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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

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
Liberty First Lending Review
6 min readApr 14, 2026
Person using calculator and laptop illustrating acorn finance reviews and loan comparison process
Acorn Finance Reviews
7 min readApr 14, 2026
Saver’s Credit Explained: How It Works and What’s Changing in 2027 — featured image
Saver’s Credit Explained: How It Works and What’s Changing in 2027
What is the Saver’s Credit? It’s a federal tax credit that can reduce your tax bill by up to $2,000 for retirement contributions. In 2027, it becomes the Saver’s Match—a 50% direct contribution to your retirement account. Learn how it works in this article.
7 min readApr 13, 2026
Notice CP30: IRS Underpayment Penalty Explained — featured image
Notice CP30: IRS Underpayment Penalty Explained
A notice CP30 from the IRS means you may owe an underpayment penalty. Learn what it means, why you received it, and how to resolve it quickly.
7 min readApr 06, 2026