articles

Person interacting with a digital login screen illustrating password security and password manager technology.
Top 4 Free Password Managers
Managing dozens of passwords doesn't have to cost money. We compared the best free password manager options based on security, […]
11 min readJun 25, 2026
What Happens If You Can't Pay Your Student Loans
What Happens If You Can’t Pay Your Student Loans
If you can’t afford your student loan payments, you still have options. Learn what happens when you miss payments, when loans go into default, and how repayment assistance programs can help you avoid long-term financial consequences.
7 min readJun 24, 2026
Are Data Removal Services Worth It?
Are Data Removal Services Worth It?
Searching your name online can reveal far more personal information than you expect. Data broker sites often display addresses, phone numbers, relatives, and other details collected from public and commercial sources. This guide explains how data removal services work, what they can and cannot remove, their costs, and when paying for one may be worth it compared to handling the process yourself.
8 min readJun 11, 2026
Progressive Auto Insurance Lawsuits
Progressive Auto Insurance Keeps Getting Sued: Here’s Why and What You Need To Know
Progressive is one of the nation's largest auto insurers, but it has also faced a growing number of lawsuits involving vehicle valuations, total-loss settlements, billing practices, and customer data issues. Here's a look at the biggest cases, what they mean for policyholders, and how drivers can protect themselves when filing a claim.
5 min readJun 11, 2026
Credit Card Debt Is Soaring. Here’s How You Can Escape It
Credit Card Debt Is Soaring. Here’s How You Can Escape It
The average American household carries roughly $9,300 in credit card debt at a 21% interest rate. Here's what's driving the crisis, what to do if you're falling behind, and the strategies that actually work.
9 min readJun 09, 2026
What Happens If I Don’t Pay A Collections Agency?
What Happens If I Don’t Pay A Collections Agency?
Ignoring a debt collector can lead to credit damage, lawsuits, and wage garnishment, but the consequences vary by state and debt age. Here's what to know before deciding whether to pay, dispute, or negotiate.
10 min readJun 09, 2026
Hands holding a smartphone with a financial dashboard on screen, representing the best budgeting apps for managing money.
The Year's Best Budgeting Apps to Help You Take Control of Your Money
13 min readMay 29, 2026
Millions of Car Owners Face Late Car Payment Difficulties
Millions of Car Owners Face Late Car Payment Difficulties
Rising vehicle costs are pushing more drivers behind on their car payments. This guide explains what happens after a late payment, when repossession can occur, and the practical steps you can take to regain control.
6 min readMay 13, 2026
How to Spend Your Tax Refund Smartly
How to Spend Your Tax Refund Smartly
Wondering how to spend your tax refund? This guide outlines common strategies—from building savings to investing—to help you make a thoughtful plan.
7 min readApr 22, 2026
8 Ways To Legally Reduce Your Income Tax
8 Ways To Legally Reduce Your Income Tax
Taxes are one of the largest lifetime expenses for most Americans. Here are eight strategies to consider that may help reduce income tax and improve your overall financial picture.
9 min readApr 21, 2026
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