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Jackie Lam

AFC®, Insurance Writer

About

With over a decade of experience as a personal finance writer, Jackie Lam simplifies complex financial topics for consumers who want to improve their financial situations, develop a healthy relationship with money, and work toward their goals. Her work has been featured by Fortune 500 companies, fintech startups and national personal finance brands such as Business Insider.

Jackie is a seasoned personal finance writer and is based in Los Angeles. She is an accredited AFC® financial counselor. Jackie is passionate about helping artists, freelancers and gig economy workers with their finances. She has in-depth experience writing about budgeting, investing, frugality and money and relationships, and loves finding interesting stories that revolve around money.

She has participated in panels exploring personal finance and freelance writing, and has presented workshops on how freelancers and artists can develop a positive relationship with their money and build values-based businesses.

In her spare time she enjoys volunteering, water aerobics, sticker collecting, being in nature and learning the drums. You can connect with her on Instagram or Twitter.

Expertise

  • Insurance
  • Banking
  • Budgeting
  • Money management for freelancers and artists
  • Small business

Achievements

  • Over 10 years of experience as a personal finance writer
  • AFC® financial coach and educator
  • Contributor to publications such as CNET, Forbes Advisor and Business Insider

Other Publications

Education

University of California, Los Angeles (B.A., Anthropology)

University of California, Los Angeles (Certification in Copyediting)

Honors and Awards

  • Money Management International’s Financial Literacy and Education in Communities (FLEC) Award (2022)
  • Plutus Awards recipient for Best Freelancer in Personal Finance Media (2022)
  • Massage Therapist Insurance: Cost And Types You Need

    If you're a massage therapist, you're likely used to dealing with business challenges from time to time, even as you help others find their inner Zen. But you can’t predict the future. Damage to your business equipment and injuries to...
    Massage Therapist Insurance: Cost And Types You Need
  • Sole Proprietor Business Insurance: Costs And Types You Need

    As a sole proprietor, you may face unforeseen events while running your business that could jeopardize your financial security. For instance, you could be sued because you made a mistake that resulted in harm to a client’s reputation, or a...
    Sole Proprietor Business Insurance: Costs And Types You Need
  • What Is Bond Insurance?

    If your small business involves contracts with clients, you may be required to have a surety bond, which protects your client for if you do shoddy work. A surety bond can also cover fraud and allegations of theft committed by...
    What Is Bond Insurance?
  • Business Insurance For Startups: Why It’s Crucial, Types Needed And Cost

    If you're launching a startup, having the proper business insurance in place from its early stages is essential. Not having adequate coverage can leave your young business open to risks and lawsuits that could financially suffocate your burgeoning venture. Types...
    Business Insurance For Startups: Why It’s Crucial, Types Needed And Cost
  • Tree Service Insurance: Cost and Types You Need

    Tree service companies face multiple types of dangers on a regular basis. For example, a power line could lead to an electric shock, falling tree branches could damage a client’s home and a mishap with a chainsaw could send your...
    Tree Service Insurance: Cost and Types You Need
  • Best Event Insurance Companies Of 2024

    The fun part of event planning is deciding on the food, guest list and what outfit you’re going to wear. The not-so-fun part of event planning is worrying about what types of calamities could disrupt your vibe. A guest who...
    Best Event Insurance Companies Of 2024
  • Best General Liability Insurance For Small Business Of 2024

    A lawsuit over a problem like an accidental injury could financially ruin a small business. General liability insurance covers your small business for claims of accidental injuries and property damage to others, as well as other types of claims against...
    Best General Liability Insurance For Small Business Of 2024
  • Garagekeepers Insurance: Coverage & Cost

    Let's say you own an auto repair shop. In the middle of the night, thieves break in and steal your customer’s car. Without the proper business insurance, you could be on the hook to pay to replace your customer’s car....
    Garagekeepers Insurance: Coverage & Cost
  • USAA Pet Insurance Review 2024

    We recommend USAA pet insurance through Embrace due to its excellent coverage benefits, such as a 24/7 pet telehealth line, coverage for vet exam fees and the option to add a wellness plan.
    USAA Pet Insurance Review 2024
  • Garage Liability Insurance

    Garage- and car-based businesses such as auto repair shops, dealerships and tow truck services have more hazardous risks compared to most small businesses. For example, a customer who slips in leaked motor oil could injure themselves and sue your business....
    Garage Liability Insurance
  • Geico Pet Insurance Review 2024

    The Geico Insurance Agency has partnered with Embrace and Trupanion to offer pet insurance for dogs and cats. Both companies offer unlimited annual coverage and flexible reimbursement options. Benefits between the companies differ, so make sure you compare each plan...
    Geico Pet Insurance Review 2024
  • Bivvy Pet Insurance Review 2024

    Bivvy pet insurance offers a low monthly cost of $15 per month for cats and dogs, regardless of their age, breed or gender. You can add a wellness plan for $9 per month. But the plan offers only a low...
    Bivvy Pet Insurance Review 2024
  • What Is Professional Liability Insurance?

    Mishaps happen. But mistakes made during the course of running your business could be costly and result in a lawsuit. For example, if you fail to deliver by a deadline or a client says your professional advice resulted in financial...
    What Is Professional Liability Insurance?
  • What Is Medical Malpractice Insurance?

    There are more than 22 million workers in the health care industry, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That includes professionals such as surgeons, doctor’s assistants and health technicians. But no matter how meticulous you...
    What Is Medical Malpractice Insurance?
  • What Is Handyman Insurance?

    Whether you’ve been hired to replace kitchen fixtures, install drywall in a client’s home or do general repairs in a fixer-upper, many things can go awry while you're on the job. For example, you could accidentally knock over a can...
    What Is Handyman Insurance?
  • Does My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

      If you’re renting a car, it’s in your best interest to understand your rental car insurance options before you get to the rental car counter. Drivers sometimes don’t realize they may already have rental car insurance coverage through personal...
    Does My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

Top Picks From Jackie Lam

  • Sole Proprietor Business Insurance: Costs And Types You Need
    Sole Proprietor Business Insurance: Costs And Types You Need

    by Jackie Lam

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  • Best General Liability Insurance For Small Business Of 2024
    Best General Liability Insurance For Small Business Of 2024

    by Jackie Lam

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About

With over a decade of experience as a personal finance writer, Jackie Lam simplifies complex financial topics for consumers who want to improve their financial situations, develop a healthy relationship with money, and work toward their goals. Her work has been featured by Fortune 500 companies, fintech startups and national personal finance brands such as Business Insider.