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Sharon Wu, CFEI® on Muck Rack

Sharon Wu, CFEI®

(She/Her)
Encinitas
Covers:  Personal finance, financial literacy, mortgages and real estate, retirement, money management, budgeting and saving, investing, home, insurance, warranties, lifestyle

Sharon Wu, CFEI®’s Journalist Portfolio

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What Does It Take To Feel Financially Secure? Americans Share Their Answers

What Does It Take To Feel Financially Secure? Americans Share Their Answers

ConsumerAffairs — What does financial security really take? See the income and milestones Americans shared, plus the states where it's easiest to reach.

Should you add physical gold to your Roth IRA?

Should you add physical gold to your Roth IRA?

USA Today — Learn what a gold Roth IRA is, how to open and fund one, plus the tax rules, fees, risks and benefits for retirement planning.

Comparing the Costs of Generations (2026 Data)

Comparing the Costs of Generations (2026 Data)

ConsumerAffairs — Compare the cost of living in 1974 versus today. New data reveals what's gotten pricier, what's improved and why it's complicated.

Emergency repair calls - what to expect and what it could cost you

Emergency repair calls - what to expect and what it could cost you

USA Today — Emergency home repairs during the summer can be costly. Learn why prices rise and how a home warranty may help protect your budget.

We tried Spendee. Is it the right budgeting app for your money?'

We tried Spendee. Is it the right budgeting app for your money?'

USA Today — Spendee turns bank transactions into easy charts. We tested the app to see if it is worth the monthly cost.

What is a travel rewards credit card and is it worth it?

What is a travel rewards credit card and is it worth it?

Wavecomber — Travel rewards cards offer points, miles, and perks, but the value depends on your habits. Here's when the fee pays off and when it doesn't.

Selling a home? A home warranty could help close the deal.

Selling a home? A home warranty could help close the deal.

USA Today — A home warranty can help sellers close faster, avoid lowball offers and protect against post-sale disputes. Here's what to know before you list.

What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen (2026)

What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen (2026)

ConsumerAffairs — Report theft and freeze accounts immediately if your identity is stolen. Learn how to secure accounts, monitor credit and protect your personal data.

How Many Years Can You File Back Taxes?

How Many Years Can You File Back Taxes?

ConsumerAffairs — The IRS requires six years of returns for compliance, but you can file older taxes. Learn about refunds, penalties and how to catch up on back taxes.

Should you add precious metals to your retirement account in 2026?

Should you add precious metals to your retirement account in 2026?

USA Today — Precious metals can diversify retirement portfolios, but they come with fees, risks and IRS rules. Here's how to decide if they belong in your IRA.

How to Buy a Home Without a Real Estate Agent

How to Buy a Home Without a Real Estate Agent

ConsumerAffairs — Buying a home without an agent? Here's how to handle property research, secure financing, negotiate offers and close the deal safely on your own.

Can You Get a Mortgage Preapproval Without a Credit Check?

Can You Get a Mortgage Preapproval Without a Credit Check?

ConsumerAffairs — Find out if you can get a mortgage preapproval without a credit check. Learn about prequalification, credit impacts and lender requirements.

Best Home Warranty for Appliances (2026 Guide)

Best Home Warranty for Appliances (2026 Guide)

ConsumerAffairs — Want the best home warranty for appliances? Compare providers on coverage, costs, reviews and more. Regency Total Warranty is our top pick overall.

What is a mortgage rate float down and is it worth it?

What is a mortgage rate float down and is it worth it?

CBS News — A float down can help you navigate mortgage rate changes, but the fees and timing play a big role in the equation.

What will happen to home prices in 2026? Here's what experts say buyers should know now.

What will happen to home prices in 2026? Here's what experts say buyers should know now.

CBS News — Experts forecast modest home price growth next year, though several forces could shift the outcome.

5 Retirement Expenses That Keep Climbing

5 Retirement Expenses That Keep Climbing

AARP — Health care expenses, home insurance and moving costs are all ticking up. Preparing for higher expenses now can help you in retirement.

At what age should you not buy an annuity? Here's what experts think

At what age should you not buy an annuity? Here's what experts think

CBS News — An annuity can be a smart bet for retirement, but there are certain points when it may not make sense to buy one.

How to escape the payday loan debt cycle, according to experts

How to escape the payday loan debt cycle, according to experts

CBS News — Experts recommend taking certain steps now if you're trying to escape a payday loan debt cycle. Here's how to do it.

House hacking helped this millennial retire by age 36 - here's how

House hacking helped this millennial retire by age 36 - here's how

Wavecomber — Though not for everyone, embracing an alternative living setup for a while could help you build wealth, says a financial literacy and FIRE educator.

High-net-worth women redefine prenups as strategic financial plans

High-net-worth women redefine prenups as strategic financial plans

Wavecomber — Prenups used to invoke mistrust and a lack of faith. But today, high-earning women are using them to protect their wealth and bolster marital finances.

Does Car Insurance Cover The Car Or The Driver?

Does Car Insurance Cover The Car Or The Driver?

ConsumerAffairs — Does car insurance cover the car or the driver? Learn how policies work, what they cover and how to choose the right coverage for your needs.