Rachel DePompa

With groceries likely costing you more every month because of inflation, it's probably time to re-visit your household budget. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with an expert from NerdWallet on budget changes to make now.

Juggling credit card balances across multiple cards? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert ways to get your credit card debt under control.

Parents of college-aged teens listen up! Enrollment for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA opens on October 1. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa breaks down what you need to know.

Only 33% of Americans have an estate plan according to a recent survey from caring.com. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks with experts about why creating a will should be a top priority.

Rising prices and inflation continue to make it difficult for first time home buyers to find affordable properties, according to a new report from NerdWallet. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out why not all hope is lost for those trying to get into the housing market.

Rental housing prices are still seeing significant increases from last year. According to Rent.com the monthly cost of a one-bedroom apartment is up about 25% nationally. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains why this might be the time to stay put.

The impact of inflation now has another number. According to a new study by Nerdwallet household spending could increase by more than $11,500 this year. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains ways you can fight back against rising costs.

A low credit score could have a major impact on your financial future. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert tips on how you can raise your score.

For first time investors, getting into the real estate market can be intimidating. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has the expert info you need if you’re looking to start investing

Life online is the norm for kids and teens, but are you up to speed on how to keep them safe? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has the expert’s advice on how to make your child’s online experience safer.

The average cost of a wedding in the U.S, is $22,500 according to WeddingWire. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a financial expert on saving money as you plan the perfect wedding.

The Rule of 72 explains how you can double your investments over time. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains how to leverage this rule to grow your investments over time.

Billions of dollars in student loan cancellations are available, but the deadline to apply is approaching. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains “Public Service Loan Forgiveness” and how you might qualify.

Understanding your credit score can be a challenge, and when people have questions, they often turn to Google. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa looks at some of the top questions and gets some answers in this Watching Your Wallet.

A 529 plan is a great way to save for college, but if your child decides they don’t want to go you’ll need to need to make plans for those funds.Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains the rules of the 529 account and how that money must be spent.

2.5 million couples are expected to tie knot this year, according to Wedding Market Research. For some those new marriages mean first-time talks about money. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about ways newlyweds can ease into financial discussions in this Watching Your Wallet.

Budgeting for big-ticket purchases can be intimidating. Whether it’s a new refrigerator, time to upgrade your TV, or an unexpected item, these big costs can take a bite out of your budget. In this Watching Your Wallet, Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa gets advice from the experts on the best times to buy.

President Biden on Wednesday extended the moratorium on student loan payments and canceled $10,000 in debt for borrowers making $125,000 a year or less. In this Watching Your Wallet, Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out what experts say your next step should be if you have student loans.

Rising interest rates and a competitive marketplace have had major impacts on home sales. Now there’s a new factor: cancelled contracts. In this Watching Your Wallet, Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a housing expert about why more people are breaking purchase agreements and why it’s still a sellers market.

TransUnion says the average American has $5,000 in credit card debt and with rising interest rates that amount could grow. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out how the recent fed rate hikes will impact your credit card rates.

In a recent energy industry survey, 85 percent of homeowners say they’ve noticed significant price increases on at least one utility bill. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa examines rising utility costs, plus gets expert advice on ways to cut back on your bill.

A new survey shows the average American isn’t saving enough for retirement and 37% aren’t saving at all. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert who weighs in with tips and why it’s never too late to start saving.

79% of travelers have experienced problems during a trip this year, according to a new survey from Bankrate.

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.