Rachel DePompa
Investigative reporter
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Rachel DePompa is NBC12's On Your Side Investigator. Rachel grew up in Waldorf, Md., and graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in broadcast journalism.Before joining WWBT in March of 2008 Rachel worked in Roanoke, Bristol and Harrisonburg.
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The low supply and high demand have made home buying challenging this year. So, it’s good to go into the housing market knowing all the costs associated with a home that a lot of people forget or are unprepared for.
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Even as the pandemic continues, many Americans say they are feeling a little more normal, at least financially.
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A new app is striving to help contractors bounce back from the pandemic. It connects them with potential clients - allowing consumers to “name-their-price” for the work that needs to be done in their homes.
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Whether it’s a first job or allowance money, once your child turns into a teen, they are allowed to finally have a bank account.
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Be skeptical of every email you get or phone call from a number that’s not on your phone. You can’t be too cautious right now because cyber thieves are better than ever.
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It was a long road to how we got to this moment: the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue on Monument Avenue.
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The planning for Robert E. Lee’s monument started just hours after he died in October 1870, but it took 20 years to come to fruition.
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If you own a home-- it’s very likely the value’s risen a lot this past year. So, if you are looking to tap into some of the equity-- Rachel DePompa found out the do’s and don’ts from a local financial expert in this On Your Side Savings Guide.
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Nationally, first-time homebuyers are having a rough go of it. According to NerdWallet, on average prices are listed more than 5 times their income in the largest metro areas.
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Not everyone qualifies for a loan, sometimes you need a little help from a co-signer. But should you do that?
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The pandemic has changed our driving habits. Maybe you are still working from home? Or you’ve started going into the office more. Expert say now is a good time to take another look at how much you are spending on car insurance.
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Do you rent or do you buy? This is a tough call for a lot of people in this current real estate market. Which is why Rachel DePompa talks with a financial expert in our On Your Side Savings Guide.
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With the start of a new school year, it just might be the perfect time to teach teens about setting financial goals.
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It’s not cheap to fly right now, and hotel prices are even higher. So, how do you become a frugal traveler? Rachel DePompa has some ideas in this On Your Side Savings Guide.
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If you’re having trouble renting a car for your summer vacation-- no worries. Rachel DePompa is here with some alternative ways to find a car for that family trip, in this On Your Side Savings Guide.
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Before you hit the road one final time this summer, make sure your vehicle is really ready. We’re busting some auto-care myths!
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Beware of lookalike websites that try to lure you into giving up personal information.
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The kids go back to school in matter of weeks and parents are hustling to get them ready. Rachel DePompa is on your side with a savings guide filled with ways to do it-- without breaking the bank.
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Virginia’s once a year sales tax holiday is this weekend! And it can save you if you know what’s included. Rachel DePompa has the breakdown and what you should be looking for in this On Your Side Savings Guide.
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You may have saved some money last year not having to buy all those school supplies and clothes, but this year -- is back to normal. Rachel Depompa has some ideas on how parents can buy everything their kids need for much less in this On Your Side Savings Guide.
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The cost of a college education has grown at a much more rapid pace than minimum wage. And for folks who are trying to go to school and work to pay for it, that may mean taking on unwanted student loans. Rachel DePompa has some ideas of how to manage that loan debt in this On Your Side Savings Guide.
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It isn’t those big purchases that drain your accounts and sabotage your savings, it’s all those little things you buy that add up.
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Have you ever signed up for one of those store credit cards to get the immediate 20% off? Rachel DePompa explains why half of cardholders are not aware of the financing trick these cards often use.
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These are just a few of the many ways Diane has always been “On Your Side.”
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You get the offers all the time as your checking out at the cashier. We’re talking about store credit cards. Should you sign up? Our Rachel DePompa goes over the pros and cons in this On Your Side Savings Guide.
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After 41 years, Diane Walker is retiring from NBC12. Her last day is Friday, July 16.
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We are all online more than ever, so it is important to ensure you are staying safe when banking or shopping. On Your Side Investigator Rachel DePompa has some important reminders to keep you safe from online thieves.
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Medical costs have gone up 33% in the last 10 years according to our partners at the financial website Nerdwallet. If you get struck with a ton of medical bills out of the blue, you do have options.
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Many credit card holders had their credit lowered during the pandemic. Rachel DePompa explains why this happening and how you can fight it in this On Your Side Savings Guide.
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Filing online allows users to track the progress of their complaints.
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Many animal shelters have seen record adoptions during the pandemic, but before you get a dog, make sure you know how much it costs to care for it. Rachel DePompa breaks down how to plan for new pet expenses in this On Your Side Savings Guide.
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If you go to bed at night feeling sick to your stomach when thinking about your finances, you are not alone. Which is why Rachel DePompa is talking to experts about ways to relieve financial stress in this on your side savings guide.
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Does music from Elvis Presley still get you all shook up? If so, you’re in luck.
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An in-depth review by the On Your Side Investigators found the number of people calling the the states gambling hotline spiked since the beginning of this year. But is that a symptom of the legalization of sports betting in Virginia, more advertising, or more people just recognizing a gambling problem?
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You’ve no doubt seen the ads on TV and social media. Sports betting is now legal in the commonwealth-- and has been for 5 months now.
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With more of us shopping online, we figured it was high time to show you ways to save money through your internet browser. Rachel DePompa takes a look at some of the best money saving browser extensions-- in this On Your Side Savings Guide.
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When you put your money in those investment accounts do you ever wonder how you compare? If you are on the right track for your age?
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Federal Student Loan Interest Rates will increase July 1. Rachel DePompa talks about how to prepare in this On Your Side Savings Guide.
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After filing thousands of papers in applications and appeals, a mother who helped her son battle for mental health treatment is now helping other families with a new guide.
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Lost or gained weight during the pandemic? Look to buy clothes for going back into the office? We've got you covered with a savings guide full of ways to stretch that clothing budget.
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One in four Americans have no retirement savings according to PWC's Retirement in American report.
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If you pay attention to your grocery bill, you already know prices are going up.
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We all love a good rewards credit card, but are we no longer really getting its benefits?
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It’s not a secret the pandemic’s been especially difficult for women. With many leaving the workforce to help with childcare. If daycare is around the corner for you again, it’s time to start planning.
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Father's day is around the corner. Are you ready? We have a look at some of your best buys in June for your dad-- or even things to buy now because they are on sale.
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Roundtrip domestic plane ticket costs are expected to increase 16% heading into the summer, according to analysis by airfare price-tracking app Hopper.
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It’s important to log into your retirement account a few times a year because your life changes over time
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The old adage is true-- two things are certain in life, death and taxes. Although we may not want to, it’s really important to think about planning for funeral costs. Rachel DePompa is on your side with what you need to know.
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Folks who are drowning in student loan debt often ask. How on earth can I also save for retirement? Rachel DePompa is on your side trying to answer that very question in our Savings Guide.