Maya Lee – Author at TheFinanceTree.com

Maya Lee

Maya Lee

CCC · Debt Freedom Coach & Credit Building Expert

CCC · B.S. Behavioral Economics · Paid Off $85K in Debt


About Maya

Maya Lee is a millennial money coach and founder of a popular newsletter on debt freedom. After paying off $85,000 in student loans and credit card debt while working a modest salary job, Maya now shares practical, no-fluff advice on budgeting, credit building, and mindset shifts.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Economics and is a Certified Credit Counselor (CCC). Maya lives in Seattle with her partner and two cats, where she experiments with frugal recipes and advocates for financial equity in underrepresented communities.


Areas of Expertise

  • 💚 Student Loan Strategies
  • 💚 Credit Building & Repair
  • 💚 Debt Payoff Methods
  • 💚 Budgeting & Mindset

Credentials

CCC — Certified Credit Counselor
✅ B.S. Behavioral Economics
✅ Paid Off $85K in Student Loans
✅ Personal Finance Newsletter Founder

Articles by Maya Lee (66 articles)

Planning for Repayment of Student Loans After Graduation

When graduating from college, you may have to begin repayment of student loans immediately, but this doesn’t have …

Student Loans
September 17, 2022

Four Simple Tips When Applying for Federal Education Loans

A college education can be expensive, but federal education loans can be your key to affording it….

Student Loans
September 6, 2022

Top Professions with Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

Have a lot of student loan debt? The career you pick might be able to help you with that as you may be able to use a st…

Student Loans
September 2, 2022

Where Can I Get Student Loans for College?

67% of undergraduates rely on student loans for college. You may ask, where can I get student loans for college? There …

Student Loans
August 27, 2022

Three Top Websites for Learning About Student Loans

After learning the cost to attend college, you may panic. However, don’t wait until the last minute to educate yo…

Student Loans
August 19, 2022

How to Estimate Your Student Loan Debt Before You Borrow

Getting a college degree can open the door to a world of opportunities. But seriously, who wants to graduate school with…

Student Loans
August 8, 2022

Know Where to Get a Student Loan Before the Fall Semester Begins

Planning for college involves more than deciding where to attend school. College tuition has skyrocketed in recent years…

Student Loans
July 27, 2022

Applying for a Student Loan Through Direct Loan PLUS

A Direct Loan PLUS can help make college a more affordable reality….

Student Loans
July 8, 2022

Could You Finance Your Education With a Pell Grant

A lack of money doesn’t have to stand in your way of a college education. Pell Grants are an excellent no-debt me…

Student Loans
June 29, 2022

3 Top Government Websites for Learning About Student Loans

If you are like many students and parents, student loans will be a vital component of your financial package….

Student Loans
May 27, 2022

Saving for College: What is a 529 Plan?

It is important to know what a 529 plan is when saving for your child’s college education….

Student Loans
May 1, 2022

Higher Education Basics – What Is a Student Loan?

The cost of attending college provides a significant challenge, so you have to learn what is a student loans….

Student Loans
April 22, 2022

How Do I Set Up a 529 Plan for My Child?

Although you prefer that your child attend college after graduating from high school, the cost of higher education might…

Student Loans
April 20, 2022

House Votes for Variable Rate Student Loans

Millions of college-bound students and their parents rely on student loans to pay tuition and other college expenses, su…

Student Loans
March 5, 2022

5 Facts to Know Before You Apply for Federal Student Loans

Federal student loans offered by the government provide the funds needed to complete a degree program….

Student Loans
January 4, 2022

5 Tips When Applying for Federal Perkins Loans

A Perkins Loan is a need-based student loan offered by the federal government….

Student Loans
December 30, 2021

Budgeting to Make Your Student Loan Payments

Fortunately for the multitude of people who attend college with the help of a federal student loan, repayment doesn&#821…

Student Loans
December 17, 2021

What Government Student Loans Programs Still Available?

Applying for government student loans is your best bet, and with the variety of options, there is a program that’s…

Student Loans
November 28, 2021

5 Facts About Federal Direct Student Loans

Direct Student Loans are the most common type of student loan. Before you apply, make sure you know the facts about thes…

Student Loans
November 9, 2021

What is Parent PLUS Loan?

The Parent PLUS Loan is a federal student loan program for parents who need help paying their kid’s education expe…

Student Loans
October 21, 2021

What Happens When a Lender Forgives a Debt?

Get your negotiator to either forgive or reduce the debt by considering other implications…

Student Loans
October 8, 2021

Steps to Apply for Department of Education Student Loans

Department of Education student loans are available to help you (or your child) achieve educational and career goals….

Student Loans
September 25, 2021

Face The Red Makes a Video Showing the Burden of Student Loans

Face the Red has come up with a short 8 minute video to show the effects of student debt….

Student Loans
September 22, 2021

Estimating Your Student Loan Payment Before You Borrow

Student loans create a financial bind for kids who want to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree….

Student Loans
September 9, 2021

If He Was Your Boyfriend – Justin Bieber Is the Latest Celeb to Have His Own Prepaid Debit Card

Welcome to the world of Justin Bieber and his newly announced position as spokesperson for the Bill My Parents prepaid d…

Credit Cards
February 9, 2021

School Loan Delinquency Rate Surpasses Credit Card Delinquency Rate

School debt is sometimes called “good” debt. It is debt that will help a person get ahead in the job market. However, i…

Student Loans
November 3, 2020

Debt Collectors Cashing in on Student Loans

student loans are the worst type of debt you can have since they are not eligible for forgiveness in bankruptcy except u…

Student Loans
August 27, 2020

Are You at Risk for Getting Hacked?

If you want to keep your personal information private and ensure online security, then it is necessary to take some step…

Credit Cards
August 21, 2020

Thiel Fellowships to Work in the Real World

Peter Theil created Theil Fellowships in order to identify and help highly talented individuals get started without goin…

Student Loans
August 18, 2020

Recheck Your Student Loan Paperwork For Errors

Today, the majority of students will graduate from college with at least some student loan debt.  While student loan deb…

Student Loans
August 8, 2020

Risks of Co-Signing For Student Loans

Today, more students than ever before are taking on debt in order to go to college. With the high cost of tuition at bot…

Student Loans
August 1, 2020

Questions to Ask Before Co-Signing a Lease For Your Child

If you are a parent sending your child off to college, there is a good chance that you are still going to be supporting …

Student Loans
July 27, 2020

What is the Best Credit Card for Students?

If you’re looking for a credit card for students, here are a few features to consider….

Student Loans
July 23, 2020

Higher One to Repay $11 Million to 60,000 Students for Charging Excessive Overdraft Fees

Higher One has agreed to repay $11 Million in restitution to students who were victims of excessive overdraft fees….

Student Loans
July 14, 2020

Will You Be Able to Repay Your Student Loans?

Here are some simple questions to ask yourself to determine if you will be able to repay your student loans….

Student Loans
July 12, 2020

5 Ways to Trim College Costs

Taking out private student loans should always be your last consideration when looking for ways to trim college costs….

Student Loans
July 3, 2020

Is it Worth Going Back to College as an Adult?

There are a few key factors to mull over when deciding whether going back to college is a good choice as an adult or not…

Student Loans
June 26, 2020

Freedom Comes with Paying Off Student Loans

There is no joy quite like the freedom of being free of student loans….

Student Loans
June 23, 2020

What Workers Want in 2012: Millennials, GenerationXers, Baby Boomers, and Current College Students

Seeing clearly what workers want helps explain changes that we’re already seeing in society today….

Student Loans
June 13, 2020

Job Seeking No Longer as Easy For High School Graduates

The total of employed and under employed high school graduates seeking full time work is 45 percent….

Student Loans
June 7, 2020

You Need a College Degree Just to Understand the Financial Aid Packages

Compared to some financial aid packages, the admissions application is no more difficult than a coloring book….

Student Loans
June 2, 2020

High School Degree Not Enough to Open Doors for Job Seekers

Clearly, a high school degree does not open as many doors as it used to….

Student Loans
May 25, 2020

CFPB Financial Aid Comparison Shopper Helps Students Compare Loans

The CFPB Financial Aid Comparison Shopper was developed to help students and their families compare student loans….

Student Loans
May 20, 2020

Defaulting on Your Student Loans

It is easier than ever to consider defaulting on your student loans….

Student Loans
May 16, 2020

Financing Graduate School Education

Students continuing their education after college are likely to find that they will be financing graduate school themsel…

Student Loans
May 9, 2020

The Facts of Life: The Discussion Every Parent Must Have With Their College Student About Money

Starting a conversation with your college student about money may be one of the most important talks you have with your …

Student Loans
May 3, 2020

The Student Loan Primer

In general, the vast majority of students in the United States are able to obtain a federal student loan….

Student Loans
April 29, 2020

What is a Private Student Loan?

If you ever need to get a private student loan, be sure to shop around before signing on it….

Student Loans
April 20, 2020

Where can I get a student loan?

“Where can I get a student loan with the best terms?…

Student Loans
April 14, 2020

What Is A Student Loan?

Understanding what is a student loan may, in fact, help you find an answer to the meaning of life….

Student Loans
April 9, 2020

Will Congress Let the Interest Rate on Student Loans Double?

A rise in the interest rate on student loans will definitely mean that college will cost more than ever….

Student Loans
March 31, 2020

How much student loan debt is outstanding and what is the default rate on student loans?

For those who are having difficulty repaying their student loan debt, there may be some options, as outlined by the DOE …

Student Loans
March 25, 2020

Student Loan Principal-Only Payments: The Basics

Debtors should recognize that principal-only payments do not satisfy requirements to make monthly minimum payments or pa…

Student Loans
March 20, 2020

Is a Student Loan Still a Good Investment?

College students have depended upon a student loan to give them the opportunity they would not have ordinarily had to at…

Student Loans
March 12, 2020

Marriage and Student Loan Debt: The Basics

Read the laws of your state to determine your potential and existing obligations for your partner’s student loan debt….

Student Loans
March 10, 2020

Keeping Out of Financial Trouble at College

The following are ten points I would press on any student to keep out of financial trouble at college….

Student Loans
March 2, 2020

Tax-Free College Savings

The government has created two tax-free college savings programs are available for Americans to use for their children….

Student Loans
February 24, 2020

Budgeting and Preparing for College Expenses

Preparing for college expenses can be both scary and exasperating as the bills pile up….

Student Loans
February 18, 2020

How Much is College Going to Cost?

The question, how much is college going to cost, does not have a simple answer….

Student Loans
February 15, 2020

A Primer for Student Financial Aid

Make sure to register for the Selective Service as well, as all student financial aid requires registration….

Student Loans
February 4, 2020

Conversations with Your College Student about Money

If your college student wants their own account without your name attached, advise that it is up to them to set it up an…

Student Loans
January 31, 2020

How College Savings Plans are Changing

States are offering new features to make 529 savings plans, state-administered college savings plans, more attractive to…

Student Loans
January 25, 2020

Government vs. Private Student Loan Program

Government student loans are the best type of student loan program to get into in almost every situation….

Student Loans
January 17, 2020

Details of Obama’s Pay-As-You-Earn Student Loan Plan

With the Pay-As-You-Earn plan, students and recent graduates can reduce their monthly student loan payments and work tow…

Student Loans
January 13, 2020

Student Loan Discharge into Personal Bankruptcy: Can it be Done?

A borrower cannot expect to have a student loan discharge simply by filing for personal bankruptcy.  Federal and private…

Student Loans
January 8, 2020

Federal Student Loan Programs: Summary for 2011

The U.S. federal government offers three types of federal student loan programs to students enrolled in post-secondary i…

Student Loans
December 30, 2019

Maya Lee

Maya Lee

CCC · Debt Freedom Coach & Credit Building Expert

CCC · B.S. Behavioral Economics · Paid Off $85K in Debt


About Maya

Maya Lee is a millennial money coach and founder of a popular newsletter on debt freedom. After paying off $85,000 in student loans and credit card debt while working a modest salary job, Maya now shares practical, no-fluff advice on budgeting, credit building, and mindset shifts.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Economics and is a Certified Credit Counselor (CCC). Maya lives in Seattle with her partner and two cats, where she experiments with frugal recipes and advocates for financial equity in underrepresented communities.


Areas of Expertise

  • 💚 Student Loan Strategies
  • 💚 Credit Building & Repair
  • 💚 Debt Payoff Methods
  • 💚 Budgeting & Mindset

Credentials

CCC — Certified Credit Counselor
✅ B.S. Behavioral Economics
✅ Paid Off $85K in Student Loans
✅ Personal Finance Newsletter Founder

Articles by Maya Lee (66 articles)

Planning for Repayment of Student Loans After Graduation

When graduating from college, you may have to begin repayment of student loans immediately, but this doesn’t have …

Student Loans
September 17, 2022

Four Simple Tips When Applying for Federal Education Loans

A college education can be expensive, but federal education loans can be your key to affording it….

Student Loans
September 6, 2022

Top Professions with Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

Have a lot of student loan debt? The career you pick might be able to help you with that as you may be able to use a st…

Student Loans
September 2, 2022

Where Can I Get Student Loans for College?

67% of undergraduates rely on student loans for college. You may ask, where can I get student loans for college? There …

Student Loans
August 27, 2022

Three Top Websites for Learning About Student Loans

After learning the cost to attend college, you may panic. However, don’t wait until the last minute to educate yo…

Student Loans
August 19, 2022

How to Estimate Your Student Loan Debt Before You Borrow

Getting a college degree can open the door to a world of opportunities. But seriously, who wants to graduate school with…

Student Loans
August 8, 2022

Know Where to Get a Student Loan Before the Fall Semester Begins

Planning for college involves more than deciding where to attend school. College tuition has skyrocketed in recent years…

Student Loans
July 27, 2022

Applying for a Student Loan Through Direct Loan PLUS

A Direct Loan PLUS can help make college a more affordable reality….

Student Loans
July 8, 2022

Could You Finance Your Education With a Pell Grant

A lack of money doesn’t have to stand in your way of a college education. Pell Grants are an excellent no-debt me…

Student Loans
June 29, 2022

3 Top Government Websites for Learning About Student Loans

If you are like many students and parents, student loans will be a vital component of your financial package….

Student Loans
May 27, 2022

Saving for College: What is a 529 Plan?

It is important to know what a 529 plan is when saving for your child’s college education….

Student Loans
May 1, 2022

Higher Education Basics – What Is a Student Loan?

The cost of attending college provides a significant challenge, so you have to learn what is a student loans….

Student Loans
April 22, 2022

How Do I Set Up a 529 Plan for My Child?

Although you prefer that your child attend college after graduating from high school, the cost of higher education might…

Student Loans
April 20, 2022

House Votes for Variable Rate Student Loans

Millions of college-bound students and their parents rely on student loans to pay tuition and other college expenses, su…

Student Loans
March 5, 2022

5 Facts to Know Before You Apply for Federal Student Loans

Federal student loans offered by the government provide the funds needed to complete a degree program….

Student Loans
January 4, 2022

5 Tips When Applying for Federal Perkins Loans

A Perkins Loan is a need-based student loan offered by the federal government….

Student Loans
December 30, 2021

Budgeting to Make Your Student Loan Payments

Fortunately for the multitude of people who attend college with the help of a federal student loan, repayment doesn&#821…

Student Loans
December 17, 2021

What Government Student Loans Programs Still Available?

Applying for government student loans is your best bet, and with the variety of options, there is a program that’s…

Student Loans
November 28, 2021

5 Facts About Federal Direct Student Loans

Direct Student Loans are the most common type of student loan. Before you apply, make sure you know the facts about thes…

Student Loans
November 9, 2021

What is Parent PLUS Loan?

The Parent PLUS Loan is a federal student loan program for parents who need help paying their kid’s education expe…

Student Loans
October 21, 2021

What Happens When a Lender Forgives a Debt?

Get your negotiator to either forgive or reduce the debt by considering other implications…

Student Loans
October 8, 2021

Steps to Apply for Department of Education Student Loans

Department of Education student loans are available to help you (or your child) achieve educational and career goals….

Student Loans
September 25, 2021

Face The Red Makes a Video Showing the Burden of Student Loans

Face the Red has come up with a short 8 minute video to show the effects of student debt….

Student Loans
September 22, 2021

Estimating Your Student Loan Payment Before You Borrow

Student loans create a financial bind for kids who want to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree….

Student Loans
September 9, 2021

If He Was Your Boyfriend – Justin Bieber Is the Latest Celeb to Have His Own Prepaid Debit Card

Welcome to the world of Justin Bieber and his newly announced position as spokesperson for the Bill My Parents prepaid d…

Credit Cards
February 9, 2021

School Loan Delinquency Rate Surpasses Credit Card Delinquency Rate

School debt is sometimes called “good” debt. It is debt that will help a person get ahead in the job market. However, i…

Student Loans
November 3, 2020

Debt Collectors Cashing in on Student Loans

student loans are the worst type of debt you can have since they are not eligible for forgiveness in bankruptcy except u…

Student Loans
August 27, 2020

Are You at Risk for Getting Hacked?

If you want to keep your personal information private and ensure online security, then it is necessary to take some step…

Credit Cards
August 21, 2020

Thiel Fellowships to Work in the Real World

Peter Theil created Theil Fellowships in order to identify and help highly talented individuals get started without goin…

Student Loans
August 18, 2020

Recheck Your Student Loan Paperwork For Errors

Today, the majority of students will graduate from college with at least some student loan debt.  While student loan deb…

Student Loans
August 8, 2020

Risks of Co-Signing For Student Loans

Today, more students than ever before are taking on debt in order to go to college. With the high cost of tuition at bot…

Student Loans
August 1, 2020

Questions to Ask Before Co-Signing a Lease For Your Child

If you are a parent sending your child off to college, there is a good chance that you are still going to be supporting …

Student Loans
July 27, 2020

What is the Best Credit Card for Students?

If you’re looking for a credit card for students, here are a few features to consider….

Student Loans
July 23, 2020

Higher One to Repay $11 Million to 60,000 Students for Charging Excessive Overdraft Fees

Higher One has agreed to repay $11 Million in restitution to students who were victims of excessive overdraft fees….

Student Loans
July 14, 2020

Will You Be Able to Repay Your Student Loans?

Here are some simple questions to ask yourself to determine if you will be able to repay your student loans….

Student Loans
July 12, 2020

5 Ways to Trim College Costs

Taking out private student loans should always be your last consideration when looking for ways to trim college costs….

Student Loans
July 3, 2020

Is it Worth Going Back to College as an Adult?

There are a few key factors to mull over when deciding whether going back to college is a good choice as an adult or not…

Student Loans
June 26, 2020

Freedom Comes with Paying Off Student Loans

There is no joy quite like the freedom of being free of student loans….

Student Loans
June 23, 2020

What Workers Want in 2012: Millennials, GenerationXers, Baby Boomers, and Current College Students

Seeing clearly what workers want helps explain changes that we’re already seeing in society today….

Student Loans
June 13, 2020

Job Seeking No Longer as Easy For High School Graduates

The total of employed and under employed high school graduates seeking full time work is 45 percent….

Student Loans
June 7, 2020

You Need a College Degree Just to Understand the Financial Aid Packages

Compared to some financial aid packages, the admissions application is no more difficult than a coloring book….

Student Loans
June 2, 2020

High School Degree Not Enough to Open Doors for Job Seekers

Clearly, a high school degree does not open as many doors as it used to….

Student Loans
May 25, 2020

CFPB Financial Aid Comparison Shopper Helps Students Compare Loans

The CFPB Financial Aid Comparison Shopper was developed to help students and their families compare student loans….

Student Loans
May 20, 2020

Defaulting on Your Student Loans

It is easier than ever to consider defaulting on your student loans….

Student Loans
May 16, 2020

Financing Graduate School Education

Students continuing their education after college are likely to find that they will be financing graduate school themsel…

Student Loans
May 9, 2020

The Facts of Life: The Discussion Every Parent Must Have With Their College Student About Money

Starting a conversation with your college student about money may be one of the most important talks you have with your …

Student Loans
May 3, 2020

The Student Loan Primer

In general, the vast majority of students in the United States are able to obtain a federal student loan….

Student Loans
April 29, 2020

What is a Private Student Loan?

If you ever need to get a private student loan, be sure to shop around before signing on it….

Student Loans
April 20, 2020

Where can I get a student loan?

“Where can I get a student loan with the best terms?…

Student Loans
April 14, 2020

What Is A Student Loan?

Understanding what is a student loan may, in fact, help you find an answer to the meaning of life….

Student Loans
April 9, 2020

Will Congress Let the Interest Rate on Student Loans Double?

A rise in the interest rate on student loans will definitely mean that college will cost more than ever….

Student Loans
March 31, 2020

How much student loan debt is outstanding and what is the default rate on student loans?

For those who are having difficulty repaying their student loan debt, there may be some options, as outlined by the DOE …

Student Loans
March 25, 2020

Student Loan Principal-Only Payments: The Basics

Debtors should recognize that principal-only payments do not satisfy requirements to make monthly minimum payments or pa…

Student Loans
March 20, 2020

Is a Student Loan Still a Good Investment?

College students have depended upon a student loan to give them the opportunity they would not have ordinarily had to at…

Student Loans
March 12, 2020

Marriage and Student Loan Debt: The Basics

Read the laws of your state to determine your potential and existing obligations for your partner’s student loan debt….

Student Loans
March 10, 2020

Keeping Out of Financial Trouble at College

The following are ten points I would press on any student to keep out of financial trouble at college….

Student Loans
March 2, 2020

Tax-Free College Savings

The government has created two tax-free college savings programs are available for Americans to use for their children….

Student Loans
February 24, 2020

Budgeting and Preparing for College Expenses

Preparing for college expenses can be both scary and exasperating as the bills pile up….

Student Loans
February 18, 2020

How Much is College Going to Cost?

The question, how much is college going to cost, does not have a simple answer….

Student Loans
February 15, 2020

A Primer for Student Financial Aid

Make sure to register for the Selective Service as well, as all student financial aid requires registration….

Student Loans
February 4, 2020

Conversations with Your College Student about Money

If your college student wants their own account without your name attached, advise that it is up to them to set it up an…

Student Loans
January 31, 2020

How College Savings Plans are Changing

States are offering new features to make 529 savings plans, state-administered college savings plans, more attractive to…

Student Loans
January 25, 2020

Government vs. Private Student Loan Program

Government student loans are the best type of student loan program to get into in almost every situation….

Student Loans
January 17, 2020

Details of Obama’s Pay-As-You-Earn Student Loan Plan

With the Pay-As-You-Earn plan, students and recent graduates can reduce their monthly student loan payments and work tow…

Student Loans
January 13, 2020

Student Loan Discharge into Personal Bankruptcy: Can it be Done?

A borrower cannot expect to have a student loan discharge simply by filing for personal bankruptcy.  Federal and private…

Student Loans
January 8, 2020

Federal Student Loan Programs: Summary for 2011

The U.S. federal government offers three types of federal student loan programs to students enrolled in post-secondary i…

Student Loans
December 30, 2019