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Laura McMullen

Laura McMullen writes about saving money and spending it mindfully. She’s also edited content and helped craft original NerdWallet studies. Previously, Laura was a reporter and editor at U.S. News & World Report, where she also helped with its hallmark rankings and discussed her reporting on local radio. Laura’s writing has appeared in The Associated Press, The New York Times, The Washington Post and other outlets. Email: [email protected]. Twitter: @lauraemcmullen.

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Posts by Laura McMullen:
8-african-american-financial-gurus-to-follow-in-2020

8 African American Financial Gurus to Follow in 2020

Laura McMullen & Amrita Jayakumar
Feb. 5, 2020

Talking about money — and the mistakes you’ve made — takes courage. But it takes even more courage to do that on a public forum so others can learn from…

Read More
This Is the Year You Stop Wasting Food (and Money)

This Is the Year You Stop Wasting Food (and Money)

Laura McMullen
Jan. 22, 2020

Who hasn’t felt the shame of a refrigerator purge? You’re sentenced to face the forgotten leftovers, fuzzy produce and years-old salad dressing that you swear must have come with the…

Read More
Black Friday vs. Prime Day: How They Stack Up

Black Friday vs. Prime Day: How They Stack Up

Laura McMullen
Nov. 6, 2019

Black Friday, which falls on Nov. 29 this year, isn’t an obscure event for a few die-hard shoppers. In fact, 71% of Americans plan to shop on Black Friday, according…

Read More

How I Ditched Debt: ‘It Made Our Marriage So Strong’

Laura McMullen
June 4, 2019

In this series, NerdWallet interviews people who have triumphed over debt. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.   Ray Robertson’s debt-payoff journey involves two fateful conversations across the…

Read More
congrats-on-your-new-home-now-how-do-you-afford-to-furnish-it

You Got the House! Now, How Do You Afford to Furnish It?

Laura McMullen
May 15, 2019

Congrats on saving up for that down payment! And hats off for committing to mortgage payments, homeowners insurance and property taxes. Now for your reward: home sweet, sparsely furnished home.…

Read More

12 African-American Financial Gurus to Follow in 2019

Laura McMullen & Rick VanderKnyff
Feb. 15, 2019

In honor of Black History Month, we asked these personal finance experts to reflect on 2019 — the questions or concerns they’re hearing, the advice they’re giving, even the moves…

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Exercise Options Besides an Annual Gym Membership

Exercise Options Besides an Annual Gym Membership

Laura McMullen
Jan. 3, 2019

Resolving to get healthier in 2019 is admirable. Elbowing through the mosh-pit gym crowds in January is impressive, if not pretty. Not using the gym at all by June, even…

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how-to-make-cheap-fast-food-healthy

How to Make Cheap Fast Food Healthier for You

Laura McMullen
Dec. 19, 2018

Maybe you know to plan and prep healthy meals for the upcoming week to save time and money. And maybe you usually have a slow cooker of heart-healthy stew simmering…

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Cheap, Dinner Ideas From Frugal Nerds

Cheap, Easy Dinner Ideas From Frugal Nerds

Laura McMullen
Nov. 2, 2018

No one at NerdWallet is writing about living frugally during the day and then logging off to indulge in caviar and cognac at night. We usually try to practice what…

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3 Ways to Get Free Food

Laura McMullen
Aug. 28, 2018

In the Middle Ages, you could pledge loyalty to a king and perhaps get a chunk of land in return. Nowadays, you can pledge loyalty to Dairy Queen and get a…

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