Personal Finance Journalism

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I've been a journalist for over 25 years, and won an award early in my career. This page displays select personal finance articles I've written since 2015. Recognized mainstream media outlets contact me to write data-backed, well-sourced stories that fit into their editorial plans, engage their readers, and keep them coming back to their digital platforms. Contact me if you're a journalism platform editor who wants similar writing solutions, so we can discuss your needs.

How Digital Banking Is Driving Social Change

(Editor's Note: In this story, Dahna Chandler profiles OneUnited Bank and E. Napoletano profiles the Daylight financial platform; Mitch Strohm wrote the introduction and conclusion. This story is now archived and available on Archive.org.)

Someday soon, if not today, you may find a banking platform that’s designed specifically for you and those like you. A growing number of banks and fintechs are using digital banking platforms to meet the unique challenges and needs of individual communities. This article tells the story of two of them.

Get Your Financial House In Order With These 7 Black Women Financial Experts

Studies prove that, in most American homes, women still do most of the household management tasks. Increasingly, this includes handling finances. Research shows that, in nine in 10 American households, saving and spending decisions involve women, while 31% of partnered women are the primary managers of their household’s finances. Partnered or not, perhaps you’re a woman who’s decided it’s time to change your or your family’s financial picture. Let these seven women help you.

OneUnited: The Nation’s Largest Black-Owned Bank Is Unapologetically Black And Activist

Launched in 1968 as Unity Bank & Trust Company in response to calls for Black economic empowerment, OneUnited Bank’s mission remains being Black America’s first choice for banking. Here’s how OneUnited is working to achieve that goal.

(Forbes Advisor added an editor's name under my byline for SEO purposes. However, I researched, interviewed subjects for, and authored this story entirely.)

How BankBlackUSA Is Helping Empower Black-Owned Banks And Credit Unions

Black-owned banks and credit unions provide genuine opportunities for the Black community to overcome the racial wealth gap, and BankBlackUSA is an organization that is helping to lead that charge.

How to Start Saving for Retirement After 50

Many Americans over 50 haven’t saved for retirement. In fact, the Insured Retirement Institute found that only 54 percent of boomers (age 53 to 71) have retirement savings. Quite a few Gen X’ers over 50 have little or no retirement savings, too. The boomers and Gen X’ers are in this position for multiple reasons; the most common one is postponement. If you’re one of them, it isn’t too late to get started funding your retirement and avoid future missteps, though. Here's a smart plan to help you.

Doing the Math: Paying Down Debt vs. Saving for Retirement

Often, money management comes down to a series of “now” versus “then” decisions—and usually the “then” is years away. That’s especially true when you’re dealing with immediate obligations like debt while considering future needs like retirement. And when money is tight, it’s hard to know exactly where your money should go. Here, three personal finance experts outline ways to think about debt versus saving for retirement. (Image: Joe Picas on Pexels)

College degree ROI: Is your college of choice worth taking on debt to attend?

In the U.S., college is a rite of passage for the 20.5 million students estimated to be in college classrooms currently. Right now, many students are applying to their dream schools. But is an education from your dream college or university worth taking on debt to attend? This personal finance article will help you find out.

Is your long commute to work driving you insane? 5 ways to cope

Census data show that in 2013, 3.5 million Americans made one-way mega-commutes from their homes to their jobs. As this piece shows, there are people who travel between countries to get to work in the US each day, not just within busy metro areas or between states.

This article shows those of you who make frequent long commutes for work how to cope effectively with the stresses, including financial, of such constant work travel.

As airlines tackle a weighty issue, could your size really keep you off a flight?

One airline has decided to weigh its passengers with their carry-on luggage to determine if they are too heavy to fly. Could that ever become a regular practice on your favorite airline? You want to know how this practice can influence your travel plans.

Want your kids to avoid college debt? Here's what you should do

Based on solid personal financial literacy principles, this article provides a step-by-step plan to teach your kids how to master personal finance and avoid college debt, starting in kindergarten. I pitched, researched, developed, interviewed for and wrote this story for a national media outlet.

How to fly like a rock star on a garage-band budget

You can fly like a rock star on a garage band budget. Even if you're not one of Delta's medallion or elite level travel clients, here are some options for flying on a private jet from TODAY Money.