
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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Chase Launches $750 Bonus Offer For Sapphire Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card recently launched a compelling deal for new customers.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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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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What Is a Good Credit Score?
Having a good credit score can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars on credit cards, mortgages and other loans.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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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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10 Credit Cards With Travel Insurance
These cards provide excellent travel insurance coverage for you and your trip.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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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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How to Save on Booking a Cruise
Booking a cruise using credit card rewards and travel agents can help snag the best deals.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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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
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Debit Cards vs Charge Cards
credit & debt Whether sticking to a budget or reaping big rewards, understand whether debit cards vs charge cards are right for you.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Whole Foods Quietly Asks for Your Palm Print: Should You Sign Up?
All Whole Foods stores will allow shoppers to pay with a wave of the hand, but should you give biometric data to Amazon?
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Credit or debit? Cash? Consumers have many options, so it's best to understand the pros and cons of all three.
credit & debt Credit or debit? Cash? Each payment method has pros and cons. Your best bet is to use a combination that meets your own needs.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Proxy Season Update for 2023: What Shareholders Are Saying
Stay informed about proxy season 2023 with these updates about what shareholders are voting on.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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The Power of Shareholder Proposals
A look at what shareholder proposals are and the power they can have on a company.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Netflix Shareholders to Execs: 'No Way on Pay!'
At its annual meeting, Netflix shareholders rejected the proposed executive pay package, siding with striking writers.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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The Lawn Trend That'll Save You Money and Help the Environment
"No Mow May" is a new trend to slow lawn care for a month for the environment - and it'll save you costs.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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ChatGPT and Job Security: Is AI Coming for Your Job?
When it comes to ChatGPT and job security there are a handful of things to know - and strategies to follow.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Save Money With Solar Energy – Without Changing Your Roof
Learn more about community solar, projects that help save money with solar energy.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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New Way To See Free Credit Scores From FICO
FICO announced a new way you can now sign up for free credit scores.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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5 Great Places to Buy a Vacation Home
With remote work on the rise, more people are looking for a permanent getaway.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Do Green Credit Cards Deliver?
Eco-friendly, or green credit cards may appeal to consumers, but be sure to avoid those that are just hype.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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How to Get Approved for a Credit Card You Want
Get approved for a credit card before you apply, or at least increase your odds of approval.
By Ellen Kennedy Published