Lorien Strydom

Finance Writer

Lorien is the Country Manager for Financer US and has a strong background in finance and digital marketing. She is a fintech enthusiast and a lover of all things digital.

Biography

With a strong background in finance and HR, I decided to turn my focus to content management in 2007, working my way up as an expert writer on personal finance, investment, and fintech topics.

I am currently the Country Manager for Financer.com US where I help consumers in the U.S. make better decisions about their personal and business finances.

I also work as a financial writer, editor, blogger, and ghostwriter for various well-known brands worldwide. Prior to joining Financer.com, I’ve owned and managed a small content development firm in South Africa, serving clients globally.

I am currently pursuing an LL.B degree from the University of South Africa and a financial degree from ICB.

Experience

  • Financial writer for more than a decade.
  • Pursuing an LL.B law degree from UNISA.
  • Pursuing a financial degree from ICB.
  • Joined Financer.com in 2021.
Loans

Cash Flow Loans

* Compare 5 types of cash flow loans with rates starting from 7% APR for qualified borrowers. * Get funded in as little as 24 hours with no collateral required. * Find the right financing option based on your revenue, credit score, and business needs.

7 min read
Loans

Direct Lenders

* Compare rates, terms, and fees from verified direct lenders * No brokers or middlemen involved in the lending process * Find same-day funding options available in your state

10 min read
Loans

Mortgage Loans

* Compare mortgage rates, terms, and origination fees from multiple lenders. * Find the best mortgage loan for your situation with our free comparison tool. * Learn about loan types, qualification requirements, and how to save.

8 min read
Over-ear headphones, a microphone, blank notes, and a coin jar arranged on a finance podcast listening table.
Personal finance

Best Finance Podcasts

From investing basics to financial independence strategies, these top-rated finance podcasts deliver actionable money advice for every listener.

11 min read
A real estate investor reviews funding folders, keys, coin stacks, and a building model inside a renovation property.
Loans

Real Estate Business Loans

From SBA loans to hard money lenders and crowdfunding, here are 7 proven ways to fund your real estate business and secure capital for your next deal.

6 min read
A finance content creator desk shows a microphone, camera lens, blank planning cards, coins, and a navy mug.
Personal finance

Top Finance Influencers

Our ranked list of the best personal finance influencers in the U.S., from YouTube stars to TikTok educators and Wall Street veterans.

14 min read
A kitchen table compares two home equity financing paths with a house model, folders, keys, envelopes, and coin stacks.
Loans

Cash-Out Refi vs HELOC

Comparing cash-out refinancing and HELOCs side by side, with current rates, requirements, and advice on which fits your situation.

6 min read
A blank credit card sits under a magnifying glass beside a wallet, a fee envelope, and a small jar of coins.
Cards

Coign Credit Card

Everything you need to know about the Coign VISA credit card, including current rates, rewards, and who it is best for.

4 min read
A credit-file folder, bureau folders, ID card, magnifying glass, savings jar, and coins sit on a desk.
Loans

Credit Score Updates

Your credit score can change every time a lender reports new data to the bureaus. Here is how the update cycle works and what you can do about it.

5 min read
A retirement investing table shows reading glasses, a cane, blank portfolio folder, coins, and a house key.
Invest

Robinhood IRA

Robinhood offers up to a 3% IRA match for Gold members on every dollar contributed. We cover fees, limits, investment options, and alternatives.

6 min read
A parent and college-age student plan education funding with blank envelopes, a savings jar, and a navy folder.
Loans

Pay for College

From FAFSA to 529 plans, discover the best ways to pay for college without taking on excessive debt.

6 min read
A blank credit card is separated from recurring payment envelopes by a cut navy loop, with coins and an open padlock nearby.
Cards

Stop Automatic Payments

Stop unwanted automatic charges from draining your credit card. Follow these steps to cancel recurring payments and take control of your finances.

6 min read
A person sitting at a kitchen table late at night with a stack of blank unmarked envelopes and a glass jar of coins
Loans

Get a Payday Loan Online

Get a payday loan online in 7 simple steps. Compare lenders, understand APR costs, and learn how to avoid predatory lending traps.

8 min read
A loan-cost comparison desk shows a modest interest stack beside a taller all-in APR cost stack fed by blank fee envelopes.
Loans

APR vs Interest Rate

* APR includes interest plus fees like origination charges and discount points * Interest rate only reflects the cost of borrowing the principal amount * APR is always equal to or higher than the interest rate on the same loan * Compare APR to APR across lenders to find the true lowest-cost loan

5 min read
A compounding loan scene shows brass discs looping from a small starting stack into a taller final stack beside a blank navy loan folder.
Loans

Effective Interest Rate

* The effective interest rate accounts for compounding, showing the true cost of borrowing or return on savings * Use the formula r = (1 + i/n)^n - 1 to calculate the effective annual rate from any nominal rate * More frequent compounding periods increase the effective rate above the stated nominal rate * Comparing effective rates helps you find the cheapest loan or highest-yielding savings account

5 min read
A blank personal-loan folder, unused pen, empty collateral box, unlocked padlock, and brass discs show an unsecured loan.
Loans

Signature Loans

* A signature loan is an unsecured personal loan backed only by your promise to repay * Typical APRs range from 6% to 36% depending on your credit score * Available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders with amounts from $1,000 to $50,000 * No collateral required, but good credit (670+) gives you the best rates

6 min read
Blank invoice sheets, an approval tray, a cashflow tray, and a business folder show invoice financing.
Loans

Invoice Financing

* Borrow 85-95% of unpaid invoice value for quick cash flow. * Two types: factoring (lender collects) vs. discounting (you collect). * Fees range from 1% to 5% per month.

6 min read
An American college student plans student loan costs at a kitchen table with blank envelopes, a graduation cap, and coin jars.
Loans

Student Loans

* Learn the differences between federal and private student loans. * Understand interest rates, borrowing limits, and repayment plans. * Discover student loan forgiveness programs and debt strategies.

7 min read
An American shopper reviews plain parcels, a blank payment card, installment envelopes, and a household budget jar.
Personal finance

Buy Now Pay Later

* Over 90 million Americans now use BNPL to split purchases into interest-free installments * Top providers include Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Sezzle, and PayPal Pay in 4 * Most BNPL apps do only a soft credit check and charge no interest if you pay on time * Late payments can trigger fees and may be reported to credit bureaus

7 min read
A senior home-equity loan scene shows reading glasses, a cane, a house model, a key, a loan folder, and brass money markers flowing toward a retirement jar.
Loans

Reverse Mortgage

* A reverse mortgage lets homeowners 62+ borrow against their home equity with no monthly mortgage payments * The 2026 HECM lending limit is $1,249,125, the highest in a decade of consecutive increases * Three types exist: HECM (federally insured), proprietary (jumbo), and single-purpose * The loan comes due when you move out, sell the home, or pass away

7 min read
Two neighboring storefront entrances on a small-town street
Personal finance

Credit Union vs Bank

* Credit unions are member-owned nonprofits; banks are shareholder-owned for-profit companies * Credit unions offer lower loan rates and fewer fees, while banks provide broader digital tools and services * Both FDIC (banks) and NCUA (credit unions) insure deposits up to $250,000 * Your best choice depends on whether you prioritize lower costs or wider accessibility

7 min read
A blank loan folder, equal monthly envelopes, and matching coin stacks show fixed installment payments.
Loans

Installment Loans

* Installment loans let you borrow a fixed amount and repay it in scheduled monthly payments * Common types include personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and student loans * Rates range from 6% to 36% APR depending on credit score and lender * Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 580 to 670 to qualify

5 min read
Two blank loan folders are linked by a brass chain with a safety tray, padlock, envelopes, and brass discs.
Loans

Cosigning a Loan

* Up to 75% of cosigned loans may end up in default according to the FTC * Cosigning affects your credit score and debt-to-income ratio * You can be held fully liable if the borrower stops paying * Options exist to remove yourself as a cosigner

6 min read
A low-rise brick commercial building at dusk with a tower crane beside it and navy construction fencing
Loans

Commercial Real Estate Loans

* Commercial real estate loans finance property used for business purposes, with rates starting around 5% in 2026 * Most lenders require 20-35% down payment, a credit score of 680+, and a DSCR of 1.20x or higher * SBA 504 loans offer up to 90% financing with fixed rates and terms up to 20 years * Loan types include conventional mortgages, SBA loans, bridge loans, CMBS loans, and hard money loans

6 min read
A small-business owner stands at a shop worktable with blank loan folders, a storefront model, keys, boxes, and brass discs.
Loans

SBA Loans

* SBA loans are government-backed financing through partner banks, offering lower rates and longer terms than traditional business loans. * Main programs: 7(a) loans up to $5M, 504 loans for real estate and equipment, microloans up to $50K, and disaster loans. * Current 7(a) rates range from 9.75% to 13.25% depending on loan size, with 504 fixed rates around 5.7% to 5.9%. * Requirements include U.S. citizenship, 680+ credit score, 2+ years in business, and meeting SBA size standards.

9 min read
A nearly empty hourglass, blank loan folder, wallet, envelope, and brass discs show an urgent cash need.
Loans

I Need Money Now

* Cash advance apps like EarnIn and Brigit can give you up to $750 before payday with no credit check * Personal loans for bad credit start at 6.6% APR with same-day funding available * You can sell items on Mercari, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace for same-day cash * Government programs like 211, TANF, and LIHEAP offer emergency assistance for those in need

8 min read
An American adult reviews a retirement savings jar, blank loan folder, and repayment envelopes at a kitchen table.
Invest

401(k) Loans

* Borrow up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less * Interest rate is typically prime + 1-2% and goes back into your account * Must repay within 5 years or face taxes and penalties * No credit check required and does not affect your credit score

6 min read
A first-time homebuyer stands outside a modest starter home beside a blank mortgage folder, keys, and a small down-payment jar.
Loans

FHA Loans

* FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score * 2026 loan limits range from $541,287 to $1,249,125 * All FHA borrowers pay upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums * FHA loans are for primary residences only, not investment properties

7 min read
A real-estate loan workbench shows a secured house model, brass key, funding discs, and a blank navy loan folder.
Loans

Hard Money Loan

* Hard money loans are short-term, asset-based loans secured by real estate, not credit history * Interest rates typically range from 10% to 15%, with loan terms of 6 to 36 months * Down payments of 25% to 35% are required, with approval possible in as little as 3 to 5 days * Commonly used by house flippers, real estate investors, and borrowers who need fast funding

7 min read
Loans

Car Loan APR

3 min read
Loans

Small Business Loan Sources

4 min read
Loans

Banks Offering Personal Loans

5 min read
Loans

Personal Loan Timeline

4 min read
Loans

Personal Loan & Credit Score

4 min read
Loans

Credit Score for Personal Loan

5 min read
Loans

Max Personal Loan Amount

5 min read
Loans

Collateral for a Loan

6 min read
Loans

Good Credit Score

5 min read
Loans

Calculate Net Income

5 min read
Loans

Good Interest Rate Used Car

4 min read
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