Rachel DePompa

Investigative reporter

Rachel DePompa is NBC12's On Your Side Investigator. Rachel grew up in Waldorf, Md., and graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in broadcast journalism.Before joining WWBT in March of 2008 Rachel worked in Roanoke, Bristol and Harrisonburg.

Awards:

5 Edward R Murrow Awards for Investigative Reporting
2016 Most Outstanding Effort by an Individual Reporter from the Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters
3-time Emmy winner, 5 time Emmy nominee
5 first place honors from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters

Education:

University of Maryland, Journalism

Recent Articles by Rachel

Watching Your Wallet: Student loan debt reaches all-time high

College graduates now owe the most money in history; experts say it's best to pay it back sooner rather than later.

Rachel DePompa

Published October 7, 2019 at 9:51 AM

Watching Your Wallet: Decade-by-decade, experts help you save for retirement

By retirement, financial experts say you should have at least eight times your annual salary saved up. NerdWallet explains how to get there, decade-by-decade.

Rachel DePompa

Published August 5, 2019 at 12:26 PM

Watching Your Wallet: Experts say to shop around for the best deals on car insurance and cell phone plans

A NerdWallet financial expert offers tips on saving money on car insurance and cell phone bills: Watch this and don't pay for what you don't need.

Rachel DePompa

Published July 1, 2019 at 2:35 PM

Watching Your Wallet: Make the most of your summer vacation

A frequent traveler and financial expert give their tips for saving money when booking flights and hotels.

Rachel DePompa

Published June 3, 2019 at 11:35 AM

Watching Your Wallet: Spring housing market secrets revealed

Want to get top dollar for your home this spring? Or are you looking to buy your first home? NerdWallet gives tips for those on both sides of the equation.

Rachel DePompa

Published May 13, 2019 at 11:49 AM

DNA Detectives: Scientists combining forensics with genealogy break ‘unsolvable’ cases

Scientists are using forensic genetics to help solve decades-old cold cases.

Rachel DePompa

Published May 6, 2019 at 1:20 PM

Digital rollbacks: Millions of cars have false mileage on odometers

Carfax experts say there are potentially more than one million cars on the roads with false odometer readings - meaning their mileage has been rolled back to make the vehicles look like they have less wear and tear.

Rachel DePompa

Published April 26, 2019 at 9:02 PM

Watching Your Wallet: Experts give advice on reining in your tax refund

Rather than taking a tax refund check and splurging on a quick shopping spree, NerdWallet advises people make smart spending – or saving - plans.

Rachel DePompa

Published April 12, 2019 at 11:12 AM

Watching Your Wallet: Thousands of consumer complaints hidden in federal watchdog database

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides information about financial institutions, including complaints. But NerdWallet and InvestigateTV have found examples of complaints that don't show up in the database.

Rachel DePompa

Published March 18, 2019 at 1:53 PM

Watching Your Wallet: Experts explain the new tax code in simple terms

With sweeping tax code changes affecting this year's filings, experts from NerdWallet help explain how the changes will work for different people.

Rachel DePompa

Published February 18, 2019 at 2:23 PM

Multiple sex offenders found on Facebook despite ban

Under Facebook's policies, convicted sex offenders are not allowed on the site; however, InvestigateTV identified multiple offenders who appeared to have recently active profiles.

Rachel DePompa and Jamie Grey

Published February 3, 2019 at 5:40 PM

Watching Your Wallet: How much could you earn if you invested your coffee money?

Financial experts from NerdWallet say saving and investing as little as $20 a week can amount to $170,000 in retirement money.

Rachel DePompa

Published January 3, 2019 at 11:46 AM

Watching Your Wallet: Strengthen your financial fitness before 2019

While many people think about health and wellness resolutions for the new year, financial experts recommend thinking about money goals too.

Rachel DePompa

Published December 3, 2018 at 11:27 AM

Watching Your Wallet: Company offering to help lower student debt under investigation

A company offering to help people reduce their student loan debt is now under investigation. One St. Louis woman says her debt actually increased after trying to work with the company.

Rachel DePompa

Published November 5, 2018 at 11:39 AM

Watching Your Wallet: Will Social Security be there when you retire?

Research shows many Americans are concerned with whether Social Security will be available when they retire, but many aren’t saving. NerdWallet experts help explain the realities of Social Security and what you can do.