Mercedes Barba

Former senior editor, investing

EXPERTISE

Investing
Stock analysis
Retirement

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, California State University, Los Angeles
Master's degree in News and Documentary, New York University

The key to successful investing is to take action and not let fear or over-analyzing prevent you from taking advantage of the benefits of compound interest over time.
— Mercedes Barba

About the author

Mercedes Barba was a senior editor at Bankrate. Prior to this, she served as a senior editor at NextAdvisor and led the video team at Money.com, where she executive produced a short documentary that received an Emmy nomination. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son Luke and two pet dogs.

The key to successful investing is to take action and not let fear or over-analyzing prevent you from taking advantage of the benefits of compound interest over time.
— Mercedes Barba

Mercedes's latest articles

403(b) vs. 401(k): What’s the difference in these retirement accounts?

Here’s how 403(b) and 401(k) plans work and their major differences.

4 min read Feb 21, 2024
When do most Americans take Social Security?

Here’s the average age Americans filed for Social Security and the average benefit.

3 min read Feb 21, 2024
403(b) contribution limits

Here’s how much you can contribute to a 403(b) retirement plan.

3 min read Feb 21, 2024
What is forex trading?

Forex trading may sound complex, but we’ll show you what you need to know to get started.

5 min read Feb 19, 2024
How to use beta to evaluate a stock’s risk

Beta is a way of measuring a stock’s volatility compared with the overall market’s volatility.

4 min read Feb 16, 2024
What is the gray market for securities?

Here are key situations where the gray market is used for securities trading.

3 min read Feb 16, 2024
Planning to retire in 2024? Do these 7 things now

It’s vital to be fully prepared before you retire, and even make some room in your plans for the unexpected.

6 min read Feb 13, 2024
Active investing vs. passive investing: What’s the difference?

For the vast majority of investors, it’s all about costs, and that tips the scales decisively.

6 min read Feb 13, 2024