Mariah Ackary

Former Editor, credit cards

EXPERTISE

Credit cards
Small business

EDUCATION

University of South Carolina

About the author

Mariah Ackary is a personal finance writer specializing in small businesses and credit. Her work has been cited by media including Fortune, The New York Times, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and CNBC. Mariah is a lifelong writer. She hopes to make personal finance education easier and more approachable through her research and advice.

Mariah earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations with a minor in business administration from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of South Carolina in 2019.

Mariah's latest articles

Alliant Visa® Platinum Rewards Credit Card Review

The Alliant Visa® Platinum Rewards Credit Card combines the low interest rates of a credit union with the gains of a reward credit card.

9 min read Jun 18, 2026
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card Review

Although the Quicksilver Student doesn't offer the best cash back or APR rates among student cards, it's as rewarding and easy to use as the full card.

9 min read Jun 09, 2026
Slight gains for home equity rates, holding near 2025 lows

This is the week that was for home equity rates.

3 min read Oct 01, 2025
No movement for mortgage rates, despite Fed rate cut

Despite the Fed rate cut, mortgage rates hold steady.

3 min read Oct 01, 2025
5 steps to recover from a bad loan — and how to avoid another in the future

Fine-tune your budget and reacquaint yourself with your debt to recover.

6 min read Mar 21, 2025
Opening up a bank account while abroad: Everything U.S. citizens need to know

Here’s when it makes sense to open a bank account abroad and tips for choosing the bank.

7 min read Mar 21, 2025
12 simple ways to make $100 fast

Even earning as little as $100 in extra income here and there can give you added spending money.

6 min read Jan 09, 2025
Survey: 50% of holiday shoppers will begin before Halloween, 54% report feeling financially burdened

How early is too early for holiday shopping? People are starting as early as August.

7 min read Dec 11, 2023