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Sarah Brady

Personal Finance Expert Writer

About

Sarah Brady is a personal finance writer and credit expert who's been dedicated to helping individuals and entrepreneurs improve their financial wellness since 2013. Sarah's writing is informed first and foremost by her past work as an NFCC-certified credit counselor, a role that involved teaching workshops on every aspect of personal finance and coaching thousands of clients on how to improve their credit. She is also a former HUD-certified housing counselor and educator for the city of San Francisco's affordable home buyer programs.

Sarah Brady’s goal as a writer is to make you feel like an expert at managing money. Since 2017, Sarah has covered a wide variety of topics, including breaking financial news, credit card scams and prescription drug discounts. Regardless of the subject, she aims to break down each complex concept and share simple, actionable tips for improving your finances.

Sarah’s passion for helping people understand money comes from her background in financial education. In 2013, she became a credit counselor certified by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, and a HUD-certified housing counselor. Over the following years she developed and taught countless financial workshops and worked one-on-one with thousands of individuals, helping them build budgets, improve their credit and purchase homes.

Sarah has continued to teach workshops throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and she’s written for dozens of financial outlets and agencies, including Kiplinger, Fortune, Investopedia and Experian.

When she’s not studying the newest FICO score version, you can find Sarah somewhere in San Francisco, nerding out over comedy, street art or space age design.

Expertise

  • Credit cards
  • Loans
  • Credit scores
  • Budgeting
  • Business credit

Achievements

  • Finance writer since 2017
  • 3 years’ experience as a HUD-certified housing counselor
  • 2+ years’ experience as an NFCC-certified credit counselor
  • Former home buyer educator for the San Francisco mayor’s Office of Housing
  • Former credit coach at Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and Women’s Initiative for Self Employment
  • 2023-24 LinkedIn Top Writing Voice and Top Public Speaking Voice

Other Publications

Education

San Francisco State University (M.A., International Relations)

California State University, Fresno (B.A., Sociology; Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership)

  • A Former Credit Counselor’s Thoughts About CreditU’s Money Management App

    If you’re in the market for a money management app—especially after Mint shut down earlier this year—you might want to check out CreditU, which launched in January 2024. Just be prepared for something a little different than the financial apps...
    A Former Credit Counselor’s Thoughts About CreditU’s Money Management App

  • Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa Review 2025

    If you're big on recreation and outdoor gear, the Bellco could deliver major value. You'll earn up to three points per dollar on a wide variety of categories, many of which are tailored to those with active lifestyles. The main...
    Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa Review 2025

  • Firstcard® Credit Builder Card With Cashback For College Students Review 2025

    Credit cards for people with no credit history and no Social Security number are hard to come by. The , a secured credit card from Firstcard, is one of only a few options, but it's not a bad one. Admittedly,...
    Firstcard® Credit Builder Card With Cashback For College Students Review 2025

  • Breeze Easy Visa Signature Card Review 2025

    A Breeze Airways rewards card may not appeal to everyone since the airline has limited routes, some of which are seasonal. But if you frequently fly with Breeze, the new is worth considering. It gives you a generous welcome bonus,...
    Breeze Easy Visa Signature Card Review 2025

  • Citizens Bank Savings Account Interest Rates Of January 2025

    While the national average rate on savings accounts is currently 0.47% per the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Citizens Bank's savings interest rates range from just 0.01% to 0.10%. On top of that, its savings accounts are only available to...
    Citizens Bank Savings Account Interest Rates Of January 2025

  • America’s Debt Position By State And Worldwide

    Consumer debt—including credit card balances and auto loans—has ballooned in 2023, and state budgets have been impacted too. When a state owes more than it brings in, its residents may face financial insecurity due to budget cuts and tax increases....
    America’s Debt Position By State And Worldwide

  • States With The Best And Worst Banking Access

    Access to safe and affordable banking services can help consumers better manage their finances. Unfortunately, not everyone in the U.S. has equal access. Several factors impact whether a person is unbanked—meaning they don't have a bank account—including whether a trusted...
    States With The Best And Worst Banking Access

  • Guide To USDA Construction Loans

    If you’re looking to build a new home, a USDA construction loan could be the key to making your project a reality. USDA construction loans can provide funds for purchasing land, plus the financing for construction costs and other necessities....
    Guide To USDA Construction Loans

  • HARP Replacement Programs

    Refinancing your mortgage can be difficult if you have poor credit or a high debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. It can be practically impossible if you're underwater—meaning your property is worth less than you owe on your mortgage. Fortunately, underwater borrowers with...
    HARP Replacement Programs

  • Third Federal Savings And Loan Home Equity Review 2025

    Third Federal Savings and Loan is an Ohio-based bank that's been in business since 1938. The bank offers mortgages and home equity products, including lines of credit. While other lenders may offer lower rates, Third Federal guarantees it’ll beat any...
    Third Federal Savings And Loan Home Equity Review 2025

  • Spring EQ Home Equity Review 2025

    Spring EQ, a Pennsylvania-based home lending company, has been offering home loans online since 2016. You can take out a home purchase or refinance loan with Spring EQ, but it specializes in home equity loans and home equity lines of...
    Spring EQ Home Equity Review 2025

  • Covid Mortgage Relief Is Still Available For Homeowners In These States

    Covid lockdowns may be long gone, but help is still available for homeowners who took a financial hit during the pandemic. If you're a homeowner who was impacted by Covid-19, you could qualify for anywhere from $17,000 to $120,000 in...
    Covid Mortgage Relief Is Still Available For Homeowners In These States

  • What Is Livestream Shopping And Should You Do It?

    Livestream shopping has become a huge hit with consumers in China, and the trend is making its way to the U.S. Many social media and retail platforms now offer live shopping experiences for U.S.-based consumers, including eBay and Poshmark, both...
    What Is Livestream Shopping And Should You Do It?

  • Experts Predict U.S. Dollar Will Stay Strong In 2024. What Does This Mean For You?

    Near the tail end of an unstable year for the global economy, the U.S. dollar hit a 20-year high in value. A number of factors, both domestic and international, have contributed to the strength of USD. Though economic conditions could...
    Experts Predict U.S. Dollar Will Stay Strong In 2024. What Does This Mean For You?

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve Adds Lyft Pink Membership Worth $199 Per Year

    The offers in this post have been updated or are no longer available. Please see the issuer site for current product information. If you’re a Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholder and a regular Lyft user, you just got some good news....
    Chase Sapphire Reserve Adds Lyft Pink Membership Worth $199 Per Year

  • California Residents Receive Another Round of Stimulus Payments

    After receiving Golden State Stimulus and Golden State Stimulus II payments last year, many California residents recently received a new round of financial assistance from the state. Known as the Middle Class Tax Refund, these relief payments began going out...
    California Residents Receive Another Round of Stimulus Payments

  • Everything You Need To Know About Maine Stimulus Checks

    In an attempt to help residents deal with high inflation costs, Maine has been issuing $850 stimulus payments to qualified taxpayers this year. Though 18 other states have passed stimulus relief plans, Maine offers one of the highest payouts for...
    Everything You Need To Know About Maine Stimulus Checks

  • How Helpful Is New York City’s Pay Transparency Law For Job Seekers?

    New York City's new pay transparency law went into effect on November 1, but some employers seem to be evading the requirement. The new law, which requires employers to include pay ranges in job postings, is intended to expose and...
    How Helpful Is New York City’s Pay Transparency Law For Job Seekers?

  • Capital One Platinum Vs. QuicksilverOne

    The () and () are both available for people with fair credit, but each card has a sky-high APR. If earning rewards by using the QuicksilverOne card (the Platinum card doesn't have rewards) is a priority, make sure you pay...
    Capital One Platinum Vs. QuicksilverOne

  • Will California Really Implement A $22 Minimum Wage?

    A new California bill could impact the wages of more than half a million fast food workers. On Labor Day 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he had signed the FAST Recovery Act (AB 257) into effect, which will establish...
    Will California Really Implement A $22 Minimum Wage?

  • Coerced Debt: An Insidious Type Of Financial Abuse

    Lauren Cobello's last relationship cost her $100,000. When Cobello met her now ex-husband, he had just relocated and was looking for a job. He was quick to help the mother of four with errands and chores, so when he eventually...
    Coerced Debt: An Insidious Type Of Financial Abuse

  • British Pound Hits All Time Low Against The Dollar. What’s Next?

    The pound fell to $1.03 on September 26, hitting an all-time low against the U.S. dollar. The GBP dip came just days after Britain's newly appointed chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, announced the new administration's 2022 economic Growth Plan, which is set...
    British Pound Hits All Time Low Against The Dollar. What’s Next?

  • Free Weekly Credit Reports Extended Through 2023—How To Get Yours

    The three national credit bureaus announced Sept. 23 they would extend free weekly access to credit reports through December 2023. Consumers’ free access to each of their three credit bureau reports—Experian, Equifax and TransUnion—had been scheduled to sunset at the...
    Free Weekly Credit Reports Extended Through 2023—How To Get Yours

  • California Is The Latest State To Pass A Pay Transparency Law. What Will It Mean For Workers?

    California could soon be the fourth U.S. state to require greater pay transparency from employers. Senate bill (SB) 1162, which would increase transparency around employer pay ranges, passed California's state legislature in August. The bill must be either signed or...
    California Is The Latest State To Pass A Pay Transparency Law. What Will It Mean For Workers?

  • Can Mark Cuban’s Pharmacy Help You Save On Prescription Drugs?

    One in 10 U.S. adults has skipped taking a prescribed medication in order to save money, according to a Gallup poll. Cost Plus Drugs, Mark Cuban's new pharmaceutical company, might be their best shot at finding the affordable medications they...
    Can Mark Cuban’s Pharmacy Help You Save On Prescription Drugs?

  • Equifax Glitch Led To Incorrect Credit Scores: What Consumers Can Do

    A temporary error in credit score calculations may have impacted millions of consumers this spring. Equifax, one of the nation's three major consumer credit bureaus, says it issued inaccurate credit scores to lenders during a three-week period from March 17...
    Equifax Glitch Led To Incorrect Credit Scores: What Consumers Can Do

  • Major Tech Companies Are Freezing Hiring And Rescinding Job Offers. What You Need To Know

    Nicole López-Conti interviewed with a mid-sized tech company in May. After meeting seven staff members, completing three rounds of interviews, submitting work samples and doing a project, the company informed her it was no longer hiring for the role. "It’s...
    Major Tech Companies Are Freezing Hiring And Rescinding Job Offers. What You Need To Know

  • Will You Get A New Stimulus Check To Help With Inflation?

    More stimulus money could be coming your way if you live in certain states. But the federal government isn't likely to authorize another round of stimulus checks in the near future. State-issued payments are typically smaller than the ones Congress...
    Will You Get A New Stimulus Check To Help With Inflation?

  • 5 Tools To Help You Cancel Unwanted Subscriptions

    You might be spending a lot more on subscriptions than you think. From Amazon Prime to Spotify and countless other services, the average consumer now juggles five retail subscriptions for items like makeup, clothing or wine, and nearly five paid...
    5 Tools To Help You Cancel Unwanted Subscriptions

  • Citi Double Cash Vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

    If you're looking for a cash-back credit card, it makes sense to consider the or card. Both offer flat-rate rewards for everyday purchases, with higher cash back for travel booked through the respective issuer’s platform. While they each come with...
    Citi Double Cash Vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

Top Picks From Sarah Brady

  • Can Mark Cuban’s Pharmacy Help You Save On Prescription Drugs?
    Can Mark Cuban’s Pharmacy Help You Save On Prescription Drugs?

    by Sarah Brady

    Read More

  • What Is Livestream Shopping And Should You Do It?
    What Is Livestream Shopping And Should You Do It?

    by Sarah Brady

    Read More

  • Coerced Debt: An Insidious Type Of Financial Abuse
    Coerced Debt: An Insidious Type Of Financial Abuse

    by Sarah Brady

    Read More

About

Sarah Brady is a personal finance writer and credit expert who's been dedicated to helping individuals and entrepreneurs improve their financial wellness since 2013. Sarah's writing is informed first and foremost by her past work as an NFCC-certified credit counselor, a role that involved teaching workshops on every aspect of personal finance and coaching thousands of clients on how to improve their credit. She is also a former HUD-certified housing counselor and educator for the city of San Francisco's affordable home buyer programs.