Headshot of Jackie Lam

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

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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Large home with solar panels at sunset with geese flying overhead.

10-minute read

What is an FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage?

Learn how an FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) can finance cost‑effective upgrades, lower utility bills, and boost comfort. See requirements and get started.

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Man tending to his garden.

6-minute read

A guide to buying a house with an LLC

There are pros and cons to putting a house under an LLC. Check out our guide for buying an investment property with an LLC.

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A couple looking at an iPad in a kitchen.

7-minute read

How to lower your mortgage payment

Paying off your mortgage doesn’t always go as planned, but there are ways to reduce your monthly payments. Learn how to lower your mortgage payment here.

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Business woman working on laptop.

4-minute read

Interest rate caps: What are they and how do they work?

An interest rate cap limits how much your interest rate will rise on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Find out more about rate caps and how they work.

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A couple looking at papers in a house, potentially discussing documents related to homeownership or a real estate purchase.

6-minute read

A complete guide to commercial REITs

Interested in learning more about commercial REITs? Our ultimate guide simplifies the complexities for you to shed light on these powerful investment tools.

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