Ellen Kennedy
Ellen writes and edits personal finance stories, especially on consumer products like credit cards. She also covers the nexus between sustainability and personal finance. Ellen was a manager and sustainability analyst at Calvert Investments for 15 years, focusing on climate change, water, and consumer staples. She served on the sustainability councils of several Fortune 500 companies, led corporate engagements, and filed shareholder proposals. She also alerted investors to emerging issues at the time, such as the use of toxic chemicals in consumer products. Before that, Ellen was a program officer for Winrock International, managing loans to alternative energy projects in Latin America. Ellen also directed a program that provided scholarships in agricultural science to women in Angola. Ellen earned a master’s from the University of California at Berkeley in international relations and Latin American Studies. Her research focused on the role of migrants’ remittances on local economic development in rural Mexico. Ellen earned a B.A. in Philosophy and Spanish from Haverford College.
Latest articles by Ellen Kennedy
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The 10 Safest Countries to Visit
Travel Check out where to travel safely before you book international travel.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Credit Cards for Kids and Teens: Make Your Child an Authorized User
Kids and teens can access credit cards by becoming authorized users on your account. Here's what I learned when I signed up my own kids for cards.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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The Best Credit Cards to Use When Renting Cars
The best credit cards to use for rental car insurance — now updated for 2024.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Wyndham Bonus Offer: 13 Nights Free
Get up to 13 Nights Free with the Wyndham Earner Plus credit card's sign-up bonus. That's 100,000 points (worth up to $900) at Wyndham properties.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Best Rewards Credit Cards July 2024
Want 5% back on travel or 3% on all your purchases? Our guide to the best rewards credit cards can help you save with cash back, points or miles.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Best Cash Back Credit Cards July 2024
Smart Buying Trying to compare the best cash back credit cards? Unlike most reviewers, we include cards from small banks and credit unions, as well as from large issuers.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards for You
credit cards Leisure and business travelers can use travel rewards credit cards to turn miles logged into other things — including more travel.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Southwest Business Card Launches $1,800 Bonus Offer
This is the best Southwest business card offer we've seen yet. New cardholders earn 120,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points, worth about $1,800.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Southwest Credit Cards Now Come with a Bonus Offer Worth $750.
Earn 50,000 Rapid Rewards points with a Chase Southwest credit card for personal use.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Amazon Credit Card Delivers $200 Intro Offer, Cash Back for Loyal Shoppers
The Chase Amazon credit card, Prime Visa, offers rewards to loyal Amazon and Whole Foods customers and comes with an immediate $200 sign-up bonus.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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JetBlue Credit Card Intro Offer Worth $650
This JetBlue credit card comes with 50,000 intro bonus points and loads of travel perks.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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United Airlines Card Launches $1,012 Limited-Time Offer
Get up to 90,000 bonus United Airlines miles (worth about $1,012) and lounge access when you sign up for a Chase credit card.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Chase Launches $750 Bonus Offer For Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card recently launched a compelling deal for new customers.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses That Come with Free Companion Tickets
We’ve rounded up the two best airline credit card bonuses worth up to $1,020 to help you rack up miles, earn a companion pass and pay for your next big vacation.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $1,140
Delta SkyMiles and American Express provide welcome offers worth up to 95,000 SkyMiles on 3 personal credit cards.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Get $1K Off a Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra with the Costco Auto Program
Costco members can get $1,000 off a new Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra pickup truck or other models. Or get $2,00 off a Polestar.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Despite Their Name, Heat Pumps Can Help Save on Home Cooling This Summer — and There's a Tax Credit for Installation
You can save serious cash when cooling or heating, but heat pumps aren't for everyone.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Peer-to-Peer Payment Services
Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards The winners of the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards' best peer-to-peer payment services category. Our awards celebrate the very best products and services in personal finance.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Internet Banks
Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards The winners of the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards' best internet banks category. Our awards celebrate the very best products and services in personal finance.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs
Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards These are the winners of the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards' hotel credit card rewards programs category. Our awards celebrate the very best products and services in personal finance.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Cash Back Credit Cards
Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards These are the winners of the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards' best cash back credit cards category. Our awards celebrate the very best products and services in personal finance.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Airline Credit Card Rewards Programs
Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards These are the winners of the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards' airline credit card rewards programs category. Our awards celebrate the very best products and services in personal finance.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards These are the winners of the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards' best travel rewards credit cards category. Our awards celebrate the very best products and services in personal finance.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
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Last Chance! Score a Free iPhone or Other Apple Product with Chase Rewards Points
Chase credit card customers can get a free iPhone, iMac or other Apple products for less points, now through May 31.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated