Rachel Hart

Rachel Hart

Hi, I'm Rachel. I spent eight years as a corporate financial analyst and plenty more living paycheck to paycheck - so I know both sides of the kitchen table. I write about money with real numbers, zero jargon, and no shame. If I could fix my finances, so can you.

Budgeting

11 Things to Do Now So Your Money Goes Further This Holiday Season

Last New Year's Day I opened my bank app, gasped, and closed it before my husband could ask what happened. Since then I've built a holiday budget months before the music starts. Here are the 11 things I do so the season costs less and the guilt lasts even less.

Financial Planning

Government Shutdown Debt: How To Protect Your Credit In 2026

My husband and I were at the kitchen table going over bills when he asked what happens to our credit if the government shuts down. I had no good answer. Here's what I've learned about protecting your credit before the next deadline.

Saving Money

Hilton Amex Welcome Offers: Up to 200,000 Points + a Free Night

Last week I was staring at a June statement at the kitchen table when my husband said, 'We don't even own a car. We own 14 free nights of thinking about a car.' I laughed, then looked at our travel budget. Hilton and American Express just raised their welcome offers, and if you stay at Hiltons even a little, one of these cards might pay for your next trip.

Financial Planning

Credit Bureau Phone Numbers & Addresses (Updated 2026)

I sat at the kitchen table staring at a typo on my credit report and no idea who to call. Here are the actual phone numbers and mailing addresses for all four credit bureaus — disputes, freezes, and free reports — so you know exactly where to start.

Financial Planning

I Joined Rialto Wealth: Better Financial Planning With You in Mind

I've made a big change: I joined Rialto Wealth in Upstate NY as an advisor and partner. Here's why employee ownership matters to me, what I think makes a good client fit, and one small thing you can do with your retirement plan today.