Holly D. Johnson is a nationally recognized expert and award-winning insurance writer who covers life insurance, health insurance, and various other insurance-related topics for corporations and well-known magazines with millions of readers. Johnson also covers personal finance, credit, credit cards, and loyalty programs for a variety of publications including CNN Underscored, Bankrate, CreditCards.com and Forbes Advisor.
The author is also the founder of Club Thrifty and the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love."She and her husband Greg live in Central Indiana with their two daughters where they enjoy a debt-free lifestyle and travel up to 20 weeks of the year.
Articles by Holly Johnson
VantageScore vs. FICO
VantageScore and FICO are the two major credit scoring models in use today, yet these companies do things slightly differently.
What Is the FICO Score 8?
FICO Score 8 is one of the most widely used FICO scores, along with FICO Score 9. Find out how this type of score works and why it matters.
Does Refinancing Hurt Your Credit Score
Refinancing a loan can hurt your credit in the short term, but the temporary damage can be worth the trouble.
Best Credit Cards for January 2024
The best credit cards offer superior rewards and perks with reasonable fees or no fees at all. Find out which cards we recommend in 2024 and why.
Best Roth IRA Accounts for January 2024
The best Roth IRA accounts come with low starting balance requirements, minimal fees (or no fees), and ample investment options and tools.
Best Small Business Credit Cards for January 2024
The best small-business credit cards offer rewards and other important perks. Find out how they stack up and compare.
What Are the Most Popular Crypto Scams to Watch For in 2024
Crypto scams take on my forms, including phishing scams, giveaway scams and more. Find out which cryptocurrency scams are most prevalent so far in 2024.
How to Avoid (and Reduce) Credit Card Interest: Best Strategies
Credit card interest makes your purchases cost more, so you should avoid it or reduce it when you can.
Should You Use Your Credit Card Before It Arrives in the Mail?
Some credit cards can be used before they arrive in the mail. Find out which cards offer this option and how the process works.
Best Sign-Up Bonus Credit Cards in January 2024
The best credit card sign-up bonuses can be worth $1,000 or more. Find out which cards offer them and how to qualify..
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Review 2024
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best travel credit cards available today. Find out why this card is so popular and everything you get for signing up.
American Express Business Gold Card Review 2024
The American Express® Business Gold Card offers bonus rewards in two top spending categories per billing cycle and a very specific set of benefits. Find out where this card shines and reasons to consider alternatives.
Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in January 2024
The best credit cards for building credit come with easy approval requirements and other perks. These are the cards we recommend and why.
7 Popular Credit Card Hacks That Don't Work
Many popular credit card hacks don't actually work, and some will even cost you money in the long run.
What Is The United Miles Value And How To Maximize Your Redemptions
The value of United miles is around 1.2 cents each, although how you redeem them will have a major impact on what you actually get.
How Credit Card Companies Make Money
Credit card companies make money by charging interest, miscellaneous fees, and interchange fees to merchants.
Amex Points vs. Chase Points: Which Rewards Currency Rules Them All?
Flexible rewards points offered through American Express and Chase have many of the same redemption options—but different strengths.
How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?
The ideal number of credit cards depends on the benefits a person can gain and whether the risk is worth the reward.
Citi ThankYou Rewards Program Guide 2024
The Citi ThankYou program offers the potential for exceptional rewards value if you transfer points to partners.
History of Credit Cards: A Brief Overview
The history of credit dates back thousands of years, but the modern version of the credit card is less than 100 years old.
Costco Anywhere Visa Card By Citi Review 2023
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers more rewards on gas, dining, eligible travel and Costco purchases. Learn how it compares to other cash back cards.
American Express Gold vs. Capital One Venture: Detailed Comparison 2024
Looking for a new travel credit card? Our in-depth analysis can help you decide between the Capital One Venture and the Amex Gold Card.
Best Metal Credit Cards in January 2024
Metal credit cards tend to offer superior perks with higher annual fees. Find out how the best metal cards of 2024 work and how to decide.
How Much Are American Airlines Miles Worth?
American Airlines miles are worth approximately 1.5¢ each on average, although you may get better or worse value depending on how you redeem them.
