Rachel DePompa
Investigative reporter
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Rachel DePompa is NBC12's On Your Side Investigator. Rachel grew up in Waldorf, Md., and graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in broadcast journalism.Before joining WWBT in March of 2008 Rachel worked in Roanoke, Bristol and Harrisonburg.
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Updated: 29 minutes ago
|By Rachel DePompa
Free money without a catch and for some, just a few clicks away. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shows how you can find out if any of the billions of dollars in unclaimed cash across the country is yours.
Updated: Mar. 28, 2023 at 2:28 PM CDT
|By Rachel DePompa
A record 8.7% Social Security cost-of-living increase is one of the few positives of the record inflation we’ve faced. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about ways to make that extra money work for you.
Updated: Mar. 27, 2023 at 2:51 PM CDT
|By Rachel DePompa
A new NerdWallet survey found 75% of Americans do not feel confident about their finances for 2023. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks to an expert about how you can take control of your budget during stressful economic times.
Updated: Mar. 23, 2023 at 3:15 PM CDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Investing is a great tool to build long-term wealth, the key is identifying which opportunities are best suited for your financial goals. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about an often-overlooked investment area: real estate equity funds.
Updated: Mar. 21, 2023 at 3:10 PM CDT
|By Rachel DePompa
It’s tax filing season and if you’re expecting a refund, experts say you should start planning how you might spend that extra cash. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert advice on how to make that windfall work for you.
Updated: Mar. 20, 2023 at 2:40 PM CDT
|By Rachel DePompa
It’s the time of year we all like to declutter our homes. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke to an expert about ways you can also spring clean your finances.
Updated: Mar. 16, 2023 at 1:55 PM CDT
|By Rachel DePompa
More than 25 million Americans plan to buy a home this year, according to a new study from NerdWallet. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke to an expert about ways you can set a realistic budget if you’re one of those looking to enter the housing
Updated: Mar. 14, 2023 at 2:07 PM CDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Planning to travel or go to some events for spring break? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa breaks down ways you can save while on a trip or staycation.
Updated: Mar. 13, 2023 at 3:45 PM CDT
|By Rachel DePompa
The deadline to file your taxes is quickly approaching. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has expert advice for those of you who haven’t filed yet.
Updated: Mar. 9, 2023 at 1:11 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
If you’re on a tight budget it can be tempting to make the minimum payment on your credit card bill. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out why that could cost you in the long run.
Updated: Mar. 7, 2023 at 2:23 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Millions of Americans are paying to file their taxes when they didn’t have to. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa tells you what you need to know to file your taxes for free.
Updated: Mar. 6, 2023 at 4:03 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Looking for a vacation home or another source of income? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa takes a look at the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a timeshare.
Updated: Mar. 2, 2023 at 3:05 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Saving for your down payment is a critical step in getting into a new home. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a financial coach from the Virginia Credit Union about ways to save for your future home.
Updated: Feb. 28, 2023 at 4:06 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
You’re ready to make that big buy and now it’s time to negotiate the final price. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a negotiation expert from Shapiro Negotiations Institute about what to watch for when haggling over a price or service.
Updated: Feb. 27, 2023 at 2:36 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Better communication and a pay increase top the wish list in a new industry study focused on top workplace concerns for 2023. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with the company behind that new report.
Updated: Feb. 27, 2023 at 12:11 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa and Daniela Molina
According to a ChildCare Aware study, in 2021 the national average price of child care in the U.S. was more than $10,000 annually. Availability has also become an issue post-pandemic as childcare providers struggle to meet staffing needs. These factors both play a role when it comes to parents choosing the best option for their kids, with some turning to in-home daycares to fill in the gap. However, some home daycares are unlicensed with little or no regulation.
Updated: Feb. 23, 2023 at 2:40 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
During tough economic times layoffs can happen unexpectedly. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about how you can prepare yourself in the event of a layoff.
Updated: Feb. 21, 2023 at 10:53 AM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Tax season is upon us and, per a new NerdWallet study, 55% of filers are expecting a refund. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a personal finance expert from NerdWallet about best uses for that windfall.
Updated: Feb. 20, 2023 at 2:56 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
With the average American $5,500+ in consumer debt, the debt avalanche method can you help save on fees while paying it off. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from NerdWallet for details.
Updated: Feb. 16, 2023 at 2:08 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Are you bouncing from one credit card to another juggling balances and chasing rewards? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with aBankrate.com analyst on the best way to combat credit card debt.
Updated: Feb. 14, 2023 at 2:07 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Making a career move to be your own CEO? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert small business advice to get your company off the ground.
Updated: Feb. 13, 2023 at 4:02 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
YouGovAmerica reports that money is the second biggest topic for arguments between partners, so having a frank “money talk” with your significant other is key. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains why it should happen sooner rather than later.
Updated: Feb. 9, 2023 at 2:33 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
It’s a special day when you’re supposed to lead with your heart, but sometimes the price tag can get in the way. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has a few ways for you to save on Valentine’s Day.
Updated: Feb. 7, 2023 at 12:37 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Subscriptions for movies, music, even food. Do you know how much you’re spending every month? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has apps to help you track your spending and ways you can cut back and save some money.
Updated: Feb. 6, 2023 at 2:57 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Americans are going further into to debt according to a new study from NerdWallet. The average US household owes more than $165K in debt, an increase of 8% over last year. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert tips to help pay down your debt.
Updated: Feb. 2, 2023 at 5:35 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Nearly half a billion Americans had their data compromised last year. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa sits down with a security expert from ITRC to discuss cyber-attack trends.
Updated: Jan. 31, 2023 at 4:12 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Healthcare is the number one expense to plan for as you prepare for retirement, according to our partners at the financial website NerdWallet.
Updated: Jan. 30, 2023 at 3:51 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa and Daniela Molina
Imagine paying your debt and having it disappear from your credit report, only to see it resurrected years later haunting your credit score. It’s called “zombie debt”, and while it may sound like a term out of a horror film, Jesse James shares his personal story dealing with this issue that plagues consumers, even forcing some to take legal action against collection agencies for debts they’ve already paid.
Updated: Jan. 30, 2023 at 3:22 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
If old debts are damaging your credit report there’s a chance you could be haunted by a financial phenomenon called Zombie Debt. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out how you spot zombie debt and what you can do to protect your credit.
Updated: Jan. 26, 2023 at 2:36 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
According to a new report from NerdWallet, 61% of Americans plan to take measures to boost their credit score over the next 12 months. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares common credit myths to avoid while working to increase your score.
Updated: Jan. 24, 2023 at 2:23 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Have an old smartphone just gathering dust? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains ways you can make money off your old devices.
Updated: Jan. 23, 2023 at 4:41 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
From 2019 to 2021 US homeowners undertook around 134 billion home improvement projects, an increase of 20% according to NerdWallet. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert advice about expert about home improvement projects.
Updated: Jan. 20, 2023 at 10:36 AM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
According to a new survey from SaveonEnergy, 69% percent of homeowners are concerned about their ability to meet their monthly energy costs. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa found out what you can do to offset your rising power bill in this Watching Your Wallet.
Updated: Jan. 19, 2023 at 3:34 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Balancing saving for your kids college fund with your own financial future can be a tough task. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with NerdWallet about different ways to pay for higher education.
Updated: Jan. 17, 2023 at 3:43 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
The housing market is still very difficult for first time homebuyers because of high interest rates and high prices. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks with an expert from NerdWallet on strategies for first time buyers.
Updated: Jan. 12, 2023 at 2:58 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Prices continue to be higher than they were a year ago with the inflation rate sitting right around 6.5%. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about the four ways you can try to fight rising costs and keep your budget in line.
Updated: Jan. 10, 2023 at 4:07 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Want to reboot your budget for the new year? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with a wealth management planner about how to map your money moves.
Updated: Jan. 9, 2023 at 3:10 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Even with an uncertain financial forecast for 2023 there are steps you can take to protect your money long-term, for yourself and future generations. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks to an expert about building generational wealth.
Updated: Jan. 5, 2023 at 12:39 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
If you are on the hunt for a new job your paycheck might not be the only thing you should consider. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert negotiator for tips on how to get a great overall package.
Updated: Jan. 3, 2023 at 1:59 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
When it comes to keeping your credit safe two of the top choices are a credit monitoring service and freezing your credit. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explores both options and gets an expert’s take on the best ways to secure your credit.
Updated: Jan. 2, 2023 at 3:00 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
If you’ve made a resolution for 2023, sticking to it is always the challenge. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert advice to help you stay on track.
Updated: Dec. 29, 2022 at 2:18 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Quick fixes around the house are relatively inexpensive and could prevent significant damage from major accidents. While you can't eliminate every potential hazard in your home Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa highlights simple tasks you can tackle that could save money and keep your family safe.
Updated: Dec. 27, 2022 at 1:18 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
The New Year is almost here and experts say it’s the time to set your financial plan. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares three top financial tips for 2023.
Updated: Dec. 26, 2022 at 12:53 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
It’s a hacker tactic designed to trick you into letting con artists access your personal info. Consumer investigator Rachel DePompa talks to the FBI about “spear phishing” and how you can protect yourself.
Updated: Dec. 22, 2022 at 3:20 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Retirement might not be top of mind, but experts say now is the time to reevaluate your future savings. Consumer Investigator Rachel De Pompa shares expert advice on why just a little, could mean a lot.
Updated: Dec. 20, 2022 at 2:02 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Building wealth can change your life but getting started can seem overwhelming. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares three tips from a financial expert to get you on the right financial path.
Updated: Dec. 19, 2022 at 3:20 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
While the cost of a used car prices is finally starting to drop they are still well above where they were a year ago. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out what you should know if you are looking to sell sometime soon.
Updated: Dec. 15, 2022 at 3:09 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
As the temperatures continue to drop it is never too early to prepare for winter heating bills. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares tips that could help you save some money this season.
Updated: Dec. 13, 2022 at 3:13 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Holiday spending can quickly add up so do you have a plan to pay it off? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has some advice from an expert on how to get your 2023 budget in gear.
Updated: Dec. 9, 2022 at 2:11 PM CST
|By Rachel DePompa
Cryptocurrency and NFT's have made headlines the past few weeks with wild swings in value, but before jumping in experts say education in their markets is key. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains.