These 4 Mistakes Cost Me $4,500 When Paying Off My Student Loans

2 weeks ago 8

Article updated on Oct 14, 2024

After eight years, a few layoffs and even a scam, I finally cleared my $15,000 balance.

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Daniella Flores

CNET Money Expert

Daniella Flores (they/them) is a former software engineer and founder of the two-time award-winning money, career and side hustle resource platform "I Like to Dabble" for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent folks. Daniella has been featured in The New York Times, TIME, Investopedia, CNBC, MSN, Business Insider and more. They believe that none of us should have to do just one thing our entire lives, nor accept discrimination or toxic workplace behavior to "make a living." Their mission is to change the way we work by shining a light on the possibilities to make money with our own creative energy and to gain more control in our lives.

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Dashia Milden

Dashia is a staff editor for CNET Money who covers all angles of personal finance, including credit cards, banking and consumer spending. From reviews to news coverage, she aims to help readers make more informed decisions about their money. Dashia was previously a staff writer at NextAdvisor, where she covered credit cards, taxes, banking B2B payments. She has also written about safety, home automation, technology and fintech.

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Courtney Johnston

Courtney Johnston

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Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.

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Our Experts

Daniella FloresDashia MildenCourtney Johnston

Written by 

Daniella Flores

Daniella Flores

CNET Money Expert

Daniella Flores (they/them) is a former software engineer and founder of the two-time award-winning money, career and side hustle resource platform "I Like to Dabble" for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent folks. Daniella has been featured in The New York Times, TIME, Investopedia, CNBC, MSN, Business Insider and more. They believe that none of us should have to do just one thing our entire lives, nor accept discrimination or toxic workplace behavior to "make a living." Their mission is to change the way we work by shining a light on the possibilities to make money with our own creative energy and to gain more control in our lives.

See full bio

Edited by 

Dashia Milden

Dashia is a staff editor for CNET Money who covers all angles of personal finance, including credit cards, banking and consumer spending. From reviews to news coverage, she aims to help readers make more informed decisions about their money. Dashia was previously a staff writer at NextAdvisor, where she covered credit cards, taxes, banking B2B payments. She has also written about safety, home automation, technology and fintech.

See full bio

Courtney Johnston

Courtney Johnston

Senior Editor

Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.

See full bio

CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid.

Reviews ethics statement

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Daniella Flores

Written by

CNET Money Expert

Daniella Flores (they/them) is a former software engineer and founder of the two-time award-winning money, career and side hustle resource platform "I Like to Dabble" for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent folks. Daniella has been featured in The New York Times, TIME, Investopedia, CNBC, MSN, Business Insider and more. They believe that none of us should have to do just one thing our entire lives, nor accept discrimination or toxic workplace behavior to "make a living." Their mission is to change the way we work by shining a light on the possibilities to make money with our own creative energy and to gain more control in our lives.

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