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

What are consumer discretionary stocks?

These companies benefit from people’s eagerness to spend beyond the basics.

4 min read Mar 11, 2022
Beyond the basics: 7 hidden costs of moving

Ready to relocate? These moving expenses might surprise you.

4 min read Mar 07, 2022
Best American Express cards with a flexible spending limit

American Express has the best charge card options among all card issuers, and all of their cards let you earn rewards and enjoy cardholder perks.

8 min read Mar 07, 2022
Do young adults want credit cards?

Think all millennials are similar? Not so much with credit cards. Here’s my take.

3 min read Mar 04, 2022
Is the Discover it Miles better for cash back or travel?

The Discover it Miles works well as both a travel credit card and a cash back credit card. Learn which redemption method is the best.

3 min read Mar 02, 2022
Filing your taxes soon? Here’s how COVID-19 relief could affect what you owe

The coronavirus pandemic is making this year’s tax season complex.

7 min read Mar 02, 2022
‘Buy now, pay later’ is coming to credit scores—but key questions still must be answered

There will soon be a much tighter link between credit reporting and buy now, pay later (BNPL).

6 min read Feb 24, 2022
How much does vinyl siding cost?

It’s an investment, but there are ways to contain vinyl siding costs — and still improve your home’s value.

5 min read Feb 23, 2022