Rachel DePompa

Whether you are borrowing money for home improvements, credit card consolidation, or even just an emergency, a personal loan might be a good option. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa teams with NerdWallet to explain the steps you need to take to secure that loan in this Watching Your Wallet.

More consumers are leaning on credit cards to cope with inflation, but a new study from NerdWallet shows many people don't know their interest rates. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa reports on why experts say that important number can help you manage debt.

Parents are personally borrowing an average of $11,000 for their student’s college education. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to experts about why parents may want to think twice before shouldering this burden.

If you’re just starting your new career, experts say it’s important to plan for your financial future. Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from Merrill Lynch about the four building blocks for financial success.

70% of families have at least one child who plays video games according to the Entertainment Software Association. And whether it’s cyber bullies or hackers, experts say you need to be aware of the potential threats. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa breaks down ways to protect you and your family in this Watching Your Wallet.

Whether it’s a class trip to the museum or a road trip with the team, costs could add up. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about building a budget for your child's activities.

Kids often look for the latest fashions as they head back to school, but the cost of new clothes can quickly add up. In this Watching Your Wallet Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has suggestions for savings as you dress your child for the upcoming school year.

It’s a $60 billion a year industry that’s a relentless target for cybercriminals. According to a recent security report, web attacks against the global video game industry grew by 340 % in 2020. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has the security advice you need before you, or your children, get hacked and it's game over.

It’s an annual ritual parents know too well, the back-to-school supply list. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares ways you can save and also help out others in this Watching Your Wallet.

If last year’s tax bill caught you off guard, there are steps you can take now to avoid sticker shock. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa gets expert advice on “quarterly tax payments”.

It’s a volatile housing market and first-time home buyers are feeling the pinch according to a new study from NerdWallet citing low inventory and stagnant incomes. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares what experts are telling people entering the market for the first time.

Federal student loan payments are still suspended without interest until at least August 31st. This comes after several extensions by the government. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has one expert’s advice on when you should restart payments.

Summer storm and hurricane season is upon us and there are things you can do now to prepare in the event natural disaster strikes.

Nearly half of women say money issues negatively affect their mental health according to a new Bankrate survey. In this Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa breaks down the cause of women's stress and what experts say you can do during though times.

It’s check-in time for your financial plan. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa identifies the best strategies for hitting your 2022 money goals.

If you’re looking for a way to simplify your finances, automation may be the answer. Expert advice on the dos and don’ts of automated bill pay

With inflation on the rise, many are looking for extra income to get by. A careful review of your paycheck deductions could net you more cash now.

As fraud numbers continue to increase, identity protection experts are urging parents to freeze their child’s credit to avoid a lifetime of financial headaches.

More than 25 million people relied on loans from those close to them to meet spending needs, according to the Census Bureau’s latest household pulse survey on finances. That figure is up from 19.1 million people from the same time last year.

Budgeting for your summer vacation is a smart money move. Consumables like food and snacks can add up more quickly than you think.

Buying a home is the biggest investment many people will make in their lifetime. Getting the best interest rate on a home mortgage will save thousands of dollars over the term of the loan.

Rising inflation has changed the way consumers save money, according to NerdWallet. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has expert advice on how you can take advantage of increasing interest rates, while staying prepared for emergencies.

New tools on could help you build your credit score. Experian Boost and UltraFICO now use information from utilities, cell phone bills, and other recurring services to determine your credit worthiness.

Protecting personal information is critical in the digital age, but according to experts, a simple web search of your name will likely return your age, date of birth or even home address. We show you ways to try to remove your personal information.

Student loan interest rates are due for a significant hike. We break down the impact on your bottom line.

Rental rates are rising to record highs across the U.S. and according to the latest research from industry experts, wages and salaries are not keeping up.

Checking online reviews when shopping, researching vacations or even looking for a doctor has become an integral part of the modern consumer experience. But experts say many of the products or service reviews you’re reading were either bought or sold and completely fake. In “Five Star Fakes”, InvestigateTV found several posts on social media platforms where people are bartering - even buying and selling - online reviews, despite a federal law that prohibits this act.

30% percent of Americans say they've skipped, or considered skipping, a wedding because they couldn’t afford to attend, according to a new NerdWallet study. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has expert advice on saving for the celebration and the art of the RSVP.

A 2022 high school graduate will borrow on average $40,000 in student loans by the time they graduate college, according to a new NerdWallet study. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares advice from Elizabeth Renter of NerdWallet for students and parents.

Credit card debt continues to climb in the U.S. as experts say people will likely lean on their cards to offset rising prices and interest rates. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke with a financial expert Elizabeth Renter from NerdWallet on the best ways to manage your debt.

Flights and hotels aren’t the only costs you need to plan for that summer trip. Here's why a daily spending budget should be on your packing list.

In this Watching Your Wallet, Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares why experts say loan pre-approval is an important first step before you buy.

Even if you’ve avoided accidents or tickets this year, your car insurance costs could be on the rise. Learn how you can save money as prices continue to climb.

In an effort to fight inflation, The Federal Reserve recently raised interest rates by half a percentage point, the biggest hike in two decades. Consumer Reporter Rachel DePompa talks with a financial consultant to explain what it means to your wallet.

Planning a big trip this summer but unsure whether to purchase travel insurance?

Cutting-edge computer technology designed to mimic the human brain is being used by hackers to create lifelike videos of celebrities and politicians. But now, bad actors are using this readily available tech to target everyday social media users in cryptocurrency scams.

A trip to the emergency room can instantly change your life - not just medically, but financially as well. Americans are burdened with at least $140 billion in outstanding medical debt according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. But help is out there. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with experts on the frontline aiding those “Diagnosed with Debt”.

Los expertos dicen que los hackers no solo toman control de cuentas sociales, sino que roban fotos y videos para crear una versión completamente nueva, y a veces es un perfil que no trama nada bueno.

Experts say hackers aren’t just taking over your social media accounts, but many are stealing pictures and videos to create a completely new you, and in some cases, it’s a profile that’s up to no good.

There are two websites you can use to find out whether something you just bought, or have owned for years, has either been recalled or reported as potentially dangerous.

People use Facebook and Instagram to stay in touch, to share memories, and now more and more, to build a clientele. Hackers have taken advantage of this growth to gain access to people’s accounts, often targeting weak passwords.

Companies are accused of sending official-looking letters to convince business owners to pay for services and business products they could get for free.

From a 1953 Mickey Mantle to a rare Mike Trout rookie card, soccer cards, UFC, and even passionate Pokemon collectors are feeding the resurgence.

After filing thousands of papers in applications and appeals, a mother who helped her son battle for mental health treatment is now helping other families with a new guide.

Check your Facebook feed right now and you probably will see political ads. Here is why and how they target you.