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Live a richer life.
Authors
Jessica Wong
Jessica Wong

Jessica Wong

Freelance Writer

Freelance writer with an economic development and consulting background.

She draws on this experience to connect big-picture trends with practical takeaways and make complex ideas accessible to everyday readers. Her work for Moneywise focuses on empowering people to make confident money moves. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology, as well as a Publishing Certificate. When she’s not writing, she enjoys travel, reading, and strong cups of coffee.

Their Top Finance Tip Connect big picture shifts to your everyday spending.

Numbers tell a story.

366

Articles published

44

Financial topics covered

5

Years in American journalism

Jessica Wong's Expertise

A photo of a self-driving Waymo car

Auto • Aug 04

Waymo cars crash 68% less than humans, but trial lawyers are stalling the legislation to expand self-driving tech

By Jessica Wong
A man, sitting in a car, looks at his mobile phone, with AAA warning members about a scam offering "free roadside emergency kits."

Auto • Mar 16

Scammers are targeting AAA's 60 million members with 'free roadside kit' offers. Why these fakes are harder to spot

By Jessica Wong
All the top vehicles from Consumer Reports now offer electric options.

Auto • Mar 07

Consumer Reports’ top 10 vehicles of 2026 all have EV or hybrid options. How to find great value in an expensive market

By Jessica Wong
Dave Ramsey says long-term wealth, not short-term perks, should be a business's goal.

Credit Cards • Jan 09

Wisconsin entrepreneur who spends $20K a month mulls getting a rewards credit card. Dave Ramsey says points are a ‘scam’

By Jessica Wong
TikToker angry about store credit-card push.

Credit Cards • Oct 22

This TikToker's rant about T.J. Maxx pushing its store credit card went viral — are store credit cards a help or hassle?

By Jessica Wong
Dave Ramsey speaking in front of.a mic.

Credit Cards • Jun 02

NYC man admits he put $11K engagement ring on a 0% interest credit card — when he has $25K sitting in savings

By Jessica Wong
Mike Rowe, speaking during the BlackRock Infrastructure Summit on March 11, 2026 in Washington, D.C., warns that the U.S. could face a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople.

Employment • Apr 05

'Existential-alarm bell bad': Mike Rowe says there’s an apocalyptic number of people not getting into the trades

By Jessica Wong
A couple enjoys their time off while on vacation.

Employment • Feb 21

Would you turn down extra cash for more vacation? US workers say they prefer time over money in surprising shift

By Jessica Wong
A man working in front of a computer in the dark.

Employment • Nov 09

Nearly 1 in 4 Americans didn't take any of their vacation days in the last year. Are job fears keeping them clocked in?

By Jessica Wong
Student debt impacts older workers in the short and long term.

Loans • Mar 05

Older workers with student loans have 30% less saved for retirement. How to pay off that debt to protect your future

By Jessica Wong
Woman cleaning up a flood in the basement

Loans • Apr 20

I'm 38, lost my job and my basement just got flooded — which will cost me $20K. Is a HELOC my only option?

By Jessica Wong
A photo of bats

Real Estate • Aug 09

Washington couple's $850K dream home hid thousands of bats — and insurance denied the $200K cleanup

By Jessica Wong
A split-image photo of a girl showing her grandmother house keys and the girl and her grandmother standing in front of the house

Managing Money • Apr 26

‘Grandma, I have a secret’: Illinois woman, 21, buys back family matriarch's home 3 years after she was forced to sell

By Jessica Wong
The 2008 housing crisis was not an idyllic time.

Real Estate • Apr 16

‘Cheaper than a Mercedes’: Americans are pining for Great Recession-era home bargains — and some are hoping for a repeat

By Jessica Wong
A photo of a middle-ages woman thinking

Retirement • Aug 03

40% of workers ages 55 to 65 have no retirement account, AARP finds — and the average Gen Xer has saved just $215K

By Jessica Wong
Suzie Orman speaks during the 4th Annual Get Radical Women's conference at the Hyatt Regency in 2012.

Retirement • Jul 19

'Slow down and think': Suze Orman says allowing your kids to move back home could wreck your retirement and their future

By Jessica Wong
Older woman smiles, sitting in a camp chair as she dips her feet in a river.

Retirement • Jul 19

Florida doesn’t even crack the top 5 in new list of most ‘retirement-friendly’ states — where the living is truly easy

By Jessica Wong
Isaac Baron, Sean Getzwiller and Erik Seidel compete at the second event of the Epic Poker League Inaugural Season

Taxes • Apr 26

Pro poker legend Erik Seidel is quitting $10K events because Trump's new 'sin tax' wrecked the math

By Jessica Wong
Fraudsters are targeting victims confused by new tax rules.

Taxes • Mar 17

Almost 1 in 4 Americans affected by tax scams as new rules, AI deepfakes confuse filers — here are 5 traps to watch for

By Jessica Wong
“We’re going to have this hodgepodge, weird year of rules that’s going to make reporting very difficult for employees."

Taxes • Dec 05

IRS issues guidance on ‘no tax on tips’ and overtime ahead of tax season as experts predict ‘off the charts’ confusion

By Jessica Wong
A photo of women in a floor pilates class

Life • Jul 10

64% of Gen Z would rather buy fitness gear than go on a date — and investors are betting billions on the trend

By Jessica Wong
A photo of women in a floor pilates class

Life • Jul 10

64% of Gen Z would rather buy fitness gear than go on a date — and investors are betting billions on the trend

By Jessica Wong
A photo of a Loudon County dada center

News • Aug 23

Loudoun County raked in $1.1 billion in tax revenue from data centers — then residents started pushing back

By Jessica Wong
A photo of a recruiter reviewing a resume

News • Aug 10

Job seekers hide invisible instructions in resumes to manipulate AI screening — and employers now use it to recruit

By Jessica Wong
woman with speaker

News • Jul 29

Families pay $39 a month for aging-in-place tech to avoid $10K assisted living bills — but experts flag a big problem

By Jessica Wong
Older couple reviewing paperwork

Mortgages • Jun 14

Parents in their 60s want a reverse mortgage after a heart attack — but there may be smarter moves

By Jessica Wong
A photo of a Wells Fargo sign

Mortgages • May 25

Wells Fargo must pay $100M to help homebuyers after discrimination lawsuit — 51 cities are eligible

By Jessica Wong
Woman holding up keys for new house

Mortgages • Apr 13

Rocket is buying Mr. Cooper for $9.4B, servicing nearly 10 million Americans — what consumers should know

By Jessica Wong
Vivian Tu at Featured Session: Networth and Chill With Guest Governor Gavin Newsom during the SXSW Conference & Festivals.

Investing • Aug 16

Vivian Tu says investors carrying credit card debt need to stop and pay it off first. The math says she's right

By Jessica Wong
A photo of women in a floor pilates class

Life • Jul 10

64% of Gen Z would rather buy fitness gear than go on a date — and investors are betting billions on the trend

By Jessica Wong
A sign welcoming visitors to Wyoming.

Investing • Jun 18

As Bitcoin is tanking, Wyoming becomes the first state to issue cryptocurrency. What to know about the FRNT stablecoin

By Jessica Wong
Savings account

Banking • Apr 05

China's middle class is 'shadow saving' — hoarding cash instead of spending — and it could be a problem for Americans

By Jessica Wong
man in MRI

Insurance • Jul 01

A Utah man was quoted $2,200 for an MRI with insurance — then found the exact same scan for $399

By Jessica Wong
Bride who was affected by Red Mesa closure

Insurance • Jun 10

Florida brides are out $6,000+ after their venue went bankrupt — and most couples skip the fix

By Jessica Wong
A close up of a brown bear in the wild, showcasing its face as it leans on a log.

Insurance • Apr 21

'Clearly a human in a bear suit': Fraudsters sentenced for faking bear attacks on luxury cars to land insurance payouts

By Jessica Wong
Locksmith Girl of NYC's car with business label on it next to a small image of her face

Managing Money • Jul 27

27-year-old NYC locksmith spent $7,000 to launch her business — then one TikTok brought in 60 jobs a week

By Jessica Wong
People walking by a currency exchange sign at the airport.

Managing Money • Jul 05

‘You have to be careful’: Personal finance expert warns travelers about the major mistake they're making at the airport

By Jessica Wong
A photo of a woman reviewing her finances

Managing Money • Jun 29

Fidelity reveals how much Americans actually have in their 401(k) by age — and when most finally hit $100K

By Jessica Wong
Jinny Lu and owner Michelle

Life • Aug 21

A pug with a protruding tongue is the World's Ugliest Dog — fetching her a cool $5,000, a trophy and a trip to New York

By Jessica Wong
This kind of comfort could be in reach for you — with some trade-offs.

Life • Aug 16

New first-class fares are affordable — but strip lounge access and seat selection and cost hundreds in change fees

By Jessica Wong
A photo of a couple traveling in Europe

Life • Jul 11

A family swapped their home with strangers instead of booking hotels — and saved over $8,000 on vacation

By Jessica Wong
More articles from Jessica Wong

Jessica's favorite resources

1

Bloomberg

2

Forbes

3

Fortune

4

The Globe and Mail

5

The New York Times

6

The Washington Post

More from Jessica Wong

LATEST

A photo of a Loudon County dada center

News • Aug 23

Loudoun County raked in $1.1 billion in tax revenue from data centers — then residents started pushing back

Data centers generated 38% of In Loudoun County, Virginia’s General Fund revenue in its FY2026 budget. While they’re raking in cash, however, not all residents are thrilled.

By Jessica Wong
Jinny Lu and owner Michelle

Life • Aug 21

A pug with a protruding tongue is the World's Ugliest Dog — fetching her a cool $5,000, a trophy and a trip to New York

A rescued pug named Jinny Lu just won this year's World's Ugliest Dog Contest. Whether your windfall comes from a contest or a bonus check, here's how to make the most of it.

By Jessica Wong
Vivian Tu at Featured Session: Networth and Chill With Guest Governor Gavin Newsom during the SXSW Conference & Festivals.

Investing • Aug 16

Vivian Tu says investors carrying credit card debt need to stop and pay it off first. The math says she's right

Vivian Tu has built a massive online following by telling people how to grow their money. But you should stop investing now if you're in this camp.

By Jessica Wong
This kind of comfort could be in reach for you — with some trade-offs.

Life • Aug 16

New first-class fares are affordable — but strip lounge access and seat selection and cost hundreds in change fees

For the first time, those coveted lie-flat seats could be available to those with average incomes — but you’ll be giving up something else.

By Jessica Wong
A photo of a recruiter reviewing a resume

News • Aug 10

Job seekers hide invisible instructions in resumes to manipulate AI screening — and employers now use it to recruit

While more and more companies use AI in their recruiting efforts, evermore job seekers are using AI strategies such as “prompt injection” to cheat the system.

By Jessica Wong
A photo of bats

Real Estate • Aug 09

Washington couple's $850K dream home hid thousands of bats — and insurance denied the $200K cleanup

A couple found thousands of bats hidden in the walls of their new home, and getting rid of the protected rodents was going to cost them $200,000 if they didn’t get creative.

By Jessica Wong
A photo of a self-driving Waymo car

Auto • Aug 04

Waymo cars crash 68% less than humans, but trial lawyers are stalling the legislation to expand self-driving tech

With tens of thousands of Americans dying in traffic crashes each year, lawmakers debate the rules around the autonomous vehicles many believe could help.

By Jessica Wong
A photo of a middle-ages woman thinking

Retirement • Aug 03

40% of workers ages 55 to 65 have no retirement account, AARP finds — and the average Gen Xer has saved just $215K

The “forgotten generation” didn’t forget to save for the future. But they faced real challenges that have left many of them falling behind.

By Jessica Wong
woman with speaker

News • Jul 29

Families pay $39 a month for aging-in-place tech to avoid $10K assisted living bills — but experts flag a big problem

"Some of it is done with a seat-of-your-pants, opportunist approach."

By Jessica Wong
Locksmith Girl of NYC's car with business label on it next to a small image of her face

Managing Money • Jul 27

27-year-old NYC locksmith spent $7,000 to launch her business — then one TikTok brought in 60 jobs a week

Sahar Yona, A.K.A. Locksmith Girl, is booked and busy after going viral.

By Jessica Wong
Suzie Orman speaks during the 4th Annual Get Radical Women's conference at the Hyatt Regency in 2012.

Retirement • Jul 19

'Slow down and think': Suze Orman says allowing your kids to move back home could wreck your retirement and their future

The financial guru says that parents should never put their retirement savings on hold. It can hurt their kids most in the end.

By Jessica Wong
Older woman smiles, sitting in a camp chair as she dips her feet in a river.

Retirement • Jul 19

Florida doesn’t even crack the top 5 in new list of most ‘retirement-friendly’ states — where the living is truly easy

Is your state one of them?

By Jessica Wong
A photo of a couple traveling in Europe

Life • Jul 11

A family swapped their home with strangers instead of booking hotels — and saved over $8,000 on vacation

Unlike traditional vacation rentals, home-exchange platforms like HomeExchange, HostShare, and Kindred connect homeowners willing to stay in each other's homes for free accommodation.

By Jessica Wong
A photo of women in a floor pilates class

Life • Jul 10

64% of Gen Z would rather buy fitness gear than go on a date — and investors are betting billions on the trend

While Wall Street invests in wearable fitness tech, gym memberships are on the rise. Younger generations are even willing to spend more on fitness than dating.

By Jessica Wong
A photo of Ohio's Basket building

News • Jul 06

Longaberger's famous basket building sold for $1.2M in 2017 — now it's listed for $8.5M with one condition

The world’s largest picnic basket — a seven-story office building in Newark, Ohio, designed to look like a Longaberger woven basket — has hit the market with an $8.5 million asking price.

By Jessica Wong
People walking by a currency exchange sign at the airport.

Managing Money • Jul 05

‘You have to be careful’: Personal finance expert warns travelers about the major mistake they're making at the airport

Don’t fall for this common trap.

By Jessica Wong
A senior man, a veteran, visiting historical sites during a family trip to Hawaii.

Life • Jul 05

Retirees are done hoofing it overseas for vacation. Here are 3 US cities they’re flocking to instead

Rising costs aren’t stopping American retirees from traveling — but they are sticking closer to home.

By Jessica Wong
man in MRI

Insurance • Jul 01

A Utah man was quoted $2,200 for an MRI with insurance — then found the exact same scan for $399

After ACA subsidies expired, this Utah couple's health care premium jumped from $500 to $2,100 a month.

By Jessica Wong
A photo of a woman reviewing her finances

Managing Money • Jun 29

Fidelity reveals how much Americans actually have in their 401(k) by age — and when most finally hit $100K

New data from Fidelity offers insights into how much people across age groups have actually managed to save for retirement in their 401(k)s.

By Jessica Wong
A photo of a wealthy home

News • Jun 29

$612K average income, $4.8M homes: Inside America's 5 wealthiest suburbs

A new analysis from personal finance platform MoneyLion ranked America’s wealthiest suburbs. Here are the top five.

By Jessica Wong
Magician manipulates a ball of flame for an illusion during a stage performance

News • Jun 27

Americans now think they need $1.46 million to retire — $200K more than last year — and half fear it won't last

Take action before your financial future goes up in smoke.

By Jessica Wong
Worried man sitting on his bed.

Managing Money • Jun 24

60 years old with just $5,000 saved for retirement — 7 moves that could still make a difference

Playing catch up as you near retirement isn’t ideal but it doesn’t mean it’s too late to start saving

By Jessica Wong
Amazon warehouse.

News • Jun 23

Amazon engineers spoke out against the AI data center boom — now 3 say they're facing internal investigations

Amazon is denying allegations it threatened to fire employees who spoke out against AI data centers at a Seattle city council meeting

By Jessica Wong
A grandfather sits with his granddaughter to go over her university application.

Managing Money • Jun 21

Grandparents are using 529 plans to help grandkids pay for college — and one rule change made it easier

The little-known update is assisting families in making the right plans for college, and helping savings go further.

By Jessica Wong
middle-aged women looking at senior woman in kitchen

News • Jun 19

Social Security trustees finally admit the baby rebound isn't coming — but shorter lifespans could help the math

Social Security's 75-year funding gap just jumped to 4.42% of taxable payroll after trustees abandoned their baby boom forecast.

By Jessica Wong

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