Kelly Anne Smith
Forbes Staff
Advisor
I'm a Personal Finance Reporter for Forbes Advisor. Previously, I covered personal finance at other national web publications including Bankrate and The Penny Hoarder. I've been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets like CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News Radio and more. When I'm not digging up the best ways to manage your money, I'm out traveling the world. Follow me on Twitter at @keywordkelly.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Federal Student Loan Forbearance: What You Need To Know
The nearly $2 trillion stimulus package known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act gives significant relief to student loan borrowers. -
With Another Stimulus Check Looking Less Likely, Here Are Steps To Take Now If You Need Financial Relief
There may not be another round of stimulus checks anytime soon. In March, the federal government passed the nearly $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The historical relief package provided one-time payments directly to Americans to help... -
Stock Markets Are Surging. Is This A Bear Market Rally?
The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the United States. Over 100,000 Americans have lost their lives, more than 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment and the economy is at risk of entering recession. The crisis has also... -
Survey: Americans Say Safe In-Person College Attendance Should Take Place This Fall
The coronavirus has changed nearly everything about the way Americans live, including how they go to college. This spring, most colleges shut down campuses in an effort to curb spread of the virus. Classes and finals took place online. As... -
Here’s How Americans Are Using Their Stimulus Checks
It’s been more than two months since President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, more than 38 million Americans have lost their jobs. The federal government has tried to mute the economic impact by passing... -
Home Buying And Selling In The Time Of Coronavirus
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to roll across the U.S., keeping many individuals in semi-isolation, millions are already out of work for the foreseeable future and others are likely to become so. How will those suddenly without income be able... -
What Regulation Best Interest Means For Your Financial Advisor
When you work with a financial advisor, you know who’s managing your money. But do you really know if their choices are in your best interest? You might say, “Of course, they’re an advisor.” But under current rules, nearly anyone... -
Negative Interest Rates Explained: How Could They Affect You?
The U.S. economy is slipping into what could be a severe recession, and the Federal Reserve is taking unprecedented measures to help it survive the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. -
Federal Student Loan Coronavirus (COVID-19) Forbearance Calculator
The COVID-19 crisis continues to have wide-ranging effects on the economy and Americans’ everyday lives. The federal government has stepped in to provide student loan relief by suspending federal student loan payments through Sept. 30, 2020. If your income is... -
Got A Private Student Loan? These Lenders And Servicers Offer COVID-19 Relief
Private student loans have so far been left out of federal relief efforts, including the suspension of all federal student loan payments through September initiated under the CARES Act. After mounting pressure from states, private student loan servicers are stepping up and offering their... -
Is Your Stimulus Check Missing Or Inaccurate? Here’s What To Do
These are stressful times. And while the federal government is stepping in to provide stimulus payments as relief to Americans, getting out millions of these payments means there are bound to be a few glitches. -
Hoping To Avoid Filing For Bankruptcy? Take These Steps To Tame Your Debt
The long-term financial consequences of the coronavirus pandemic are just beginning to unfold. -
What Social Security Beneficiaries And Other Seniors Should Know About Their Stimulus Checks
One of the most widely anticipated provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act are the one-time stimulus checks promised to Americans in the coming weeks. But some seniors and disabled adults have been left understandably confused about whether... -
Love In The Time Of Coronavirus: Mother’s Day Gift Ideas For 2020
Mother’s Day is going to be a little different this year. The holiday is usually celebrated with family outings to brunch, spas or family get-togethers in homes—and accompanied by plenty of in-person hugs and kisses. But as the coronavirus pandemic... -
The SBA Exposed 8,000 Loan Applicants’ Personal Data. Here’s How To Protect Yours
On Tuesday, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) notified nearly 8,000 small-business owners that their personal information may have been exposed online. -
Options For Leveraging Your Home’s Equity: HELOCs And COVID-19
As the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic extend into the future, Americans and policymakers are trying to figure out what type of assistance is needed for both homeowners and renters. -
Budgeting By Number: The 50/20/30 Rule
Building a budget is essential to creating a strong financial plan. There are many budgeting plans out there, whether you’re budgeting for irregular income or following a spending plan that prioritizes saving. But one budgeting method, the 50/20/30 rule, can be... -
Mortgage Relief Tracker: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief For Homeowners
The federal government and individual states are stepping in to provide protection for homeowners and renters. -
Are More Stimulus Payments On The Way? 4 Things To Know About New Stimulus Proposal
Could more stimulus payments be on the way? -
Survey: One-Third Of Americans Plan To Use Stimulus Checks To Pay Bills
As the coronavirus pandemic extends into an uncertain future, Americans are now seeing their stimulus checks deposited in their bank accounts. These one-time payments from the government can be as much as $1,200 per individual (with no children) and are... -
What Credit Card Delinquency Is—And How To Avoid It
Credit cards can be a great way to get rewards and perks for money you’re already spending—but what happens when it all goes haywire and you can’t pay your bill? According to TransUnion’s Q4 2019 Industry Insights Report, the average... -
When Your Stimulus Check Can–And Can’t–Be Taken From You
The federal government is starting to send out $1,200 per adult stimulus payments intended to provide a little relief to Americans suffering from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. -
5 Reasons Why You Might Not Get A COVID-19 Stimulus Payment
The harsh economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread shutdowns needed to contain it are starting to set in. -
What You Need To Know About The Paycheck Protection Program
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to halt daily life with shelter-in-place orders. Small businesses are being forced to shut down, and now owners are struggling to come up with the cash to keep running. -
Don’t Worry. The $1,200 Stimulus Payment Won’t Cut Into Your Tax Refund Next April
There’s lots of confusion—and unnecessary fear—surrounding the COVID-19 stimulus checks. Understandably so, since these “Recovery Rebates” have been made a part of the always confusing U.S. Tax Code. -
Goldman Sachs Extends Waiver For Apple Card Payments And Interest Through April For Those Affected By COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Apple AAPL Card cardholders are being offered added relief in this time of uncertainty. -
List Of Banks Offering Relief To Customers Affected By Coronavirus (COVID-19)
As both COVID-19 and the closings designed to slow its path continue having their effects across the country and across the U.S. economy, consumers are rightly concerned about the impact on their financial lives. -
Websites To Find Work From Home Jobs Hiring During The COVID-19 Crisis
The coronavirus pandemic is slashing jobs by the day. Unemployment claims in the U.S. are skyrocketing, setting a modern record of 3.3 million new filings for the week ending March 21. With so many in the country now without work—and, with millions... -
Student Loan Forbearance In The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Stimulus: What You Need To Know
President Donald Trump and the U.S. Department of Education previously announced student loan relief in response to widespread economic hardship due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Now, Congress’ $2 trillion stimulus package is expected to expand that relief. -
Mortgage Relief Tracker: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief For Homeowners
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to shut down U.S. cities and forces individuals into semi-isolation, some people are already out of work for the foreseeable future and others are likely to become so. How will those suddenly without income be... -
What Seniors Need To Know About COVID-19 Stimulus Checks
One of the most widely anticipated provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act are the one-time stimulus checks promised to Americans in the coming weeks. But some seniors and disabled adults have been left understandably confused about whether... -
5 Things To Know About The COVID-19 Stimulus Payments
The harsh economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread shutdowns needed to contain it are starting to set in. -
Citi Simplicity Credit Card 2020 Review
The Citi Simplicity® Card, from our partner, Citi, is a great option for consumers seeking a long-term balance transfer card. The card offers an introductory , one of the longest periods available, giving cardholders ample time to hack away at... -
What You Need To Know Before Choosing Student Loan Forbearance Due To Coronavirus (COVID-19)
On Friday, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. Department of Education will provide student loan relief in response to widespread economic hardship due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. -
Tracker: Free At-Home Services Available To Consumers During The COVID-19 Pandemic
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect individuals—whether it’s putting them out of work or forcing them to shelter in place—some already might be getting a bit stir crazy. -
What You Need To Know About Expanded Unemployment Benefits For COVID-19
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to shut down businesses, millions of workers who have lost their jobs or had their hours slashed—or fear such cutbacks—are scrambling to figure out how they’ll manage financially. -
How To Get Off The Cycle Of Using Your Credit Card For Everything
With the incentive of racking up rewards points or cash back, credit cards these days reign supreme. Some advice out there will encourage individuals to use their credit cards like debit cards, making every purchase on credit, in the hopes... -
Does A Balance Transfer Affect Your Rewards Points?
Overextending yourself to reach minimum spend requirements for high introductory bonuses, or to rack up enough points to cover your next big trip, happens more easily than you may expect. When that happens, you might be left feeling the burn... -
Experian Boost Review
Having a strong credit score can have a major impact on your quality of life, but building a strong credit score can take years. Experian, one of the three credit reporting bureaus, wants to make it easier. Experian Boost is... -
BankAmericard Credit Card 2020 Review
BankAmericard® credit card is best suited for balance transfers. This card offers no interest on purchases, and balance transfers made within the first 60 days, for the first 18 billing cycles after opening the card (then % to %, fees... -
American Express EveryDay Credit Card 2020 Review
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is a simple rewards card that offers double points on U.S. supermarket purchases and one point per dollar for everything else. The major draw of this card is that it boasts a no-fee balance transfer,... -
Is Buying Frequent Flyer Miles Ever A Good Deal?
Frequent flyer miles are a coveted perk of air travel. Airlines have hypnotized consumers with the mission of capturing as many miles as possible. Awards are shoved into the faces of passengers at nearly every step of the sales funnel.... -
Discover it Cash Back Credit Card 2020 Review
The Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card is a good but not great cash back card. Its customer service and first year cashback match are standout features. Its ongoing cash back rewards, however, make it a second tier rewards card. -
How To Respond When Your Debt Is Sent To Collections
Imagine you got sick a few months ago, and put your medical bills on a credit card. But then life got in the way — you had unexpected travel costs or you had to replace your AC unit — and... -
Zerocard 2020 Review
The Zerocard is an interesting take on traditional credit cards. The higher cashback percentages can be difficult to obtain just by spending. The 3% cash back amount is reserved for customers who spend $100,000 or more, annually, which is a... -
How To Get Rent Payments Added To Your Credit Report
Credit is king in America. A credit score determines eligibility for even the most basic necessities of life, including housing. Having a healthy credit score requires years of credit, combined with factors like positive payment history and low credit utilization.... -
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card 2020 Review
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an average travel rewards card without many of the enticing perks offered by other popular travel credit cards. This card can be a good fit for occasional travelers who want a... -
Petal Credit Card 2020 Review
Unique among credit cards, the Petal® Visa® Credit Card is available to those without a credit score or security deposit. With cash back rewards up to 1.5% and no fees, this Fintech backed credit card is ideal for those looking... -
Best Credit Cards for Millennials in June 2020
Credit cards are a great tool to help consumers get the best bang for the buck, regardless of how they chose to spend their bucks. Millennials are known for having distinctive spending tastes. They like to travel and dine out... -
The Best Rewards Credit Cards of June 2020
How many rewards credit cards do you have in your wallet? Do you know if you’re maximizing their rewards potential? Or are you just swiping them randomly, hoping it all adds up in the end? According to a recent study... -
Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card 2020 Review
The Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card is worth considering for business owners looking to build their credit. The 1.5% rewards rate is competitive, although there are better options available. -
Best American Express Credit Cards of June 2020
American Express is by far one of the most versatile credit card providers available. The company offers a variety of cards suited for the needs of a wide range of consumers, including basic no-annual cash back cards that are great... -
5 Best Ways To Send Money [#2 Is Totally Free]
A whopping $68 billion was sent by individuals in the United States to individuals in low and middle income countries in 2017, according to the World Bank. That makes the U.S. the leading source of crucial “remittances” to these countries.... -
What It’s Really Like to Get Free Money Coaching at a Capital One Cafe
The public’s trust in banks tanked after the 2008 financial crisis and has yet to make more than a small recovery, Gallup polling data compiled by the American Enterprise Institute shows. Indeed, a decade after the crisis, only 30% of... -
Best Business Credit Cards Of June 2020
Business owners know every penny they spend counts. When it comes to making the most of business transactions, using a credit card can be a rewarding strategy. Business credit cards can offer a range of benefits. These include rewards or... -
The Forbes Guide to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Saving for retirement is one of the biggest financial commitments an individual will make. As employers have shifted away from traditional pensions, most of the responsibility for saving for retirement now falls on ordinary workers. According to the Center for... -
The Forbes Guide To FIRE
The FIRE movement has gained wider exposure in recent years, but continues to mystify most outsiders. Understandably so. FIRE is an acronym for what sounds like an appealing and widely held goal: Financial Independence, Retire Early. Yet FIRE adherents are... -
The 9 FIRE Blogs You Should Read
The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement has been gaining followers for the better part of a decade and awareness of it is now spreading into the mainstream. The basic goal of FIRE sounds simple: save enough money so you...
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Federal Student Loan Forbearance: What You Need To Know
With Another Stimulus Check Looking Less Likely, Here Are Steps To Take Now If You Need Financial Relief
Stock Markets Are Surging. Is This A Bear Market Rally?
Survey: Americans Say Safe In-Person College Attendance Should Take Place This Fall
Here’s How Americans Are Using Their Stimulus Checks
Home Buying And Selling In The Time Of Coronavirus
What Regulation Best Interest Means For Your Financial Advisor
Negative Interest Rates Explained: How Could They Affect You?
Federal Student Loan Coronavirus (COVID-19) Forbearance Calculator
Got A Private Student Loan? These Lenders And Servicers Offer COVID-19 Relief
Is Your Stimulus Check Missing Or Inaccurate? Here’s What To Do
Hoping To Avoid Filing For Bankruptcy? Take These Steps To Tame Your Debt
What Social Security Beneficiaries And Other Seniors Should Know About Their Stimulus Checks
Love In The Time Of Coronavirus: Mother’s Day Gift Ideas For 2020
The SBA Exposed 8,000 Loan Applicants’ Personal Data. Here’s How To Protect Yours
Options For Leveraging Your Home’s Equity: HELOCs And COVID-19
Budgeting By Number: The 50/20/30 Rule
Mortgage Relief Tracker: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief For Homeowners
Are More Stimulus Payments On The Way? 4 Things To Know About New Stimulus Proposal
Survey: One-Third Of Americans Plan To Use Stimulus Checks To Pay Bills
What Credit Card Delinquency Is—And How To Avoid It
When Your Stimulus Check Can–And Can’t–Be Taken From You
5 Reasons Why You Might Not Get A COVID-19 Stimulus Payment
What You Need To Know About The Paycheck Protection Program
Don’t Worry. The $1,200 Stimulus Payment Won’t Cut Into Your Tax Refund Next April
Goldman Sachs Extends Waiver For Apple Card Payments And Interest Through April For Those Affected By COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
List Of Banks Offering Relief To Customers Affected By Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Websites To Find Work From Home Jobs Hiring During The COVID-19 Crisis
Student Loan Forbearance In The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Stimulus: What You Need To Know
Mortgage Relief Tracker: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief For Homeowners
What Seniors Need To Know About COVID-19 Stimulus Checks
5 Things To Know About The COVID-19 Stimulus Payments
Citi Simplicity Credit Card 2020 Review
What You Need To Know Before Choosing Student Loan Forbearance Due To Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Tracker: Free At-Home Services Available To Consumers During The COVID-19 Pandemic
What You Need To Know About Expanded Unemployment Benefits For COVID-19
How To Get Off The Cycle Of Using Your Credit Card For Everything
Does A Balance Transfer Affect Your Rewards Points?
BankAmericard Credit Card 2020 Review
American Express EveryDay Credit Card 2020 Review
Is Buying Frequent Flyer Miles Ever A Good Deal?
Discover it Cash Back Credit Card 2020 Review
How To Respond When Your Debt Is Sent To Collections
Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card 2020 Review
Best American Express Credit Cards of June 2020
5 Best Ways To Send Money [#2 Is Totally Free]
What It’s Really Like to Get Free Money Coaching at a Capital One Cafe
Best Business Credit Cards Of June 2020
The Forbes Guide to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
About
I'm a Personal Finance Reporter for Forbes Advisor. Previously, I covered personal finance at other national web publications including Bankrate and The Penny Hoarder. I've been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets like CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News Radio and more. When I'm not digging up the best ways to manage your money, I'm out traveling the world. Follow me on Twitter at @keywordkelly.