Jennifer Calonia

Jennifer Calonia

Writer

Writer

  • 10+ years covering finance
  • Bylines at SoFi Learn, Yahoo Finance, USA TODAY Blueprint, and Newsweek Vault

Experience

Jennifer Calonia is a personal finance writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. She believes smart money management starts with making financial concepts and advice accessible to the everyday person. Calonia has worked as a deputy editor at Student Loan Hero, managing editor at GOBankingRates, a My Money contributor at U.S. News & World Report, digital content specialist at City National Bank, and a contributing writer at Forbes, FinanceBuzz, Credit Karma, and The Finance Gum.

She is currently a contributing freelance writer for Grammarly, U.S. News & World Report, MPOWER Financing, Bankrate, LendingTree, SoFi, Forbes Advisor, USA TODAY Blueprint, Newsweek, NerdWallet, and Student Loan Planner.

Expertise

  • Student loans
  • Personal loans
  • Debt management
  • Credit cards

Education

Calonia has a bachelor's in English and a specialty in creative writing from California State University, Northridge.

Jennifer’s Latest Articles

Abe private student loans review
Student LoansAbe private student loans review

Abe is a new private student loan lender launched in June 2024 by Monogram, with loans issued through DR Bank. Monogram has supported 1.5 million borrowers with student loan financing across thousands of schools across the U.S....

By Jennifer Calonia

August 22, 2024

7 things to know about student loan debt
Student Loan Refinance7 things to know about student loan debt

Student loans can be a powerful pathway to pay for college when savings fall short. However, unlike scholarships and grants, student loans must be repaid with interest. As of the first quarter of 2024, the total outstanding stu...

By Jennifer Calonia

August 6, 2024

Which student loan repayment plan should I choose?
Student Loan RefinanceWhich student loan repayment plan should I choose?

The average monthly federal student loan payment is $756 according to the U.S. Department of Education. For many Americans, this hefty payment can stretch budgets thin, making it difficult to cover essential expenses like rent ...

By Jennifer Calonia

July 30, 2024

How do student loans work? Guide for new borrowers
Student LoansHow do student loans work? Guide for new borrowers

If you’re heading to college, you might be considering student loans to help cover costs — and you wouldn’t be alone. Students and parents borrowed a total of $98.2 billion in federal and private student loans for the 2022-23 s...

By Jennifer Calonia

July 3, 2024

How to pay for law school: 5 strategies
Student LoansHow to pay for law school: 5 strategies

​A well-earned Juris Doctor (JD) degree is likely not the only thing you’ll leave law school with. The average graduate racks up an average of $160,000 in law school debt, according to the American Bar Association (ABA). There’...

By Jennifer Calonia

June 14, 2024

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Is it right for you?
Student LoansFederal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Is it right for you?

If you need to borrow money for college but don't qualify for need-based loans, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is likely your next best option. That's because these federal student loans come with low-fixed interest rates, ...

By Jennifer Calonia

August 30, 2024

How much is the cost of college in 2024?
Student LoansHow much is the cost of college in 2024?

In 2024, college costs in the United States have reached unprecedented levels, with some universities quoting students almost $100,000 per year for tuition, fees, room and board, and other essentials. Fortunately, not all stude...

By Jennifer Calonia

April 18, 2024

2024-25 FAFSA Guide
Student Loans2024-25 FAFSA Guide

The cost of college has increased in recent years. In-state students attending four-year public colleges pay an average of $28,840 to fund their education, according to College Board. The cost nearly doubles for out-of-state st...

By Jennifer Calonia

August 30, 2024

Best student loans for bad credit: September 2024
Student LoansBest student loans for bad credit: September 2024

Pursuing a college degree can open doors to better career opportunities, but the cost of higher education can be daunting.For the 2023-24 school year, students faced average costs of around $34,790 at private colleges and $20,3...

By Jennifer Calonia

August 29, 2024

What’s going on with student loan refunds?
Student Loan RefinanceWhat’s going on with student loan refunds?

In June 2023, the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s plan to cancel up to $10,000 in student loans for qualifying borrowers, and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. This pivot away from Biden’s forgivenes...

By Jennifer Calonia

May 29, 2024

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Fox Money is a property of Credible Operations, Inc., which is majority-owned indirectly by Fox Corporation. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All rights reserved. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of Fox's Terms of Use and Updated Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices.