Lauren Schwahn

Lead Writer | Personal finance, debt, credit scoring

Lauren Schwahn is a writer at NerdWallet who covers credit scoring, debt, budgeting and money-saving strategies. She has contributed to the "Millennial Money" column for The Associated Press. Her work has also been featured by USA Today, MSN, The Washington Post and more. Lauren has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is based in San Francisco.

Education: B.A. in history from University of California, Santa Cruz

Lauren's picks

Emergency Fund: What It Is and Why It Matters

by Margarette Burnette

Best kept in a savings account, an emergency fund is useful for unexpected expenses.

Monthly 50/30/20 Budget Calculator

by Elizabeth Ayoola

Enter your monthly after-tax income into this free budget calculator to create a suggested 50/30/20 budget.

Pay Off Debt: Strategies and Tips

by Tiffany Curtis, Lauren Schwahn

Learn strategies for whittling down what you owe, and get insight into the best approach depending on your debt load.

Lauren has also nerded out in...

Other publications

The Associated Press, The Washington Post, The New York Times, USA Today, MarketWatch, Nasdaq

The latest from Lauren

What Is Layaway, and Should You Use It for Black Friday Shopping?

3 Black Friday Scams to Watch for and How to Stay Safe

Slash Your Bills With a Phone Call: 7 Pro Negotiating Tips

If you’re looking to cut expenses before the holidays, being polite, knowing competitor rates and highlighting your loyalty may help you save on your bills.

Holiday Deals Are Here. Don’t Let Debt Follow

Make a budget, research retailer policies and compare prices to keep holiday debt at bay.

How to Protect Your Social Security Number

While you can’t freeze your Social Security number, you can take steps to protect it, such as blocking electronic access to it and storing your documents in a safe place.

Aura Review 2024: Is This Identity Theft Protection App Worth the Cost?

Aura's plans are $21-$80 a month. The service offers broad security and a generous family plan. Still, there may be cheaper ways to protect yourself.

How to Stay Safe From Third-Party Seller Scams

Medical Debt Could Vanish From Credit Reports. What to Do Now

What to Buy at the Grocery Store

Add basic items like fruits, grains and proteins to your grocery list, and follow some tips to avoid overbuying.

9 of the Best Money-Making Apps of 2025

Free apps like Ibotta and Upwork can put more money in your pocket.

Why Adding a Child as an Authorized User Might Not Help Their Credit

How Much to Tip at a Nail Salon

It’s customary to tip 10% to 20% for nail salon services.

Should You Care About Your Partner’s Credit Score?

What Is the Average Credit Score by Age, and What Is a Good Score for My Age?

Credit scores typically rise with age, but the “good” range stays the same no matter how old you are.

Smart Money Podcast: How to Manage Credit and Debt for Financial Wellness in 2024

Prepare for financial health in 2024 with strategies for managing your credit and getting and staying out of debt.