What was your first job as a journalist?
I worked at a daily newspaper.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes!
How is social media changing news?
It's making it more accessible.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I don't have a favorite.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
A journalist's job is to inform people.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I honestly can't remember the funniest I've seen.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
By email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Wordpress, excel, photoshop
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook
Who do you wish followed you?
Anyone who's looking for great personal finance advice.
Why did you become a journalist?
I love hearing people stories and sharing them.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was editor of my high school yearbook.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I'm proud of anything I've written that has helped people improve their financial situation.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Find your niche and become an expert on that topic.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Daytime -- morning
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitches are targeted directly to me. The people who have sent them clearly are familiar with my work and know what I write about.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Any pitch that has nothing to do with what I write about is the worst.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Playing with my kids.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
New York Times
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Personal finance is boring.
