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
Recent Articles
4-minute read
Grantor vs. grantee: What's the difference?
A home sale means property is transferred from one party to another. The terms “grantor” and “grantee” describe who gives the property t...
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5-minute read
How homestead exemptions work
Homestead exemption application requirements and processes vary by state but can reduce your property tax burden. Learn what to expect before you start.
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12-minute read
HELOC vs. personal loan: How to choose the better one for you
Compare a HELOC and a personal loan by cost, risk, speed, and flexibility. Learn when each option makes sense and what to consider before borrowing.
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6-minute read
How often do contingent offers fall through? What you should know
Buyers can place different types of contingencies on their proposed offer. Learn more about contingencies and their impact on the rate of acceptance.
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8-minute read
PUD meaning: What is a Planned Unit Development and how does it work?
A PUD (planned unit development) is a community with shared common areas. Learn how PUDs work, what fees to expect, and how they compare to condos and HOAs.
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7-minute read
How to find open houses near you: Helpful tips and what to expect
Ready to find your next home, but not sure where to start? Check out our guide to finding open houses in your area, plus tips on how to prepare for them.
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6-minute read
What is an absentee owner?
Absentee homeowners own property but don’t live in or manage it. This is a passive investment approach that can prove effective when risks are understood.
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5-minute read
Multigenerational homes: What it's like living in one
Multigenerational homes have people of multiple generations living under one roof. Learn what it's like to live in a home that unifies different generations.
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5-minute read
Why the 28/36 rule matters for home affordability
When you're buying a home, the 28/36 rule helps assess mortgage affordability by considering your housing costs, debt, and income. Learn why it's important.
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