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How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
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LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).

Advertising Disclosure

LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).
Kat Tretina headshot

Kat Tretina

Freelance Writer

Kat Tretina is a personal finance writer focused on helping people understand their financial options, pay down debt and boost their incomes.

After struggling to repay her own student loan debt and seeing firsthand how complex the financial aid and repayment system is, she began writing to share what she learned so other people could better manage their loans.

For the past eight years, she’s been freelancing for major financial publications, Her work has been published by a variety of publications, including Variety, Entrepreneur, and Reader’s Digest.

She has also earned certifications in student loan counseling and financial education, and she’s been quoted as a student loan source by outlets like the Wall Street Journal and CNBC.

Originally from Philadelphia, Kat relocated to Orlando, Florida to escape the cold, and she enjoys the sun and Disney with her husband and three dogs.

Specialties

  • Student loans
  • Debt repayment
  • Credit cards
  • Mortgages
  • Insurance

Achievements

  • Eight years of experience writing about student loans and debt
  • Plutus Award nominee

Education

  • M.A. from West Chester University
  • B.A. from Elizabethtown College

Kat’s thoughts on managing debt

“While confronting high debt balances can be scary, forcing yourself to sit down and calculate just how much you owe is a critical step. From there, you can come up with a plan to conquer your debt and get on track so you accomplish your other financial goals.”

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.

Articles by Kat Tretina

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Chase Mortgage Review 2025

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Can I Use a Home Equity Loan to Pay for College?

Yes, you can use a home equity loan to pay for college — but the bigger question is whether or not you should. Rising interest... read more

Should You Pay Off Student Loans or Buy a House?

Some people consider owning a home as a key financial goal. But if you have college debt, which should you do first: pay off student... read more