Jill Chafin, staff writer for LendingTree

Jill A. Chafin

Staff Writer

Jill A. Chafin is a staff writer at LendingTree, where she covers small business solutions, credit cards, insurance, student loans and more. Jill focuses on explaining complex financial topics with a speciality in writing in-depth but easy-to-understand content guides.

As a former business owner, Jill is passionate about entrepreneurial tips, tax strategies and bookkeeping systems — basically anything that will help business owners devote more time to their trade.

Before joining LendingTree in 2022, Jill freelanced for various publications, including the Motley Fool and Life Savvy.

When not researching personal finance tips (like maximizing credit card rewards to score free flights), Jill’s busy traveling, working on her novels, teaching and performing circus arts — and juggling life with her two kids.

Specialties

  • Credit card reviews
  • Credit card rewards programs
  • Small business lender reviews
  • Small business tax and bookkeeping strategies

Achievements

  • 7+ years of personal finance experience
  • 20+ years freelance writing and editing experience
  • 200+ articles written and edited for LendingTree
  • Refined product reviews for various loans and credit cards featured on LendingTree
  • Provided expertise to LendingTree’s small business content
  • Wrote the novel Shaken, scheduled for publication in March 2025

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Advanced diploma in creative writing from Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology)

Jill’s favorite credit cards

“My parents live in New Zealand so I’m obsessed with Chase Ultimate Rewards®. I’ve managed to earn enough points to fly my family of four to the other side of the world three times now — only paying taxes and fees each time.

My favorite all-time card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. While it has an annual fee, it allows you to combine all of your Chase Ultimate Reward points and transfer to partner airlines. Plus, you get a $50 hotel credit every year.

Another great card is the Chase Freedom Flex℠ — there’s no annual fee and I love the rotating 5% categories.”

Articles by Jill A. Chafin

Government Small Business Loans: Here Are Your Options

The government partners with lenders to offer affordable finance options for small business owners. You can get small business loans from the SBA, the USDA... read more

Should You Refinance Student Loans Before Buying a House?

Whether you should refinance student loans before buying a house — or after — depends on your situation. Large student debt payments can weigh on... read more

How to Pay Off $200k in Student Loans

Dealing with student loan debt can be overwhelming, especially if you’re buried under a significant amount. While paying off $200,000 or more in student loans... read more

What is a Stafford Loan?

“Federal Stafford loans” are the name of an older version of Department of Education student loans. They have since been replaced by federal Direct loans,... read more

Private Student Loan Default: What Happens and How to Recover

A private student loan default could damage your credit score and lead to other harsh consequences, such as wage garnishment or a lawsuit. Because of... read more

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