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Erin El Issa’s Author Page

Erin El Issa

Senior Writer & Content Strategist | Data analysis, personal finance, credit cards

Erin El Issa writes data-driven studies about personal finance, credit cards, travel, investing, banking and student loans. She loves numbers and aims to demystify data sets to help consumers improve their financial lives. Before becoming a Nerd in 2014, she worked as a tax accountant and freelance personal finance writer. Erin's work has been cited by The New York Times, CNBC, the "Today" show, Forbes and elsewhere. In her spare time, Erin reads voraciously and tries in vain to keep up with her two kids. She is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Education: B.B.A. in accounting from Cleveland State University
Previous experience: Tax accountant

Erin's picks

ESG for Beginners: Environmental, Social and Governance Investing

by Alana Benson

ESG, or environmental, social and governance investing, is a way to build a more ethical portfolio.

8 Tactics to Break the Credit Card Debt Cycle

by Melissa Lambarena

If you’re ready to give credit cards a second chance, a few tactics may lay the groundwork for a successful relationship.

NerdWallet Podcasts

by Arielle O'Shea

The latest from Erin

According to a new NerdWallet survey, 30% of non-retired HENRYs — defined here as Americans with a household income of $200,000 or more — don’t have confidence they’ll have enough money to retire comfortably, despite their high earner status.

Are You Making These Retirement Mistakes? How a HENRY Can Prepare

Three in 10 “HENRYs” don’t feel confident they’ll have enough money to retire, according to a new NerdWallet survey.

Adult, Female, Person

2025 Cost of Home Safety Report

Many Americans have home security systems for peace of mind, but their financial safety could be at risk due to lack of savings for home maintenance needs, according to a new NerdWallet survey.

Adult, Female, Person

2025 Financial Goals Midyear Check-In Report

While most Americans set financial goals for 2025, many aren’t on track to achieve them, according to a new NerdWallet survey.

Person, Shopping, Accessories

2025 Back-to-School Shopping Report

Many back-to-school shoppers plan to combat tariff-related price increases by changing the way they shop for the upcoming school year, NerdWallet’s annual survey finds.

Survey: Banking Misconceptions are Commonplace

A NerdWallet survey finds that some Americans believe these common banking myths. Here’s what you need to know.

Adult, Female, Person

2025 Small Business Month Study

A new NerdWallet survey shows that while most Americans value supporting small businesses, higher prices and shipping costs may be keeping them from patronizing these businesses more often.

Adult, Female, Person

Survey: Women’s Finances More Precarious Than Men’s

A NerdWallet survey shows that women are less likely than men to have gotten a raise in the last year and some are dependent on their partner financially. Here are a few ways women can put themselves in a better money position this year.

Insights Into Economic Data and Research

Insights and commentary on recent economic data and research, from NerdWallet's Senior Economist Elizabeth Renter.

Survey: Most Parents Teach Their Kids About Saving Money

A NerdWallet survey finds that most parents have taken steps to teach their kids about saving money. Here’s how.

2025 Savings Report

Many are saving money in a bank account each month, but some working Americans (23%) aren’t sure how much they’re putting away, according to a new NerdWallet survey.

Wedding Guest Travel: Minimizing Costs to Make it Work

According to a new NerdWallet survey, 9% of Americans are attending a wedding out of town this summer. Here’s how they can save on the costs.

2025 Summer Travel Report

Many Americans have summer travel plans in 2025, but some of last year’s travelers are still in debt from their summer fun, according to an annual NerdWallet survey.

Adult, Female, Person

2025 Women Entrepreneurs Report

A new NerdWallet survey finds that women entrepreneurs are often juggling multiple jobs, but still don’t feel financially successful.

Computer, Electronics, Laptop

Are You On Track For Retirement? Here’s How To Check

A NerdWallet survey finds that few Americans have checked in on their retirement savings progress.

Person, Sitting, Clothing

Survey: One in 10 Americans Would Never Date Someone with Credit Card Debt

A new NerdWallet survey finds that when it comes to money and relationships, some Americans wouldn’t date someone with credit card debt, and others have limits on how much debt is too much.