Ellen Kennedy
Ellen writes and edits personal finance stories, especially on consumer products like credit cards. She also covers the nexus between sustainability and personal finance. Ellen was a manager and sustainability analyst at Calvert Investments for 15 years, focusing on climate change, water, and consumer staples. She served on the sustainability councils of several Fortune 500 companies, led corporate engagements, and filed shareholder proposals. She also alerted investors to emerging issues at the time, such as the use of toxic chemicals in consumer products. Before that, Ellen was a program officer for Winrock International, managing loans to alternative energy projects in Latin America. Ellen also directed a program that provided scholarships in agricultural science to women in Angola. Ellen earned a master’s from the University of California at Berkeley in international relations and Latin American Studies. Her research focused on the role of migrants’ remittances on local economic development in rural Mexico. Ellen earned a B.A. in Philosophy and Spanish from Haverford College.
Latest articles by Ellen Kennedy
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5 Tax Tips for Renting Out Your Vacation Home
Whether you use your vacation getaway every weekend or just a few times a year, you may want to rent it out occasionally to offset some of your expenses.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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What Is a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan?
retirement A 401(k) is a retirement plan sponsored by an employer that offers employees tax incentives to save money for retirement from their paychecks.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Which American Express Credit Card is Right for You?
Three American Express credit cards offer big bonuses up to 150,000 points and perks for travelers and foodies. Which is right for you?
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Charging an EV? Get Cash Back from Your Credit Card
A Bank of America credit card is the latest to reward charging an electric vehicle — up to 5.25% cash back.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Costco Auto Program: $1,000 off Cadillacs
Get $1K off a new Cadillac with the Costco Auto Program, for a limited time only.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Last Call: $900+ Offer from Chase Ink Business Cards
Chase Ink business credit cards offer new bonus amounts, solid cash back and perks. But the offer won't last forever.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Cars Are Losing Value More Slowly
Cars are depreciating at a slower rate, thanks to market disruptions and a tight supply.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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5 Great Places to Buy a Vacation Home Under $400K
Want a vacation home for remote work or a fun getaway? Here are locations with median prices under $400K.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Alaska Airlines to Buy Hawaiian: Get Bonus Miles Now
How to use the Alaska Airlines credit card and frequent flyer program to save on trips to Hawaii, Alaska and beyond.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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BJ's Credit Cards Double the Cash Back Rewards Rate for a Limited Time
For a limited time, BJ's credit cards will double the cash back spent at the store or online.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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How to Pay off Credit Card Debt
Making Your Money Last Keep up with credit card bills using these tried-and-true strategies.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Hulu Deal: $0.99/Month for the First Year and Add Starz for $0.99/Month
Last chance deal: Cyber Monday/Black Friday Hulu deal expires Nov. 28. Get the base plan (with ads) for $0.99/month; add Starz for $0.99/month for the first six months.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Mint Mobile Deal: Three Free Months
This Mint Mobile Cyber Monday deal offers a buy three, get three free months of service. That's as little as $45 for six months.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Three Best Cards for Holiday Shopping
Wells Fargo Active Cash, Prime Visa, and Chase Freedom Unlimited are the best cards for holiday shopping.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card $750 Bonus Offer
It's a great time to sign up for the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card for huge travel benefits.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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How To Choose a Credit Card
Choose a credit card to improve your credit score, save money, or earn rewards — but don’t get in over your head.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Credit Card Offers are Eroding — Get a Deal While You Can
Take advantage of credit card offers while you still can — many are disappearing or weakening.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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CFPB Slams Credit Repair Companies. Could you get compensation?
Credit repair titans face a $2.7 billion settlement with the CFPB for charging customers illegal fees.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Zillow Says Home Values to Rise 6.5% Over Next Year
Home values have bottomed out, says Zillow, and home sales will decrease amid a tight market.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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J.D. Power Ranks American Express Top Credit Card Issuer
The annual survey ranks credit cards by consumer satisfaction and reports on trends, like rising credit card debt.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Nursing Home Costs Soared in July
The cost of nursing home and adult care grew by the largest amount in July. Have you made a plan for your family?
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Snag a $900 bonus for opening a checking account.
Basics Want to get a bonus for opening a checking account? Just make sure you read the fine print.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Is Chase's "Pay Yourself Back" Worth It?
"Pay Yourself Back" rewards some Chase cards with extra cash — and it's also a powerful donation tool.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Moving to Florida? Arizona? Join the Crowd
Americans are moving to Florida, Arizona and disaster-prone counties across the country.
By Ellen Kennedy Published