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
-
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
-
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
-
Moving to Florida? Arizona? Join the Crowd
Americans are moving to Florida, Arizona and disaster-prone counties across the country.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
-
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
credit & debt -
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
-
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
credit & debt -
The 10 Safest Countries to Visit
Travel Check out where to travel safely before you book international travel.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
Travel -
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
-
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
-
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
-
Alaska Airlines Credit Card: A Great Deal for Bank of America Customers
The Alaska Airlines credit card offers Bank of America customers a 10% rewards boost and access to flights worldwide.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
How to Pay off Credit Card Debt
Making Your Money Last Keep up with credit card bills using these tried-and-true strategies.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
Making Your Money Last -
What is ESG?
ESG means investing in a way that considers a company’s environmental, social, and governance profile. But will ESG help you meet your investment goals and deliver impact?
By Ellen Kennedy Published
-
How To Get a Credit Card with Bad Credit
Got bad credit? You can still qualify for some credit cards; just be sure you do your research first.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
-
This New Sustainable ETF’s Pitch? Give Back Profits.
investing Newday’s ETF partners with UNICEF and other groups.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
investing -
The White House Touts A Digital Dollar: What Does That Mean?
cryptocurrency A CBDC, or Central Bank Digital Currency, is a step closer in the U.S., but going digital will take years.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
cryptocurrency -
What Ethereum's 'Merge’ Means for You, the Market, and the Climate
cryptocurrency The "Merge" seems to have worked. What you need to know about crypto's biggest story of 2022.
By Rodrigo Sermeño Published
cryptocurrency