Sarah Sharkey
Sarah Sharkey
ContributorSarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys helping people make optimal financial decisions for their situation. She loves digging into the nitty-gritty details of financial products and money management strategies to root out the good, the bad, and the ugly. Her goal is to help readers find the best course of action for their needs.
Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys helping people make optimal financial decisions for their situation. She loves digging into the nitty-gritty details of financial products and money management strategies to root out the good, the bad and the ugly. Her goal is to help readers find the best course of action for their needs. Her desire to help readers make the right financial decisions started with an interest in personal finance after graduating from the University of Florida. With so many peers facing student loan debt and the onslaught of expenses that seem to start after graduation, finding a way to navigate these costs personally and fielding questions about money from friends started her down this path. In the years to follow, she discovered a true passion in helping readers make informed financial decisions. In the last eight years, she has covered credit cards, mortgages, student loans, budgeting, travel and more. She has written for numerous finance publications, including Newsweek, Business Insider and The Wall Street Journal's Buyside. When she's not writing about money, Sarah can be found exploring the waters near her coastal home with her husband and dogs. Boating with a book is her favorite combination.
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LATEST
Real Estate • Jan 13
Rhode Island man with a fiancee, toddler and 3 Airbnbs wants a 4th property. Why Dave Ramsey says that's ‘dangerous’
Short-term rentals could mean long-term hassle.
Real Estate • Jan 13
Rhode Island man with a fiancee, toddler and 3 Airbnbs wants a 4th property. Why Dave Ramsey says that's ‘dangerous’
Short-term rentals could mean long-term hassle.
Life • Jan 07
Worth the weights? Why your New Year's gym membership may be harder to quit than you know (and what to do about it)
Americans spend $397 million on unused gym memberships annually.
Life • Jan 07
Worth the weights? Why your New Year's gym membership may be harder to quit than you know (and what to do about it)
Americans spend $397 million on unused gym memberships annually.
Auto • Dec 22
These 3 car models could tank in value in 2026. Here are some alternatives to consider
Car depreciation might be revving up for a few models. Here’s how to avoid making a wrong turn
Auto • Dec 22
These 3 car models could tank in value in 2026. Here are some alternatives to consider
Car depreciation might be revving up for a few models. Here’s how to avoid making a wrong turn
Auto • Dec 22
These 5 cars depreciated the fastest in 2025. What you need to know to avoid picking the biggest loser on the lot
Models that lost the most value share one notable feature.
Auto • Dec 22
These 5 cars depreciated the fastest in 2025. What you need to know to avoid picking the biggest loser on the lot
Models that lost the most value share one notable feature.
Auto • Dec 21
Ford makes way for $2B venture by laying off 1,600 Kentucky plant workers. Could this move soon impact utility bills?
The auto giant is seeking new revenue in the energy sector.
Auto • Dec 21
Ford makes way for $2B venture by laying off 1,600 Kentucky plant workers. Could this move soon impact utility bills?
The auto giant is seeking new revenue in the energy sector.
Auto • Dec 20
More Americans are browsing and buying cars from their couch. But here’s what to know before you click-to-finance
The convenience is real, but it won’t save you from surprises at the car lot.
Auto • Dec 20
More Americans are browsing and buying cars from their couch. But here’s what to know before you click-to-finance
The convenience is real, but it won’t save you from surprises at the car lot.
Insurance • Dec 13
As health costs rise, Americans turn to AI for diagnosis or treatment. It can help, but risks remain
79% of U.S. adults say they’re likely to look online for health advice.
Insurance • Dec 13
As health costs rise, Americans turn to AI for diagnosis or treatment. It can help, but risks remain
79% of U.S. adults say they’re likely to look online for health advice.
Investing • Dec 11
45% of Gen Z want crypto for Christmas, but this gift comes with risk. Here are 2 safer alternatives some experts prefer
If you're planning to give investment assets as a Christmas gift, be sure to do your homework.
Investing • Dec 11
45% of Gen Z want crypto for Christmas, but this gift comes with risk. Here are 2 safer alternatives some experts prefer
If you're planning to give investment assets as a Christmas gift, be sure to do your homework.
News • Dec 11
MA couple's life savings wiped out after scam involving Apple gift cards. Now, they're doing gig work just 'to survive'
“They had him scared that it was him that did it. They threatened to call the FBI,” says daughter.
News • Dec 11
MA couple's life savings wiped out after scam involving Apple gift cards. Now, they're doing gig work just 'to survive'
“They had him scared that it was him that did it. They threatened to call the FBI,” says daughter.
News • Dec 08
Trump says tariffs made America strong, but governors say households are still struggling. Here’s what the data shows
As tariff policy shifts, so does the economic picture. The numbers help explain why.
News • Dec 08
Trump says tariffs made America strong, but governors say households are still struggling. Here’s what the data shows
As tariff policy shifts, so does the economic picture. The numbers help explain why.
Insurance • Dec 07
Billions in Medicare benefits go unused yearly. A free app may help 90% of older Americans access an average $400 credit
When it comes to Medicare perks, the real cost might be what’s quietly slipping away.
Insurance • Dec 07
Billions in Medicare benefits go unused yearly. A free app may help 90% of older Americans access an average $400 credit
When it comes to Medicare perks, the real cost might be what’s quietly slipping away.
Managing Money • Dec 05
Mississippi dad says he raided his 4-year-old's savings for $8K+ to pay off debt. Can he pay his son back?
A Mississippi dad says using his child’s savings was “for family memories.” But not everyone’s buying that excuse.
Managing Money • Dec 05
Mississippi dad says he raided his 4-year-old's savings for $8K+ to pay off debt. Can he pay his son back?
A Mississippi dad says using his child’s savings was “for family memories.” But not everyone’s buying that excuse.
Insurance • Dec 05
Florida woman ‘grateful to be alive,’ warns others after defective e-scooter burns down her family home of 50 years
If you think your home is adequately insured, you might want to read the fine print.
Insurance • Dec 05
Florida woman ‘grateful to be alive,’ warns others after defective e-scooter burns down her family home of 50 years
If you think your home is adequately insured, you might want to read the fine print.
News • Dec 01
Panera is rolling out a better customer experience to woo back diners. Will it win the casual dining 'value wars'?
The battle of the budget meals is in full swing.
News • Dec 01
Panera is rolling out a better customer experience to woo back diners. Will it win the casual dining 'value wars'?
The battle of the budget meals is in full swing.
News • Nov 30
Health care workers call new student loan plan a 'smack in the face' as nursing is no longer a 'professional degree'
Experts believe the plan could exacerbate the nursing shortage while driving up costs for patients.
News • Nov 30
Health care workers call new student loan plan a 'smack in the face' as nursing is no longer a 'professional degree'
Experts believe the plan could exacerbate the nursing shortage while driving up costs for patients.
Insurance • Nov 27
Philly woman, 45, wins $35M after cancer misdiagnosis as case underscores the importance of advocating for oneself
A second opinion never hurts.
Insurance • Nov 27
Philly woman, 45, wins $35M after cancer misdiagnosis as case underscores the importance of advocating for oneself
A second opinion never hurts.
Real Estate • Nov 26
Trump Organization to crowdfund Maldives resort built with Saudi partner using digital tokens. What investors must know
Huge opportunity or huge risk?
Real Estate • Nov 26
Trump Organization to crowdfund Maldives resort built with Saudi partner using digital tokens. What investors must know
Huge opportunity or huge risk?
Loans • Nov 26
Texas mom, 22, says her $91K bankruptcy is ‘not as bad as it’s made out to be’ in viral TikTok. Here’s the real impact
It may seem like the easiest way out of devastating debt, but the consequences of declaring bankruptcy can be severe and long-lasting.
Loans • Nov 26
Texas mom, 22, says her $91K bankruptcy is ‘not as bad as it’s made out to be’ in viral TikTok. Here’s the real impact
It may seem like the easiest way out of devastating debt, but the consequences of declaring bankruptcy can be severe and long-lasting.
Taxes • Nov 26
A $10K ‘tax bomb’ on forgiven student loans started ticking New Year's Day, threatening borrowers with a new debt burden
Senators call it a “financial disaster for working-class Americans.”
Taxes • Nov 26
A $10K ‘tax bomb’ on forgiven student loans started ticking New Year's Day, threatening borrowers with a new debt burden
Senators call it a “financial disaster for working-class Americans.”
News • Nov 23
‘Trim down to get approved’: Trump offers advice to ‘bigger’ applicants seeking US visas. Why he’s now focused on weight
Will it prevent a strain on the US health-care system?
News • Nov 23
‘Trim down to get approved’: Trump offers advice to ‘bigger’ applicants seeking US visas. Why he’s now focused on weight
Will it prevent a strain on the US health-care system?
Retirement • Nov 21
I’m 69 and retired. My wife wants adventure while I prefer a slower pace. How can we build a shared retirement vision?
When one partner hits the gas and the other taps the brakes, retirement can get bumpy.
Retirement • Nov 21
I’m 69 and retired. My wife wants adventure while I prefer a slower pace. How can we build a shared retirement vision?
When one partner hits the gas and the other taps the brakes, retirement can get bumpy.
News • Nov 19
Trump says Thanksgiving dinner is cheaper this year and he’s right, to a point. Talking turkey about holiday food costs
Here’s what families can expect to pay this year.
News • Nov 19
Trump says Thanksgiving dinner is cheaper this year and he’s right, to a point. Talking turkey about holiday food costs
Here’s what families can expect to pay this year.
Managing Money • Nov 16
Idaho dad wants to use a $200K inheritance to buy himself a Harley. Here’s why Dave Ramsey worries he’s beyond help
A six-figure family gift could wipe out his mortgage. Instead, he wants to buy a motorcycle.
Managing Money • Nov 16
Idaho dad wants to use a $200K inheritance to buy himself a Harley. Here’s why Dave Ramsey worries he’s beyond help
A six-figure family gift could wipe out his mortgage. Instead, he wants to buy a motorcycle.
News • Nov 15
Florida businesses say contractor took thousands in deposits for countertops, then vanished. Why they’re still fighting
Is a contractor who ghosts a potential criminal, or just doing bad business?
News • Nov 15
Florida businesses say contractor took thousands in deposits for countertops, then vanished. Why they’re still fighting
Is a contractor who ghosts a potential criminal, or just doing bad business?
News • Nov 14
Police report ‘growing concern’ of a Lego crime wave. Here’s why holiday shoppers need to be careful this year
Cops are coming down on thieves like a ton of bricks.
News • Nov 14
Police report ‘growing concern’ of a Lego crime wave. Here’s why holiday shoppers need to be careful this year
Cops are coming down on thieves like a ton of bricks.
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