Independent guides to courses, careers and money decisions

Plain-language breakdowns of online courses and consumer loans: what they offer, who they suit, what they cost and what to check before you sign up, with the sources we used.

Latest guides

  • Auto Loans

    LightStream Auto Loans: Rates, Terms and Who Qualifies

    LightStream, the online lending brand of Truist Bank, offers loans to buy a new or used car, to buy from a private seller and to refinance an existing car loan. Instead of arranging financing at the dealership, the money is paid into your own bank account, so you can shop as a cash buyer.

    Updated

  • Career Skills

    Google Data Analytics Certificate: Courses, Time and Cost

    The Google Data Analytics Certificate is an online program on Coursera, created by Google for beginners. Google describes eight core courses, and Coursera also lists an optional ninth course on job searching with AI. No degree or prior experience is required, and Google says it takes under six months with under ten hours of study a week.

    Updated

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How we write our guides

  1. Official sources first. Details such as rates, fees, prices and requirements come from the provider's own pages and terms, with links you can check.
  2. Facts kept apart from opinion. When something can't be verified, we say so instead of guessing.
  3. Reviewed by a person. An editor checks every guide before it is published.

Read our editorial policy