Jackie Lam is a freelance writer with experience covering small business, budgeting, freelancing and money, and personal finance. She has written for Salon.com, CNET, BuzzFeed, Business Insider, and Refinery29.  She is an AFC® financial coach and educator.

Jackie Lam

Contributing writer

Jackie Lam is a personal finance writer and is based in Los Angeles. She is an accredited AFC® financial educator.

Jackie is passionate about helping artists, freelancers, and gig economy workers with their finances. She has in-depth experience writing about all aspects of personal finance, including budgeting, investing, frugality, money management, and relationships, and enjoys discovering interesting stories that revolve around money.

In her spare time she enjoys volunteering, water aerobics, sticker collecting, being in nature, and learning the drums.

Awards:

  • 2022 recipient of Money Management International's Financial Literacy and Education in Communities (FLEC) Award
  • 2022 Plutus Awards recipient for Best Freelancer in Personal Finance Media

Expertise

Personal Finance

Education

UCLA Copyediting Certification, UCLA Extension Community Counselor Certification, Southern California Counseling Center (SCCC) AFCPE Certification

Recent Articles

Exterior view of a suburban home with a well-manicured lawn and blue sky.

8-minute read

How to save for a house: A complete guide

One of the biggest hurdles when buying a home is saving for a down payment, closing costs, and other expenses. Learn how to save for a house more easily.

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Two woman go over budget charts together, possibly discussing how to plan monthly mortgage payments.

7-minute read

Using an affordability calculator to estimate mortgage costs

How much does it cost to buy a home, and can you afford one? Creating a realistic home buying budget can help you get on track to becoming a homeowner.

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A tan two-story home, showing a two-story house with a tan exterior.

8-minute read

How to sell a house with a mortgage

Selling your home while you’re still paying off your mortgage can be difficult to navigate. Learn how to prepare to sell your house and pay off your mo...

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Wood panelled tiny home with covered porch with hanging chair surrounded by tall pine trees.

6-minute read

How much does a tiny home cost?

The tiny house movement is growing in popularity, but how much does a tiny home cost? Learn about the factors that impact pricing in this complete guide.

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Senior couple sitting on sofa in home with a tablet and relaxing together.

9-minute read

How to buy a house in Georgia

Is Georgia on your mind? Here’s what buyers should know about the market and how to prepare to buy a house in Georgia.

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Young man smiling on the phone at a desk, possibly indicating work or communication.

6-minute read

How you can change homeowners insurance with escrow

Want to change your homeowners insurance? Read through our step-by-step guide on how to change your homeowners insurance with an escrow account.

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Retired couple in home.

6-minute read

5 alternatives to a reverse mortgage

Many older adults consider a reverse mortgage to help finance their retirement. If you're one of them, explore these alternatives to see what suits your needs.

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Image displaying a row of townhouses on a sunny day in North Carolina, showcasing real estate or property.

8-minute read

Duplex vs. townhouse: What’s the difference?

A duplex shares one wall, while a townhome usually shares two. Find all the differences between duplexes and townhouses and see which style seems best for you.

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Stock image displaying a mobile home at a camping site, showcasing vacation living or mobile home lifestyle.

6-minute read

Customizing your mobile home: Design ideas, tips, and budget-friendly options

Discover budget-friendly ways to customize your mobile home – from design tweaks to strategic upgrades. Personalize your space and add value with our smar...

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