Full-time freelancer since 2012 with a focus on personal finance. I currently write the “On the Money” advice column and the “Money Talks” interview series at Vox, and previously contributed to the “Money Matters” advice column at Morning Brew. I also write for Bankrate and Newsweek Vault, and past clients have included Lifehacker, NBC News, and CreditCards.com.
Nicole Dieker Finley
We need your support today
Independent journalism is more important than ever. Vox is here to explain this unprecedented election cycle and help you understand the larger stakes. We will break down where the candidates stand on major issues, from economic policy to immigration, foreign policy, criminal justice, and abortion. We’ll answer your biggest questions, and we’ll explain what matters — and why. This timely and essential task, however, is expensive to produce.
We rely on readers like y...
Nicole Dieker Finley
We need your support today
Independent journalism is more important than ever. Vox is here to explain this unprecedented election cycle and help you understand the larger stakes. We will break down where the candidates stand on major issues, from economic policy to immigration, foreign policy, criminal justice, and abortion. We’ll answer your biggest questions, and we’ll explain what matters — and why. This timely and essential task, however, is expensive to produce.
We rely on readers like y...
The Even Better Guide to Tax Season
From doing your taxes for free to filing your first return, we’ve got you covered.
And other tax questions from Vox readers, answered.
By Nicole Dieker Finley
The Even Better Guide to Tax Season
Including when to do them yourself, when to seek out help, and strategies for keeping track of it all.
By Nicole Dieker Finley
Video
And how does it even work?
By Kimberly Mas
The latest in The Even Better Guide to Tax Season
The Even Better Guide to Tax SeasonMar 20
Some inspiration for tax refund se...
Your Money, Explained
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Explainers, advice, and tools to help you navigate all things money and personal finance.
Even Better
A guide to filling out the federal financial aid form for the upcoming school year.
By Allie Volpe
Life
How to think about investing and protecting your money for retirement.
By Nicole Dieker Finley
Even Better
I retired in my home country and moved to the United States. What now?
How to think about retiring in America as an immigrant, plus advice for investing while on S...
Vox Guide to Entrepreneurship
Explainers, advice, and first-person accounts on what it takes to be your own boss.
Even Better
The musicians spent 10 years renovating a derelict old building in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and turned it into a thriving business.
By Nicole Dieker Finley
Even Better
The greeting card illustrator and the head of a gifting startup got together to support the Buy Black movement.
By Nicole Dieker Finley
Even Better
These small-town biz owners are determined to stay connected to their customers.
By Nic...
On the Money
We need your support today
Independent journalism is more important than ever. Vox is here to explain this unprecedented election cycle and help you understand the larger stakes. We will break down where the candidates stand on major issues, from economic policy to immigration, foreign policy, criminal justice, and abortion. We’ll answer your biggest questions, and we’ll explain what matters — and why. This timely and essential task, however, is expensive to produce.
We rely on readers like y...
I know I’m supposed to be investing. How do I start?
On the Money is a monthly advice column. If you want advice on spending, saving, or investing — or any of the complicated emotions that may come up as you prepare to make big financial decisions — you can submit your question on this form. Here, we answer two questions asked by Vox readers, which have been edited and condensed.
I’m currently 27 and am fortunate enough to still live at home with my parents and have a solid-paying local government job. I could be more financially literate in a ...
Your Money, Explained
Explainers, advice, and tools to help you navigate all things money and personal finance.
The latest in Your Money, Explained
Sorting out mortgages and car payments can be tricky — especially when a child from a previous marriage is involved.
By Nicole Dieker Finley
Two friends discuss the costs (emotional and financial) of participating in one’s special day.
By Nicole Dieker Finley
Moving from Seattle to Cedar Rapids cost nearly $6,000, and I’m so glad I did it.
By Nicole Dieker Finley
Pagin...
What should I do if I didn’t pay my taxes?
On the Money is a monthly advice column. If you want advice on spending, saving, or investing — or any of the complicated emotions that may come up as you prepare to make big financial decisions — you can submit your question on this form.
This month, we’re answering four reader questions about taxes — and to ensure that we’re giving the best advice, I’m teaming up with Caitlynn Eldridge, an Omaha-based CPA who has spent her entire career focusing on tax prep, including two years with Deloitt...
Earn Money Writing: 4 Big Lessons from a $126K+ Freelancer
In 2020, I had my second six-figure year as a freelance writer, grossing $126,683 before business expenses and taxes.
Money Talks: One friend got married, the other was her maid of honor
Tiana and Latesha have been friends for almost 20 years. So Tiana, naturally, served as maid of honor in Latesha’s wedding — an opportunity that cost her nearly $3,000.
7 store rewards programs worth joining
Signing up with one of the best rewards programs can save you money – and combining a top store rewards program with one of the best rewards credit cards can save you even more.
How to create generational wealth
Eight things anyone can do to leave a legacy for their loved ones.
Everything you need to know about credit utilization ratio
Credit utilization refers to the amount of available credit you’re currently using, and it makes up 30 percent of your credit score, meaning a high credit utilization ratio often correlates with...
Is it worth paying an annual fee for a credit card?
Should you pay an annual fee for a credit card? It all depends on what you hope to get out of the card – and how much you’re willing to pay for the privilege.