Author: Lauren Bennett

Lauren Bennett is a core contributing expert to the MoneyPantry team, specializing in practical financial strategies for everyday life. Below you will find all the articles she has authored for our site.

With over a decade of experience in the personal finance space, she writes detailed, actionable guides on mastering a budget, navigating the world of frugal living, and launching effective side hustles.

Lauren shares MoneyPantry’s core belief that financial advice is only useful if it’s clear, easy to understand, and grounded in real-world experience. Her work perfectly embodies our mission to demystify personal finance for everyone.

To maintain our high standards, every article by Lauren is personally reviewed and fact-checked by our founder, Saeed Darabi, ensuring the advice is always accurate, trusted, and aligned with our values.

To learn more about our editorial process and the full story behind MoneyPantry, please visit our main About Page.

How to Open a Bank Account in Minutes (& What You Need!)

One of the signs of becoming an adult and managing your money is opening your first bank account. People open a Checking or Savings account at ... - Continue -

15 Free Printable Budget Templates to Manage Your Money Like a Pro!

Budgeting is so important. It can give us more control over our finances and help us save for the future. Even so, 57% of households don't actually ... - Continue -

11 Best Cell Phone Plans for Kids in 2025

In today’s post, I’ll be discussing the best cell phone plans for kids. Thankfully, because of the level of the competition, these days there are ... - Continue -

How Old do You Have to Be to Get a Debit Card? (2025 Update!)

The total number of debit card users in the United States is more than 5 billion people! But, just how old do you have to be to get a debit ... - Continue -

30 Best Free Educational Apps for Kids to Learn Fast!

From reading to learning about colors, there are lots of free online classes for kids as well as different educational apps for kids out there that ... - Continue -

Wells Fargo Routing Number 2025: How to Find Yours Instantly

Looking for your Wells Fargo routing number? Whether you need it to set up direct deposits, send money like with wire transfers, or order checks, ... - Continue -

21 Best Free Movie Apps for Firestick: Stream Free Movies, Shows & Live TV

Looking for the best free movie apps for Firestick and Fire TV? I love to watch movies particularly mysteries and thriller movies. However, if you ... - Continue -

20 Best Free Weight Loss Apps (to Lose Weight Successfully!)

Losing weight can be tough! Thankfully, there are weight loss apps that can help you lose weight successfully. And while studies show that ... - Continue -

15 Best Sites to Buy Used Cars this Year!

If you are in the market for a used car, you probably have wondered what is the best place to buy a used car or truck. And, you’re not ... - Continue -