Michelle Stevens is a deputy editor at Finder, specialising in banking, finance, credit and mortgages. She has a journalism degree from the University of Sheffield and has been a journalist for 15 years, writing on topics including fintech, payment systems and retail. Michelle was the editor of business publications FStech and Retail Systems, and prior to that was a senior writer at People Management magazine. She is often quoted in national media on the subject areas of banking and mortgages. In her spare time, Michelle likes to travel, explore new foodie experiences and attempt to improve her own culinary skills.
Expertise
- Banking
- Mortgages
- Credit
- Fintech
- Payments
Experience
- Author of 6 Finder white papers on business accounts, credit cards, business loans, female entrepreneurship, retail trends and children's spending accounts
- Established the UK awards programme of Customer Satisfaction Awards and Innovation Awards at Finder
- Former editor of the business publications FStech and Retail Systems
- Former chair of the FStech Awards, Retail Systems Awards and Payments Awards
- Over a 15-year journalism career, interviewed key executives across the financial, payments and retail sectors, as well as government ministers and senior public sector figures
- Quoted in the national press as a spokesperson on banking, finance, credit and mortgages
- Highly commended for journalism work at both the Santander Media Awards and Willis Towers Watson Media Awards
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Journalism Studies | University of Sheffield
Featured publications
- The Times
- Mail Online
- This is Money
- Financial IT
- The Express
- Property Reporter
- Business in the News
- FStech
- Finance Derivative
- Retail Systems
Industry insights from Michelle Stevens
We asked Michelle to share some of her latest money management and banking tips.
How can people budget more effectively?
Many banking apps will now alert you when payments go out of your account and they have tools to keep track of how much you have spent that day, week or month, and on what, giving you an extra layer of insight into your spending habits. Try and set yourself a budget for the week, and you could use either your banking app or a specialist budgeting app like Emma to keep on top of that target, by tracking your weekly outgoings or setting up notifications for when you’re about to go over your allocated spending amount for that week.
When is it worth switching your current account and how easy is it to do?
It can be worth switching your current account to a new banking provider to take advantage of any cash switching incentives on offer, or to use any new account features that you think will be beneficial to you, such as cashback on bills. You can easily switch current accounts in the UK using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). The vast majority of banks are signed up to this scheme. You instruct your new banking provider that you want to switch your current account to them, and then it takes care of the whole process. Your new account is opened, your old account is closed, and any regular incoming payments (such as your salary) and outgoing payments (such as direct debits) are automatically moved over for you, along with your account balance. The service is free and guaranteed to take place within the 7 working days leading up to your chosen switch date.
Featured videos
Latest articles by Michelle Stevens
118 articles written by this author
M&S Bank Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard review
Enjoy the longest introductory purchase 0% deal offered by M&S Bank, and earn M&S points on all your spending. Compare live rates and alternative options.
![M&S Bank Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard review](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2018/10/marks_and_spencer_bank_logo_450.png)
Laybuy goes into administration: What does it mean for customers?
Customers of the buy now, pay later (BNPL) service can no longer use it to buy items. But here's why missing repayments can harm your credit.
![Laybuy goes into administration: What does it mean for customers?](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2021/05/Getty_OnlineShopping_450x250.png)
Get up to £200 off any flight via credit card points
Full members can now redeem their Yonder points on any flight booking.
![Get up to £200 off any flight via credit card points](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2024/04/yonder-content.png)
Yonder credit card now available in Manchester, Bristol and Bath
The Yonder rewards credit card has been rolled out in Manchester, Bristol and Bath, having previously only been available for customers based in London.
![Yonder credit card now available in Manchester, Bristol and Bath](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2024/04/yonder-content.png)
Problems in the growth pipeline? The female startup funding gap
Is the UK leaving £250 billion in growth on the table? Our free report shows how female entrepreneurs aren't getting the same startup funding as men.
![Problems in the growth pipeline? The female startup funding gap](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2024/04/hand-money-450x250-1.png)
Amex launches “buy now, pay later” plan in UK
Amex has launched a deal similar to buy now, pay later. You can pay for big ticket items over several months for a fixed fee, with Plan It.
![Amex launches “buy now, pay later” plan in UK](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2019/06/Amex-for-news-450.jpeg)
Register now to attend PAY360
The UK’s largest payments event is being held on 19 and 20 March at ExCeL London. Find out how to book your place here.
![Register now to attend PAY360](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2024/02/content-image-pay360.png)
Santander Edge Credit Card review
Find out how to boost your cashback with this new credit card from Santander.
![Santander Edge Credit Card review](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2024/02/edge-content.png)
Expense management platform Payhawk set to expand services
Pawhawk may be about to expand its services after getting an e-money licence.
![Expense management platform Payhawk set to expand services](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2024/01/payhawk-emi-content-1.png)
Starling Bank boosts interest rate for current account holders
The new rate of 3.25% for current accounts kicks in from 1 October for both new and existing customers. Here's what you need to know.
![Starling Bank boosts interest rate for current account holders](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2021/11/starling_450x250.png)