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Amrita Jayakumar

Amrita writes about consumer credit and debt issues for NerdWallet. She has reported on government contractors, information technology, retail, housing and small businesses as a reporter and digital producer at The Washington Post. Her work has also appeared in The Miami Herald. Originally from Mumbai, India, Amrita enjoys using credit card rewards points to travel. She is based in San Francisco.

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Posts by Amrita Jayakumar:
Kara Perez headshot by Shane Henderson

How I Ditched Debt: Making the Most of a Gig Economy

Amrita Jayakumar
Feb. 5, 2019

In this series, NerdWallet interviews people who have triumphed over debt using a combination of commitment, budgeting and smart financial choices. Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Kara…

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This Winter, Your Credit Should Freeze, Too

Amrita Jayakumar
Jan. 25, 2019

Before you tackle lofty financial resolutions like paying off debt this year, do yourself a quick favor and freeze your credit reports. It’s free, doesn’t affect your credit score and…

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No, Millennials Don’t Hate Credit Cards

Amrita Jayakumar
Dec. 21, 2018

Millennials would rather swipe right than swipe plastic. They love to pay their brunch tabs with cash. Debt scares them so much they don’t care about credit card rewards. The…

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Experian 'Boost' Adds a New Way to Strengthen Your Credit

Experian ‘Boost’ Adds a New Way to Strengthen Your Credit

Amrita Jayakumar
Dec. 18, 2018

A credit score can be key to unlocking many firsts — an apartment, a car loan, or a mortgage. But when you’re starting out, getting a score is maddeningly elusive.…

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americans-top-money-questions-answered

Americans’ Top 5 Money Questions Answered

Amrita Jayakumar
Jan. 2, 2019

Medical symptoms, obscure facts or who your favorite Hollywood star is dating — we often turn to Google with these burning questions. But when we’re not searching for the latest…

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Why These Travel Bloggers Shun Social Media

Amrita Jayakumar
Nov. 20, 2018

Travel bloggers Cole and Elizabeth Donelson, both 29, known as The Switchback Kids, earned their name camping in all 59 national parks in a year. The St. Louis-based couple saved…

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american-express-personal-loan-review

American Express Personal Loans: 2019 Review

Amrita Jayakumar
Jan. 22, 2019

Good for: Excellent credit, debt consolidation The American Express personal loan is designed for its well-heeled customers: Only existing AmEx cardholders who receive a preapproval offer from the company can get…

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U.S. Bank Premier Personal Loans: 2018 Review

U.S. Bank Premier Personal Loan: 2019 Review

Amrita Jayakumar
Jan. 22, 2019

Good for: Good credit, co-sign loans U.S. Bank’s Premier loan is a personal loan available to existing customers who have good credit profiles. U.S. Bank may be a good fit if…

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Barclays Personal Loan: 2019 Review

Amrita Jayakumar
Jan. 22, 2019

Good for: Debt consolidation, Good credit The Barclays personal loan is a new option for borrowers with good credit who want to simplify debts. Barclays may be a good fit if you:…

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Short on Cash? Employee Loans Are Alternatives to Payday Loans

Amrita Jayakumar
Oct. 23, 2018

If you were in a financial bind, would you turn to your employer instead of a payday lender? Coming up with cash quickly can be a costly endeavor for the…

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