About

Alison Pruitt has more than 20 years of professional writing and editing experience for clients that include the U.S. Department of Energy, the American Association of Community Colleges, EnergyBoom.com, the National School Boards Association, Net Strategies, Western Governors University, Case Design and Remodeling, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Moss Building and Design, Master Google, and many other organizations. She has a B.A. from Oberlin College and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Rutgers University.

Christy Rakoczy earned her JD from UCLA School of Law and a degree in English Media and Communications with a certificate in business marketing from the University of Rochester. She has been a full time freelance writer for more than five years, writing primarily in the fields of law and business. In addition to writing for the Internet, she also writes business and law textbooks and develops paralegal studies courses.

Jessica Zimmer is a freelance journalist based in Florida. She has written financial pieces for Freeadvice.com, Debt.com, and Nerdwallet.com. She is a former freelance reporter for the New York Times Company and the Knight Ridder Corporation.

Mark Cussen has over 17 years of experience in the financial industry, including stints as a stockbroker, loan officer, income tax preparer, financial planner, life insurance agent and customer service representative for Chase Vista mutual funds. He has been a financial author since 2005 and his writing work includes articles for websites including ehow.com, investopedia.com, moneycrashers.com and primerates.com. He also works as a financial educator for members of the U.S. military.

Mike Valles is a full-time freelance writer of more than seven years. He focuses on writing for businesses, and on finance related topics. His clients include multi-million dollar companies, legal and real estate agencies, lending institutions, and more. He has also written and published the in-print book: “Your Complete Guide to Leaving an Inheritance for Your Children and Others: What You Need to Know Explained Simply,” and many eBooks. Learn more about his services at www.mike-valles.com.

Patti Hale is a former business owner, manager and sales manager having spent the majority of her career working in advertising, direct mail and printing. Patti currently writes for several blogs and enjoys working as an internet marketer.

Ryan Watson is a financial analyst and underwriter with over five years experience examining consumer and commercial debt portfolios of every size and shape. He has been debt-free other than his house for several years and takes a common-sense attitude toward credit usage. He was born in Louisiana, and received his Masters in History from Louisiana Tech University. He resides in Georgia with his wife and son.

Scott Sery is a freelance writer native to Billings, Montana, where he enjoys the amazing access to the great outdoors the area has to offer. He has a passion for personal finance and helping people understand the more complex nuances of insurance and investing.

Ted Barnhart is a Registered Investment Advisor and founding member of Barnhart Investment Advisory, LLC which is located in Oak Brook, Illinois outside of Chicago. Mr. Barnhart is a follower of the Austrian School of Economic Thought and started Barnhart Investment Advisory with the belief that conventional economic and investment wisdom is based on theory that is fundamentally flawed. He is married with two kids and enjoys coaching youth hockey and baseball. The Austrian School of Investment Thought is his firm blog and is located at www.barnhartadvisory.wordpress.com.

Valencia Higuera is a personal finance, health and relationship writer from Chesapeake, Virginia. She holds a B.A. in English/Journalism from Old Dominion University.

Vishal Ingole is an MBA in Finance and Marketing and has been working as a freelancer for last two years. Prior to that he has worked with several media organizations as Research Associate, Business Journalist and Senior Marketing Associate.