Lars Peterson

• Writer and editor with 20+ years of experience in print and online, both staff and freelance
• Broad experience as a writer and editor producing content in travel, marketing, business, and personal finance
• 10 years experience writing and editing personal finance and small business content for online publishers including American Express OPENForum and US News
• Joined The Balance as a Contract Editor in May 2019 to help us deepen our credit card and banking coverage

After earning an MFA, Lars joined a small southern California publisher and led its transformation from digital entertainment packager to trade publisher, shepherding dozens of titles from pitch to shelf. Topics ran the gamut, including titles in personal finance. Several years as a freelance writer and editor followed.

In 2010 Lars' freelance career evolved to focus on small business and personal finance writing and editing. Stints as a freelancer with personal finance site Wise Bread led to a role co-managing Amex OPENForum's small business content, and eventually a staff role with Wise Bread as Managing Editor. 

For The Balance, Lars's primary areas of focus are credit cards, banking, mortgages, and financial products and services. 

Lars earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees in English, both from California State University, Long Beach.