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Athena Lent

Athena Valentine Lent is a finance columnist for Slate and the author of Budgeting for Dummies. Her writing has appeared in BuzzzFeed, Tripadvisor, and Slate, among other places. Her personal finance blog, Money Smart Latina, won the Plutus Award for "Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities" in 2020 and was nominated for "Blog of the Year" in 2022. When not working she can be found reading Stephen King with her main man, a polydactal cat named Harrison George.

At The College Investor, Athena covers budgeting, debt management, and the financial challenges facing everyday Americans — particularly those whose stories are rarely centered in traditional money conversations. Whether she is writing a column, leading a workshop, or advocating for the Latina wage gap to be taken seriously, Athena approaches every topic with the same conviction: financial knowledge is a form of power, and everyone deserves access to it.

Athena’s latest articles

how do college admissions officers decide who to admit
March 29, 2026

How College Admissions Officers Decide Who To Admit

Filling out a college application can be intimidating. It’s hard to know where to focus. Find out how college admissions officers decide who to admit.

best side hustles for women
February 26, 2026

Best Side Hustles For Women (That Actually Make Money)

Our list of the best side hustles for women is focused on opportunities where women can earn extra money more-so than men.

estate planning
September 21, 2025

What Is An Estate Plan And Why Do You Need One Right Now?

“Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman did not plan a will or trust before his death. Here’s why you need to plan your estate before you die.

does what college you go to matter?
December 7, 2024

Does What College You Go To Matter?

Deciding what college to attend is a big decision. It could potentially affect your entire life. Do the benefits of a prestigious school outweigh the costs?

how long is a college acceptance letter good for
December 6, 2024

How Long Is A College Acceptance Offer Good For?

A college acceptance offer is generally good until May 1st. You have few options if it expires and will generally have to wait until next year to attend.

millennials AARP
March 26, 2024

Millennials Are Closer To AARP Than College

AARP offers a wide range of discounts to members. And now anyone at any age can take advantage of the benefits offered with an AARP.

best fashion and design schools
December 21, 2023

The Best Fashion Design Schools In The World

Attending a top fashion design school can mean more connections and opportunities within the industry.

what documents do I need to enroll in school
December 20, 2023

What Documents Are Required To Enroll In College

Here’s what documents are required to enroll in college to ensure that you have a smooth transition as a student to your new school and are registered for the classes you need.

Smaller Tax Refunds Hurting Families Nationwide
February 13, 2023

Smaller Tax Refunds Hurting Families Nationwide

Families across the US are struggling with smaller tax refunds (or even owing the IRS) due to the end of Covid-era tax credits and deductions.

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Education

  • College of Southern Nevada, Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
  • Arizona State University, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

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