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

How much should I spend on rent?

For many, it comes down to budget and priorities.

4 min read Sep 27, 2022
Buyer’s market vs. seller’s market: What’s the difference?

Here’s how to tell what type of market you’re in, and how to make the most of it.

5 min read Sep 27, 2022
Survey: With rising rates, here’s where experts say to invest now

How should investors act with markets in a downtrend that could continue for much longer?

5 min read Sep 27, 2022
Survey: 10-year Treasury yield to hold steady over the next year, experts say

Analysts were almost evenly split between those expecting higher rates and lower rates.

4 min read Sep 27, 2022
Survey: Analysts foresee 12% rise in stock market over next 12 months

This group of experts foresees a 12 percent increase in the S&P 500 over the next 12 months.

6 min read Sep 27, 2022
Best credit cards for high spenders

If you spend a lot, make your spending work for you with a card that earns rewards.

9 min read Sep 08, 2022
Buying a house in Pennsylvania: A how-to

Pennsylvania is a big state. The process — and price tag — of buying a house here is different depending on where in PA you want to call home.

9 min read Sep 07, 2022
Do home inspections check for asbestos?

In homes built before 1980, asbestos may be present and may be a problem.

3 min read Sep 07, 2022