Barry Bridges

Senior credit cards editor

About the author

I take a fair amount of heat for being thrifty, and I'm not sure that's a bad thing. Living within your means and simplifying where possible are two of the keys to financial wellness, and my personal experience bears it out. That said, I'm not averse to occasionally splurging on a pair of well-made sneakers or an MLB streaming package (Bronx Bombers Rule).

Expertise

Personal finance, credit cards (balance transfer, zero interest and student)

Personal finance experience

Writer and Editor for The Simple Dollar (2017-2018)
Senior Editor, Bankrate.com (2018-present)

Previous professional experience

Reporter, news editor, city editor and editorial page editor at two daily newspapers in North Carolina
Two-time winner, North Carolina Press Association Journalism Contest

Education

B.A. in Mass Communication with Distinction, University of North Carolina at Asheville

Notable publications

What is a balance transfer credit card and how does it work? - Bankrate.com
Use a 0% intro APR card to avoid the Ghost of Interest Future - Bankrate.com
Taking Over Your Aging Parents' Finances - The Simple Dollar
Love and Coverage: How Getting Married Changes Your Insurance - Nasdaq.com
Renters Insurance Required: A Win-Win for Apartment Owners & Tenants - Zillow

Recent Articles By Barry Bridges

Credit Cards

How to do a balance transfer

Moving credit card debt to a low-interest card can be a smart financial move — if you do it right.

5 MIN READ Apr. 2, 2021

Loans

9 ways to spot personal loan scams

Follow these tips to avoid falling prey to personal loan fraudsters.

9 MIN READ Mar. 25, 2021

Credit Cards

Use a 0% intro APR card to avoid the Ghost of Interest Future

Afraid of that January credit card bill? A 0% intro APR card could help you avoid interest on holiday purchases if you use the introductory offer strategically.

2 MIN READ Dec. 7, 2020

Auto Loans

5 steps for buying your leased car the smart way

A lease buyout could be a good idea as long as you shop around first.

4 MIN READ Oct. 27, 2020

Personal Finance

Charitable giving: How to maximize your donations

Tax law changes have raised the dollar threshold for claiming itemized deductions. Here’s how to make sure your generosity still counts.

4 MIN READ Mar. 13, 2019

Loans

Other uses for personal loans

See below for other uses for personal loans: Financing Fertility Treatments Andy Bowen March 9, 2018 in Personal Loans Only a few states mandate health insurance coverage for major fertility treatments [...]

52 MIN READ Jan. 4, 2019

Loans

Alternative Uses for Personal Loans

See the articles below for alternative uses of personal loans. Financing Fertility Treatments Andy Bowen March 9, 2018 in Personal Loans Only a few states mandate health insurance coverage for major [...]

50 MIN READ Jan. 4, 2019

Loans

Student loan consolidation vs. student loan forgiveness

Student loan consolidation or student loan forgiveness? The choice depends on your career path, your amount of debt and your priorities.

3 MIN READ Oct. 29, 2018

Banking

Tech-based mortgage lenders: Fast and flourishing

“Fin-Tech” lenders may provide quicker processing times for online mortgage shoppers.

3 MIN READ Jun. 4, 2018

Loans

Student Loan Grace Periods: How to Maximize Your Time

Is there a grace period for student loans? In many cases, yes. A loan with a grace period gives you a temporary window before you’re required to start making monthly payments — the key word being temporary. [...]

3 MIN READ May. 8, 2018