Josh Patoka

Josh is a personal finance writer and Founder of MoneyBuffalo.com. He has been featured in publications like Student Loan Hero, Well Kept Wallet and the US News and World Report.
38 Articles

The K-Shaped Economy Is Splitting American Debt in Two: What It Means for You in 2026

Your neighbor just got approved for a new credit card with a

Josh Patoka

Government Shutdown Debt: How To Protect Your Credit In 2026

Congress pushed the government funding deadline to December 11, 2026, when President

Josh Patoka

Moneymaxxing Is Gen Z’s Answer to Record Debt in 2026

A friend posts online about negotiating their cable bill down. Another brags

Josh Patoka

Household Debt Just Hit $18.8 Trillion: What It Means for Your Budget in 2026

Your grocery bill jumped again this month. So did your car insurance,

Josh Patoka

Holiday Debt Hit $1,223 Last Year: Here’s How to Avoid It This Time

You haven't bought a single gift yet, and the credit card statement

Josh Patoka

How To Spot A Debt Relief Or Credit Repair Scam In 2026

Your minimum payments keep climbing while your balance barely moves, and an

Josh Patoka

Back to School Debt Is Climbing: Here’s How to Avoid It in 2026

You already said yes to the new sneakers. Then the school supply

Josh Patoka

Is Medical Debt Still On Your Credit Report In 2026?

You got a bill for a doctor's visit over a year ago.

Josh Patoka

Buy Now Pay Later Debt Is Adding Up Faster Than You Think

You check out online and see four easy payments instead of a

Josh Patoka

What Is Envelope Budgeting (and Does Cash Stuffing Actually Work)

You just watched someone stuff hundred dollar bills into labeled envelopes on

Josh Patoka

How to Build a Sinking Fund for Holiday Spending

The credit card statement arrives in January, and the number makes your

Josh Patoka

How to Improve Your Credit Score in 6 Months

You checked your credit score expecting good news, and instead you got

Josh Patoka