The Bankrate Expert Contributor Program
The Bankrate Expert Contributor Program is a group of financial personalities whose views are informed by expertise, experience and research.
Insights from the experts, for everyone
As part of this invite-only program, members will produce articles on personal finance trends and perspectives and translate them into actionable next steps for your personal finances. Whether they’re experts in homebuying, wealth-building or tax planning, these experts all share Bankrate’s vision to empower our readers to make smarter financial decisions.
Influential expertise
Unparalleled trust
Actionable insights
Highlights from our contributors
Discover thoughtfully curated articles on a variety of financial topics to boost your financial knowledge and well-being.
Let’s break down three myths I see come up frequently in my day-to-day as an adjuster.
Even though I have enough saved for early retirement, I still worry. As someone with lifelong chronic conditions, I know all too well how healthcare costs can creep up, even when everything else seems [...]
A credit card rewards strategy doesn’t need to be complicated to be successful. Here’s how I managed my cards this summer.
If a credit card no longer suits you, it’s often better to initiate a product change rather than cancelling the card.
About half of shoppers are looking to cut their back-to-school expenses. Here’s how they can do it.
The age you choose to retire, how you begin drawing income, and how you manage portfolio risk have the most impact on your retirement.
While it’s good that buy now, pay later credit reporting is on the rise, credit cards are still a superior payment method.
Financial fluency means possessing the knowledge to be strategic about money. Here’s what to know.
Meet Our Expert Contributors
Bankrate's editorial leaders are committed to building and maintaining a team with deep expertise, experience and reputation in finance.
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Ted Rossman
Former Bankrate Principal AnalystTed Rossman is a former principal analyst at Bankrate. He focuses on the credit cards industry, the economy and banking to help consumers maximize their rewards, get out of debt and invest in their futures. -
Stephen Kates, CFP
Former Bankrate Financial Analyst, WealthStephen Kates is a CFP® professional and personal finance expert. He is a former financial analyst for Bankrate, providing insights on economic trends, wealth management and how to make informed financial decisions. -
Mark Kantrowitz
Bankrate Expert Contributor, Student LoansMark Kantrowitz is an expert on student financial aid, the FAFSA, scholarships, 529 plans, education tax benefits and student loans. -
Rita-Soledad Fernández Paulino
Bankrate Expert Contributor, Personal FinanceRita-Soledad Fernández Paulino is a money and self-care coach, educator, and podcast host dedicated to helping ambitious first-gen wealth builders achieve financial security without sacrificing their well-being. As the founder of Wealth Para Todos, Soledad specializes in guiding BIPoC, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals toward financial independence using a holistic approach that blends personal finance education with self-care. -
Malcolm Ethridge
Bankrate Expert Contributor, Investing and RetirementMalcolm Ethridge is a financial planner, speaker, author, and podcast host who is passionate about all things personal finance. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and IRS Enrolled Agent (EA), Malcolm’s areas of expertise include retirement planning, investment portfolio development, tax planning and more. He is the Managing Partner at Capital Area Planning Group, a boutique financial planning and investment management firm based in Washington, D.C. -
Chantal M. Roberts, CPCU, AIC, RPA, ITP
Bankrate Expert Contributor, InsuranceChantal M. Roberts, CPCU, AIC, RPA, ITP, is an insurance expert, author, and educator with over 25 years in the insurance industry. She joined Bankrate in March 2025, bringing her extensive experience as a multi-lined claims adjuster, litigation consultant, and insurance trainer. Throughout her career, Chantal has specialized in complex claims, including business interruption, commercial property, cargo, and cannabis-related insurance. -
Rick Sharga
Bankrate Expert Contributor, Mortgages and Real EstateRick is the Founder and CEO of CJ Patrick Company, a market intelligence firm for companies in the real estate and mortgage industries. An acknowledged subject matter expert on the housing economy, Rick has been one of the country’s most frequently quoted sources on the U.S. economy, real estate, mortgage and foreclosure trends for the past 25 years, and has appeared on ABC, Bloomberg, CBS, CNBC, CNN, Fox, NBC, and NPR, and been featured in dozens of print and online media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Yahoo! Finance, and HousingWire. -
Bernadette Joy
Bankrate Expert Contributor, Personal FinanceBernadette Joy is a nationally recognized personal finance expert, entrepreneur, and educator, passionate about helping people achieve financial independence. As the founder of Crush Your Money Goals®, she has helped thousands of professionals and business owners eliminate debt, grow wealth, and build financial confidence through her courses, workshops, and coaching programs. -
Dion Rabouin
Bankrate Expert Contributor, Personal Finance, Deposits, BankingDion Rabouin is a Bankrate expert contributor covering deposits and consumer banking. A veteran journalist with more than 15 years of experience, Dion has served as a markets reporter and video and podcast host at publications including The Wall Street Journal, Reuters and Yahoo Finance, covering the stock, Treasury, real estate, crypto, currency and global bond markets.
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