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Portrait of Lora Shinn

Lora Shinn

Contributor

Lora writes for BECU and other regional and national publications about a range of personal finance topics including credit cards, student loans, home loans, medical debt, auto insurance, health insurance, renters insurance, estate planning, small business and careers. You'll find Lora's work in publications including The Balance, U.S. News and World Report, LendingTree, GoodRx, CNN Money, Bankrate, The Seattle Times, Redbook and Assurance IQ.

Lora has a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Washington.

Learn more about Lora's professional experience and education on LinkedIn and on Lora's website.

A woman sits cross-legged on a fuzzy rug on a wood floor with her laptop open in front of her. She's looking at a piece of paper she's holding up. A bright turquoise arm chair, houseplant and window are behind her. Trees and sunlight fill the window.

What Can I Use a Personal Loan For?

Learn when a personal loan might help you cover a big expense.

About 30 people stand outside in front of tall glass doors. A man in the middle of the photo holding oversized scissors has cut through large red and white ribbons. A red BECU logo is centered at the top of the image.

New BECU Locations Expand Member Access

BECU is opening new locations to meet demand in growing communities.

A BECU member consultant shows a brochure to a member. The member consultant is sitting on a couch and smiling at the member who is seated across from her in a cushioned chair facing away from the camera.

Teller vs. Tellerless: What To Know

Compare teller and tellerless options at BECU locations.

Two small business owners stand outside a flower truck filled with fresh bouquets in front of a local storefront.

How To Choose a Business Credit Card

Find a business credit card that works for how you run your business.

A small business owner works at a desk with a laptop, fabric samples and sewing tools in a creative workspace.

7 Reasons to Get a Business Credit Card

Learn how a business credit card can help your business thrive.

A woman stands in a professional radio studio beside a mixing console, wearing headphones and positioned near a broadcast microphone, with multiple computer monitors displaying audio and messaging software.

Music and Members Matter

KEXP and BECU celebrate their longtime partnership.

A woman wearing an apron holding a potted plant inside an indoor plant shop, filled with hanging and shelved greenery.

Credit Unions: Good for Business Accounts?

Learn more about opening and using a credit union business account.

Two Black men in an office setting smile and shake hands while seated at a desk with documents and a laptop in front of them.

Black Co-ops: Building Financial Stability

Learn how Black-founded co-ops help build wealth and support communities.

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Cooper McLeod speedskating in a blue racing suit, leading a race on an indoor rink.

Olympic Speedskater Balances Blades and Budgets

Learn about Cooper McLeod's financial reality and he chases Olympic gold.

A large group of BECU employees standing on a blue and gold stage during an awards ceremony, with two employees holding awards.

BECU Wins Community, Advocacy Awards

Learn about BECU's awards and industry recognition.

A large crowd gathers next to Northern Quest Casino for an outdoor concert. People are standing in bleachers and on the floor. Bright lights shine from the stage, and a sunset is visible in the background.

Tribal Businesses Fuel Washington Economy

Learn about work by and for Native American tribes.

A person sits cross-legged on a couch with their back to the camera. A laptop rests on their lap, displaying a Fraud & Security webpage.

9 Ways To Avoid Being Hacked in 2025

Strong passwords and authentication are two ways to protect your accounts.

A woman with curly hair and glasses smiling while leaning out of the driver’s side window of a car, wearing a denim jacket.

How To Buy a Car

Learn how to search out great deals and line up financing before you buy a car.

Two young college-aged students sitting at a table inside located in front of large windows. Trees are in the background outside. The two students are looking together at the screen of a laptop that's in front of one of the students, who is typing on the laptop keyboard. The other student not in front of the laptop is holding a pen in one hand and has a book in their other hand resting on the table, open to a page.

Federal Student Loan Repayment

Learn more about changes to student loans.

A father and son stand in front of a house. The son holds a box filled with personal belongings, suggesting he may be moving out.

9 Great Ways To Save for College

Learn how different accounts can help you save for college.

Interior view of a BECU lobby with glass windows and two ATMs positioned around the area.

What Is a Credit Union?

How credit unions work to provide services to members.

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A phone screen displaying a text message with a notification that says, "Potential Scam."

Six Top Financial Scams in 2025

Learn about common scams that could swipe your savings and identity.

Exterior of a BECU neighborhood financial center with a red LED advertising screen visible. The interior of the building can be seen through the windows, and the building’s glass reflects cars passing on the street.

NCUA vs. FDIC: Protecting Your Money

Learn how your accounts are covered at insured credit unions and banks.

Mother and teenage daughter sitting on a couch, smiling and chatting while using a laptop.

Teaching Teens About Money

Learn about how to talk to teens about money matters.

Aida Alvarez, head of the Small Business Administration, shakes hands with Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin during a Small Business Week event in 1999.

8 Latinx Business Leaders

Learn about eight Latinx trailblazers in U.S. business and finance.

Three people sit at a kitchen island with documents and a laptop, discussing a possible sale. One man appears to be signing papers while his partner looks at the papers and smiles.

How To Win a Bid in a Seller's Market

Even in a tough market, buyers can win a home.

A family of four enters a home with excitement. The parents walk arm in arm, with the father holding the open door. Their two smiling children lead the way into the entryway.

Reasons To Refinance Your Mortgage

Is now the right time to refinance your mortgage?

Two young people smile at each other as they walk down the stairs inside a home or apartment while holding a pair of moving boxes in each of their hands.

​​Renting vs. Buying a Home

​​Learn factors to consider when deciding whether to rent or buy.​

Close-up of a man's hands counting money while standing in a bank teller line. A woman's hands are visible behind the counter, as if she just gave him the money.

What Are the Downsides of Payday Loans?

Learn about payday loans and alternatives.

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A young girl pets a pony's nose in an outdoor wooden stable.

Disability-Empowerment Nonprofits To Know

Learn about seven programs and life-changing services.

A woman smiles while looking down at her phone. To the right is a pop-up illustration of a BECU banking alert. The notification says, " $100.00 (ATM Transfer Credit From Sa...) was deposited into your XXXX * Checking Account."

7 Account Alerts You Should Set Up

Learn how account alerts can help you better manage your money.

Two individuals seated at a table in an office setting, collaborating over a laptop. The woman, on the right, is holding a pen and has short blue hair. She's wearing a white top. The man, on the left, has dark hair and is wearing a blue long sleeve shirt.

How To Save Money

Learn smart ways to save more money.

A big red-sided float carrying music DJs travels down a street in Seattle. The side has the BECU logo and says "Pride Marches On" in big white letters surrounded by rainbow colors. BECU employees are walking behind the float. Some are wearing rainbow clothes and carrying rainbow flags.

BECU Celebrates Pride Month

Learn about exciting upcoming summer Pride events.

A mom and a child sitting on a couch, reading a book together. The two are smiling and both looking down at the book.

How Automatic Savings Plans Help You Save

New approaches to saving money can help you save more and hit savings goals.

A senior couple stands closely in a park. There are trees and greenery in the background.

How To Budget on a Fixed Income

Smart tips to stretch your money on a fixed income.

A woman on a bench, using a laptop, with a park setting in the background. She's wearing a teal blazer and has long dark hair.

7 Asian American Financial Influencers

Learn about these "finfluencers" and their platforms.

A smiling woman stands at a table with a promotional sign behind her. She has a light blue name badge and is wearing a black shirt.

Women and Money: How Learning Builds Confidence

Learn how women increased money confidence through education and empowerment.

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A woman in a blue blazer seated in a chair engages in conversation with another woman seated in front of her. The woman in blue has her hands up, like she's explaining a concept. They are in an indoor BECU financial setting.

9 Steps To Plan for Financial Uncertainty

Manage money anxiety with this financial review and roadmap.

A family enjoys a meal together at a picnic table. A man is seated passing out chips and other family members are gathered and seated around the table with burgers.

What’s the 2026 Gift Tax Limit?

Learn about taxes on gifts.

A group of BECU Black Alliance Cooperative (BAC) employee's pose in front of a Black History Month flag. The six of them are standing in a line and the flag consists of red, green, yellow and black colors with a tree in the middle.

Creating Equitable Pathways to Leadership

How mentorship and business practices can combine to diversify leadership.

Two men in a warehouse inspecting a wooden plank, with various wood materials around them. The man on the right is wearing a hard hat and is holding a clip board. The other is wear a button up tee and pointing to the stack of wood.

8 Business Checking Account Benefits

Business checking accounts can benefit small business owners.

A woman poses next to a black car, showcasing the car and her excitement. She is holding the door open and smiling. She's wearing a striped white and red shirt and blue jeans. In the background are trees and grass.

How Much Car Can I Afford?

Learn how to budget for a car purchase.

An elderly couple looks out of a window, holding each other with a red blanked draped over their shoulders.

Protecting Elders From Fraud

Learn about risks and what's being done to help Native and Indigenous elders.

A group of BECU members participating in the Spokane Lilac Parade. They are holding a red BECU banner, wearing blue Veterans t-shirts and smiling proudly.

Military Veterans Reflect on Money Matters

BECU military veterans discuss financial challenges and opportunities.

A woman stands next to a white SUV in a parking lot setting, she's wearing a black top and black plaid pants. She has one hand on her hip and is smiling proudly. There are trees and another parked car in the background.

How To Get the Best Deal on a New Car

New car shopping requires savvy strategies.

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A man in a green jacket stands next to a gray SUV, he is wearing jeans and smiling. In the background are trees.

Should I Get Preapproved for a Car Loan?

Learn why, how and when to get preapproved for a car loan.

Four people gathered around an open vehicle trunk. They are chatting in a parking lot setting, having a conversation together.

How To Finance a Car From a Private Seller

Learn the process for financing a car from a private seller.

A man is seated at a desk, in a home office setting, focused on his laptop while working. He is wearing glasses and a button up shirt. In the background is a bookshelf with books and other home decor. The window next to him makes the setting bright.

Overcoming Data-Breach Fatigue

How to avoid weariness while also avoiding worry about data leaks and breaches.

A family stands together in their kitchen, smiling for a photo. There is a grandfather, grandmother and three grandchildren. There are several framed photos, a refrigerator and vase with flowers on the floor behind them.

Latinx Retirement: Saving Despite Barriers

Culturally relevant approaches can help increase opportunities to build wealth.

Two men standing side by side, smiling as they collaborate on a home renovation project. The man on the left is pointing upward and wearing a white shirt. The main on the right is wearing a plaid shirt and is holding a clip board and rolled up sketch paper. They are in a hallway indoors.

10 Ways To Fund Large Home Improvements

Learn about options to pay for home projects that work for your budget.

A family poses together in front of their house. Grouped to the left is a woman, in the middle is a child and to the right is a man. They are standing in the outside entryway in front of a green hedge and sold sign.

Is Now a Good Time To Buy a House?

Here's what you should know if you're looking to buy a house.

A family posing together in an outdoor setting, with mountain views, trees and nature all around them. The family of six is holding hands and standing in a line.

7 Financial Tips for Young Professionals

Money management tips and skills to last your career.

A man and woman engage in a flooring project. The man is kneeled over and is measuring flooring on the ground and the woman is sitting behind him on steps. There's a paint can on the steps next to the woman, She has a paint brush in her hand. Both of them are smiling.

How a Home Equity Line of Credit Works

Learn how you can use your equity for home improvement projects.

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Three people standing in front of a brick house, one person is holding and showing a document to the other two. The woman holding the document has curly black hair and glasses. She's wearing a green top and beige pants. The couple, are standing next to each other, looking at the document. A man, in the middle, is wearing a beige top and brown pants. He has dark hair. The woman, to the right, is wearing a white top and light jeans. She has blonde hair. To the left are some plants.

Homebuying as an Unmarried Couple

Learn about legal agreements and title options to protect both of you.

Two women sitting on the steps of a house. The woman on the right has one arm wrapped around the other. She has red long curly hair and is wearing a blue long sleeve cardigan and jeans. The woman on the left has black curly hair. She is wearing a periwinkle-colored long sleeve and black shorts. The home is blue with white trim around the windows and the steps are wooden. On the left are bushes with yellow flowers.

First-Time Homebuyer Guide

From credit score to the front door, navigate homebuying with these steps.

A young boy is sitting on an adaptive bike, while three individuals help to make sure the bike fits correctly. All three women are looking at the bike. Two are wearing gray shirts and one is wearing a tie dye shirt. In the background is other assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and other equipment. They are outside under a red canopy tent. Behind the group are trees and a couple parked cars.

How To Control Costs of Assistive Devices

Learn about resources and payment options for assistive technology and devices.

Three Polaroid family photos displayed on a greenery background. The first photo shows one of dads and a daughter, the second shows both fathers and their daughter, and the third shows the other father and daughter.

LGBTQ+ Couples Plan for the Future

Learn about financial factors for LGBTQ+ people preparing for marriage and kids.

A woman is seated on a couch as she counsels a person who is also seated in a therapy looking setting. She has both her hands raised a bit lower than shoulder length as if she's explaining something. She is wearing a black lanyard, a gray blazer and has long brownish black hair with a side pony tail. The man, who is facing away from the camera has black hair and is wearing a light blue button up. In the background are large windows showing bright light and trees.

Money and Mental Health Self-Care Tips

Learn steps to improve your mental and financial health.

Two ATMs located inside a BECU neighborhood financial center. The ATMs are placed on a red BECU branded wall. There is a BECU branded photograph on the wall as well. On the left is a window showing an outside parking setting.

What is a Checking Account?

Learn how checking accounts work and different types of accounts.

Two women are indoors, seated in an office setting. The woman on the left has brown curly hair. She's holding up both hands, in a descriptive position. She is wearing a white long sleeve shirt and a necklace. The woman on the right has curly dark brown hair. She's wearing her hair up. She has glasses and a white dangly earring. She's wearing a white blouse with black polka dots. She has one hand on her chin, like she's listening. In the background are windows and a plant.

CDs vs. Money Market Accounts

Compare CDs and money market accounts, pros and cons, and what they’re used for.

A black and white family photo with over 30 people posing for a group shot. The ages range from young children to older adults. The photo is captured in a living room setting. There are windows and curtains in the background. Some children are sitting crossed-legged or kneeling in the front, other family members are sitting on chairs in the middle, and many are standing in the back.

​​What My Family Taught Me About Money​

​​ANHPI employees share money lessons that reflect diverse experiences.​

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A man and woman are sitting close together at a table having a conversation. They appear relaxed and their expressions are calm. A cup of coffee and some papers are on the table. They are sitting in front of a white wall with picture molding and a window with a green lawn outside. Sun is shining in the window. The woman is looking at the man and talking while holding a stack of papers. The top few sheets are flipped up so they can look at a page in the stack. The man is looking down at the papers, gesturing with one hand and writing on a piece of paper with the other.

Credit Union vs. Bank CDs: 5 Differences

Learn the differences to find the best account for your savings goals.

A smiling person starts to open the hatch back of a silver car parked in front of a building. He has a suitcase in his hand. He is wearing a black and white striped shirt. In the background is a sidewalk, green bushes and a staircase leading up to the front of a house. Another person is standing at the front of the house.

How To Boost CD Savings: 3 Strategies

Learn three main strategies to help you invest with CDs.

A BECU employee sits down with a member in an office at a neighborhood financial center. The employee is wearing a name tag and a green shirt. The member is facing away from the camera and he is wearing a blue shirt. In the background are desk cabinets, some office supplies like pens and pencils in containers at the employee's desk and a window facing trees.

What Is a CD and How Does It Work?

Learn more about CDs, the different types and the pros and cons of CD investing.

A couple is looking at paperwork in their kitchen. A woman is holding paperwork in her hand while her other hand is rested on her chin in a thinking posture. The man is behind her and is also looking at the paper with one of his hands on his hip. They are in a indoor kitchen setting. The woman appears to be sitting at a kitchen counter, while the man is standing. There are two mugs on the countertop and a computer is open as well.

Joint Accounts: Pros and Cons for Couples

Learn about co-managing finances with your partner using a joint account.

A woman is smiling and handing her card to pay her bill at a restaurant. In front of her is a card reader and a figure's hand reaching for her card. In the background are two women talking. The background is a restaurant setting with a bar in the back.

How To Use a Secured Card To Build Credit

Learn how you can use a secured credit card to help improve your credit.

This image is a close up of someone paying for a transaction with a BECU visa credit card. One person's hands are on their wallet, and the other persons hands are inserting the credit card into a wireless point of sale card reader. They are at what appears to be a wood countertop.

What Is a Secured Credit Card?

Learn how secured credit cards work and how they can help you build credit.

This is an image of a father and son in an airport. They are sitting down in chairs and looking out a window and pointing outside. In the photo in a red suitcase. The son is wearing a gray stripped shirt and has blonde hair. The father is wearing a gray shirt and has brown hair.

Are CDs Worth It Right Now?

If you don’t need access to your money soon, a CD might be good for you in 2025.

A group of nine individuals are seated inside at a table, while one person is standing and presenting in front of the group. The person presenting is holding a piece of paper and reading. To the left of the group another individual is standing and listening. The background displays a projector screen and a brick wall.

Latinx-Owned Businesses See Growth

Latinx-owned businesses are growing — but owners still face barriers in funding.

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This is an illustration of three hands holding up smart phones. Each phone is displaying text message threads with potential text scams. The phone on the left appears to have an alert message. The phone in the middle has question mark icons and a red security flag. The phone on the left has several dollar sign symbols and a red security flag. Each hand has a diverse skin tone color. The background of the illustration is blue.

​How To Spot a Text Scam

​​Is that text real? We identify common scams and ways to spot fake texts.​

A young boy stands next to his mother and father in the aisle of an office supplies store. The family is facing a wall full of writing utensils and other back-to-school supplies, with the father reaching to pull an item off the shelf.

Back-to-School Budget-Friendly Checklist

Browse common school supplies to build your must-buy list.

Young girl in a wheelchair smiles as she looks back at four other members of her family, who are surrounding the young girl on all sides while posing and smiling for the photo.

The Cost and Benefits of Caregiving

Learn about financial challenges caregivers face and resources that can help.

Three people on a kayak in a lake. A man wearing a red life vest in the back, a boy wearing a red life vest in the middle and a boy wearing a yellow life vest in the front. They are holding paddles and smiling at the camera.

CD vs. Savings Accounts: Which Is Best?

Learn which type of account might be a good financial fit for you.

Mother holding a mobile phone sits next to her child who is holding a credit card. They are sitting at a table, smiling. A large green plant is in the background.

Credit vs. Debit Card Options for Kids

Learn how to help build kids’ credit and teach them about managing finances.

Illustration of a credit score gauge. A person is sweating from the effort of pulling on the indicator needle, like it's a lever, to move their credit score up.

Why Did My Credit Score Drop? 11 Reasons

Learn about these common credit-score setbacks and how to improve your score.

Image of a young, smiling couple standing in front of a brick home with one of the individuals holding house keys in their hand.

How Credit Debt Could Affect Your Mortgage

Find out if credit card debt affects whether you qualify for a home loan.

Two adults sit on the floor with a young child while one adult cradles a newborn, all seated closely together.

Year 1 Baby Costs: More Than You Think

Prepare for necessary and optional costs in the first year of your baby's life.

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Person reaching for vegetables in a grocery store produce aisle, holding a head of lettuce with shelves of fresh greens and carrots nearby.

Grocery Inflation: Rising Costs and How To Save

Learn which grocery items cost more and what you can do to save money.

Illustration of five people holding a Pride flag. A cloud of comment bubbles of varying sizes, each containing a dollar sign, is above their heads, to symbolize that they are talking about money.

LGBTQ+ Money Tips

Get personal finance tips from BECU's LGBTQ+ employees.

A woman in a yellow hoodie sits on the floor in a living room setting, holding a credit card and a smartphone, likely making an online purchase. There is a wooden bookshelf and gray couch in the background.

Voice Cloning AI Scams Are on the Rise

Watch out for AI scams that use the voices of family and loved ones.

BECU volunteers carry a red BECU banner while walking in a community parade.

BECU Supports Spokane's Lilac Festival

Discover how BECU supports Spokane's Lilac Festival and Torchlight Parade.