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

Grey modern home with black door and large potted plants on porch.

6-minute read

Home buying rules: 9 essential steps for buyers

When buying a home, it helps to start with the basic rul...

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Couple reviewing documents on laptop, possibly home related.

7-minute read

A guide to gifts of equity: What taxes to expect, how to write a gift letter, and more

A gift of equity is used to help secure financing for a family member’s home. Here’s how it works and what to expect when using one.

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Energy efficient ranch style home with solar panels and raised bed gardens.

6-minute read

Energy-efficient home: What it is and how to create one

An energy-efficient home has various appliances and features that reduce energy consumption and offer potential savings. Learn about how you can create one.

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Deciding Where to Live in Activity Video

10-minute read

12 ways to decide where you should live

Understanding your lifestyle and how much you can afford helps you decide where to buy a house, but is that it? Our guide can help you decide where to live.

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A beach house, symbolizing a coastal living environment or vacation property.

7-minute read

When to sell a rental property: A complete guide

Are you unsure whether to sell your rental property? Learn about the various factors that can make it a good time to sell and the steps you can expect to take.

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Woman with glasses working at desk.

6-minute read

What are prepaid costs of buying a home?

Learn what prepaid costs are, why they matter, and how to plan ahead for them – so you can approach closing day with clarity, confidence, and no surprises...

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Tiny house funding, potentially related to financing options for tiny homes or small residences.

10-minute read

Tiny-home financing and loan options

Looking to buy a tiny home? Discover the best tiny-house loan options, including personal loans, RV loans, and builder financing. Learn what to know before fina...

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Close up of termites and termite damage on hinge of cabinet door.

7-minute read

A guide to VA loan termite inspections

When you take out a VA loan, you may be required to get a termite inspection. Learn more about the process of getting a VA loan termite inspection.

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A couple signing final real estate documents, marking the completion of a property transaction.

4-minute read

Fannie Mae vs. Freddie Mac: What’s the difference?

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac buy conforming loans from lenders to make sure they have enough cash to keep writing loans. Learn how they’re similar and diffe...

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