Cathleen McCarthy

Former Senior Editor, Credit Cards

EXPERTISE

Rewards strategy
Small business marketing

EDUCATION

Bachelor of arts degree in journalism, the University of Maryland

Highlights

Journalist published in dozens of magazines, newspapers and websites
Founder and editor of The Jewelry Loupe
Speaker and writer specializing in small-business marketing, travel and credit

Experience

After receiving her B.A. in magazine journalism from the University of Maryland, Cathleen worked as a staff editor for consumer and trade magazines before becoming a full-time freelance writer.

Her stories on design, travel and business have appeared in dozens of publications including the Washington Post, Town & Country, Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire, Fodor’s Travel, Departures and The Writer. In 2009, she launched The Jewelry Loupe, a magazine-style blog that now has more than 25,000 followers around the world. Cathleen writes and speaks about marketing creative small businesses.

Media

"Opening a Storefront" for the Jewelry Business Forum last month and building a brand at NYNOW last year.

Business

Blog: https://thejewelryloupe.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/thejewelryloupe/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/thejewelryloupe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thejewelryloupe

Cathleen's latest articles

7 tips for traveling with friends using travel rewards

Booking travel with friends can be tricky when using different rewards programs.

8 min read Nov 08, 2024
How I combined Amex rewards to book a trip for two to Greece

How I combined Amex cards to book a trip for two to Greece.

4 min read Oct 18, 2023

Why you should have money conversations with your children early

Talking money with your kids can help them become financially responsible adults.

4 min read Dec 08, 2023
Why I’m skipping Black Friday for Small Business Saturday

This year, I want to be intentional about shopping small.

4 min read Nov 13, 2023
Credit card application rules by issuer

There are a litany of rules around approvals, welcome bonus eligibility and the number of cards you can have.

9 min read Oct 24, 2023
Best hotel perks you can get with a credit card

Hotel rewards credit card holders can get access to room upgrades, late checkout, free breakfast, lounge access and free nights among other perks.

4 min read Oct 18, 2023
Why I pay my rent with a credit card

Charging rent on a credit card has drawbacks. But given the amount Americans pay for rent, there’s a strong incentive to earn rewards.

5 min read Oct 16, 2023
How I use credit cards to combat inflation

When prices go up, credit cards can help you keep costs down. Here’s how one personal finance expert is using her airline credit card to save money and combat inflation.

3 min read Aug 11, 2023
How to grocery shop during a recession

What to buy, when to shop and how to earn rewards on groceries

3 min read Jul 27, 2023
Cards that get you top-tier hotel elite status via card spending

Whether you’re a business traveler or taking the family on a much-needed vacation, having elite status can pay off.

6 min read Jun 30, 2023

United Airlines no longer accepts credit or debit cards on board

To make in-flight purchases, United fliers now have to preload a card in their account

4 min read May 27, 2022
What is a moving average and how can it benefit you?

The moving average is an important tool as traders use them to predict where a stock may go.

5 min read May 27, 2022
How do smart ovens work?

How to decide if your kitchen needs one of these pricey but impressive appliances.

4 min read May 26, 2022
6 tips for hiring an interior designer

Home improvements burning up your money and time? Pick the right pro and save.

4 min read May 26, 2022
Making your bathroom modern: Ideas that’ll enhance your enjoyment and your home’s value

Take the room from drab to up-to-date, and make it a selling point for your home.

5 min read May 26, 2022
Survey: 39 million U.S. adults feel pressured to overspend on celebratory events this year

As the cost of everyday goods continues to rise, many Americans are feeling increased financial pressure and are less likely to spend big on celebrations like weddings.

3 min read May 25, 2022
What are contactless credit cards?

Contactless payments are becoming more common as consumers become familiar with the no-touch form of payment.

4 min read May 23, 2022
Price per square foot: Is it useful?

Price per square foot is a useful metric for home pricing, but it does not necessarily reflect a home’s fair market value.

4 min read May 23, 2022