The hidden costs of debt: What 3 experts wish more people understood
Debt can have lasting effects on mental health — experts discuss how you can get unstuck.
7 min read
Mar 17, 2025
Lane Gillespie
Former Writer, Personal Finance
-
50articles written for Bankrate
-
6Years of experience
EXPERTISE
- Personal finance
- Financial planning
- Budgeting
- Economy
EDUCATION
- B.A. in communications, University of Houston
About the author
Lane Gillespie is a former writer for Bankrate, who specialized in writing well-rounded financial content that answered readers' questions, regardless of where they are in their financial journey. Lane was a real estate and business journalist for three years, specializing in his hometown of Houston.
He has been a journalist for a decade, with bylines appearing in Bisnow, the Houston Business Journal, the Houston Chronicle and more. He has a bachelor's degree in communications, specializing in journalism, from the University of Houston.
When not working, Lane is usually hiking, writing fiction, or reading fantasy novels on the beach.
Lane beyond Bankrate
Lane wants you to know
Lane always feels that he can make smarter money decisions if he plans ahead of time. He based his own budget off of YNAB, which allocates every dollar in different categories like rent, groceries, eating out and shopping. Knowing where your money will go before you spend it has eliminated a lot of stress – and impulsive buying.
Lane's latest articles
-
-
Federal layoffs are plunging workers into a tough labor market. Here’s how to prepare for the worst
Laid-off federal workers are in for a tough job hunt. Here’s how to prepare.
5 min read Mar 03, 2025 -
“Middle class” feels more confusing than ever. Here’s how you can avoid being caught in the middle
Middle-income Americans often don’t feel financially secure, despite their salaries.
7 min read Jan 09, 2025 -
Greg McBride’s 2024 financial checklist: 15 tasks to complete by the end of the year
Bankrate’s Greg McBride shares the money moves you should make before 2025.
9 min read Dec 13, 2024 -
Americans show curiosity about moving abroad post-election, despite many living paycheck to paycheck
Bankrate broke down how much it might cost to move to popular international locales.
5 min read Nov 26, 2024 -
Survey: 41% of Americans say inflation is their top economic issue for the 2024 election
Weeks before the election, most people feel pessimistic about where the economy is headed.
6 min read Oct 15, 2024 -
Survey: Americans think money is more taboo to talk about than their political or religious views
American culture changes at a breakneck pace — just ask fans of Stanley cups and skinny jeans in 2024. But over the past decades, one mantra hasn’t changed much: Don’t talk about your personal finances. [...]
6 min read Oct 07, 2024 -
We’re personal finance journalists — and we’re revealing our expert tactics to increase your career earnings
Six Bankrate experts share the career moves that let them get ahead financially.
6 min read Sep 26, 2024