Stephanie Faris

My Latest Work

The Penny Hoarder •

Is It Better to Be a Homeowner or a Renter? This Guide Will Help You Decide

Homeownership is the great American dream. Investing in a property not only offers a place to live, it builds equity over time. But buying a home doesn’t pack the punch it once did. Renting makes more sense for an increasing number of consumers. In fact, a recent poll found many younger Americans prefer renting because of the flexibility and affordability it comes with. If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy, we’re here to break down the pros and cons.
Renting gets a bad rap. For many...
The Penny Hoarder •

What Is the 4% Rule in Retirement? Myth vs. Fact

Retirement means relaxing, traveling or taking up new activities. No more stressful commutes or long meetings. Instead, you can do all the things you couldn’t do when you were working full time. If you’ve researched ways to prepare for this financially, you may have come across the 4% rule for retirement.
Retirement can feel like a dream. But the cold, hard truth is retirement means losing your salary and shifting to Social Security and/or pensions to pay bills. Ideally, you’ll have set some mon...
TIME Stamped Shopping •

Soundbar vs Speakers: What’s the Right Sound System for You?

Few things can provide an escape like kicking back with a tub of popcorn at your favorite movie theater. But, the right sound setup can help you bring movie night into your own living room. A simple soundbar can take home entertainment to the next level, but there are times when speakers are necessary, as well. So, what’s the difference between a soundbar and speakers?

We reached out to audio experts to help walk us through the distinction so you can choose the right sound system for you and your home.
The Penny Hoarder •

Is An Early Retirement Package Actually a Good Deal?

If you’re counting down the days to retirement, an early retirement offer can feel tempting. You can’t wait to relax and enjoy life after a lifetime of working, so why not jump in? Actually, early retirement packages aren’t the best idea for everyone. 
Before you pack up your office and sign on the dotted line, take the time to crunch the numbers. That way, you can make sure it’s the best choice for you. Here’s what you need to know about early retirement packages.
AP Buyline Shopping •

Best backpacks for school: An option for every budget and student

Every school year, students load up on pencils, notebooks and paper, and they’ll need a way to carry all that stuff around. The best backpacks for students will hold textbooks and supplies, distributing their weight evenly to protect your kiddo's joints. But with so many functional (and stylish) options fighting for your attention, it’s important to look at the most crucial features and make sure you’re getting the right backpack to fit your needs.
The Penny Hoarder •

How to Change Your Estate Plan After Your Spouse Dies

Nobody lives forever, but death isn’t the most pleasant topic. So it can feel all too easy to put off estate planning, putting you at risk of dying without a will or directions for your final arrangements. But even if you’re among the 1 in 3 Americans who have a will, your work isn’t done. It’s important to regularly revisit your documents and change your estate plan to reflect your current circumstances. 
This is especially important after a spouse dies. But a spouse’s death can be complicated....

About Me

I am a branded content writer and blogger, specializing in the finance and technology space. I write for a wide range of businesses and marketing agencies. Currently, my work regularly appears on The Penny Hoarder, AP Buyline, and Time Stamped, among many other sites. I'm also a Simon & Schuster children's author and romance novelist with more than 50 published books across multiple pen names.

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