Rachel DePompa
Consumer Investigative Reporter
Rachel is an investigative journalist with more than 20 years’ experience. She works for both InvestigateTV and WWBT 12 On Your Side in Richmond, VA. She’s been named best reporter in the Virginias by the AP for Broadcasters and has won numerous Murrow and Emmy awards over the years.
Her stories have exposed complicated Ponzi schemes, police corruption and misuse of tax dollars, leading to several federal investigations with convictions. She also loves telling consumer investigative stories. You can catch her series Watching Your Wallet on most of our TV stations across Gray Television. She resides in Richmond, is a twin mom, Maryland native and huge sports fan. She graduated from the University of Maryland.
Waiting to claim Social Security can mean thousands more over a lifetime. A financial advisor explains the best strategy, especially for married couples.
The price gap between new and existing homes is at a record low. A new ConsumerAffairs analysis shows where new construction is booming and what buyers should ask builders.
Loud budgeting means saying out loud what you can and cannot afford. A NerdWallet expert says it can help you stay on track and reduce the shame around money talks.
A financial expert says waiting 72 hours, filing for unemployment and contacting creditors are among the most important steps after an unexpected job loss.
High prices and rates are making homebuying tough. A Bank of America lending expert shares how to prepare your credit, savings and budget before you start shopping.
Pulling up six months of credit card statements could reveal where your money is quietly going. A personal finance expert shares how to redirect it toward your goals.
Drivers in most states are spending $10 more a week on gas than last year. A NerdWallet expert shares simple ways to save at the pump and stretch your summer budget.
A new U.S. Treasury program offers tax-advantaged investment accounts for children, with a $1,000 federal deposit for eligible kids. Here's how it works.
Entry-level job postings are down 11% from last year. An Indeed workplace trends editor shares tips on targeted applications, AI tools and networking for new grads.
Nearly half of Americans would go into debt to maintain their beauty routines, survey finds
A new NerdWallet report finds families plan to spend $130 less on back-to-school shopping this year. Here's how experts say you can stretch your budget even further.
A personal finance expert says college students should keep applying for scholarships, consider on-campus jobs and spend intentionally to avoid graduating with big debt.
Thinking about renovating instead of relocating? A Bank of America lending expert breaks down the best upgrades for resale value and how to pay for them.
High gas prices are keeping more Americans home this summer. A WalletHub expert shares tips on how to plan a staycation that feels like a real vacation on a budget.
Federal student loan changes took effect July 1. A debt relief attorney says borrowers should contact their servicer now and have key financial documents ready.
Before buying your teen a cell phone, experts say have a plan. A financial education VP shares tips on budgeting, setting boundaries and teaching kids about money.
Small purchases like delivery apps and subscriptions can drain your budget by hundreds. A personal finance expert explains how to find and fix your money leaks.
A new ConsumerAffairs analysis finds the average American owes $63,000 — about 40% more than they earn annually — as delinquency rates rise nationwide.
Summer spending on camp, travel and home repairs adds up fast. A debt relief attorney shares how to build a summer budget, why a "no spend" month could help, and where to find free activities that won't cost you a thing.
Here's what the data shows about buy now, pay later trends, and what experts say borrowers should do to stay on top of multiple loans.
A contractor says DIY projects can save money — but only if you factor in your time. Here's which home jobs are safe to tackle yourself, which ones to leave to a pro and why you should always budget more than you plan.
Experts say personal loans are best used for debt consolidation or large purchases, but warn against using them for discretionary spending like weddings or travel.
A travel expert says the best time to buy airline tickets is 6 to 8 weeks before your flight as major airlines raise prices and baggage fees.
AI can help plan your next trip but it can also lead you wrong if you trust it too much. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shows how to use it smartly for travel and what details you still need to double-check.
Student loan rules are changing this summer, and the new plan could reshape your monthly payment. Rachel DePompa explains what the changes mean for your budget and what to do now.
New year, new budget – but did you stick to it? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa sits down with an expert to help you financially prepare for the rest of the year.
When you hear the word investing your mind likely goes right to the stock market. But Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to “The Responsible Homegirl” to find there's more than one way to invest.
The average person has around $187 dollars’ worth of unused gift cards just laying around. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out how much money is going unspent and talks to an expert from Bankrate about how this could help you combat inflation.
Electricity prices for the average consumer rose by nearly 6% in the past 12 months. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares ways to cut your costs this summer.
