Rachel DePompa
Investigative reporter
Rachel DePompa is Director of Investigations and a mid-day anchor for 12 On Your Side.
Rachel’s been a staple of Richmond television for more than 17 years. She’s won numerous Emmys and has served on the board of the Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Rachel grew up in Waldorf, Md., and graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Rachel also hosted and edited our How We Got Here Podcast. You can now catch her series Watching Your Wallet here at 12 On Your Side and at most of our TV stations across Gray Television.
She got her start in TV anchoring newscasts in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She also worked in Bristol and Roanoke before joining WWBT in March of 2008. Rachel met her husband here in Richmond and loves spending time with her family, which includes twins - a boy and a girl.
You’re ready to make that big buy and now it’s time to negotiate the final price. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a negotiation expert from Shapiro Negotiations Institute about what to watch for when haggling over a price or service.
Better communication and a pay increase top the wish list in a new industry study focused on top workplace concerns for 2023. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with the company behind that new report.
According to a ChildCare Aware study, in 2021 the national average price of child care in the U.S. was more than $10,000 annually. Availability has also become an issue post-pandemic as childcare providers struggle to meet staffing needs. These factors both play a role when it comes to parents choosing the best option for their kids, with some turning to in-home daycares to fill in the gap. However, some home daycares are unlicensed with little or no regulation.
During tough economic times layoffs can happen unexpectedly. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about how you can prepare yourself in the event of a layoff.
Tax season is upon us and, per a new NerdWallet study, 55% of filers are expecting a refund. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a personal finance expert from NerdWallet about best uses for that windfall.
With the average American $5,500+ in consumer debt, the debt avalanche method can you help save on fees while paying it off. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from NerdWallet for details.
Are you bouncing from one credit card to another juggling balances and chasing rewards? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with aBankrate.com analyst on the best way to combat credit card debt.
Making a career move to be your own CEO? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert small business advice to get your company off the ground.
YouGovAmerica reports that money is the second biggest topic for arguments between partners, so having a frank “money talk” with your significant other is key. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains why it should happen sooner rather than later.
It’s a special day when you’re supposed to lead with your heart, but sometimes the price tag can get in the way. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has a few ways for you to save on Valentine’s Day.
Subscriptions for movies, music, even food. Do you know how much you’re spending every month? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has apps to help you track your spending and ways you can cut back and save some money.
Americans are going further into to debt according to a new study from NerdWallet. The average US household owes more than $165K in debt, an increase of 8% over last year. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert tips to help pay down your debt.
Nearly half a billion Americans had their data compromised last year. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa sits down with a security expert from ITRC to discuss cyber-attack trends.
Healthcare is the number one expense to plan for as you prepare for retirement, according to our partners at the financial website NerdWallet.
Imagine paying your debt and having it disappear from your credit report, only to see it resurrected years later haunting your credit score. It’s called “zombie debt”, and while it may sound like a term out of a horror film, Jesse James shares his personal story dealing with this issue that plagues consumers, even forcing some to take legal action against collection agencies for debts they’ve already paid.
If old debts are damaging your credit report there’s a chance you could be haunted by a financial phenomenon called Zombie Debt. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out how you spot zombie debt and what you can do to protect your credit.
According to a new report from NerdWallet, 61% of Americans plan to take measures to boost their credit score over the next 12 months. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares common credit myths to avoid while working to increase your score.
Have an old smartphone just gathering dust? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains ways you can make money off your old devices.
From 2019 to 2021 US homeowners undertook around 134 billion home improvement projects, an increase of 20% according to NerdWallet. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert advice about expert about home improvement projects.
According to a new survey from SaveonEnergy, 69% percent of homeowners are concerned about their ability to meet their monthly energy costs. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa found out what you can do to offset your rising power bill in this Watching Your Wallet.
Balancing saving for your kids college fund with your own financial future can be a tough task. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with NerdWallet about different ways to pay for higher education.
The housing market is still very difficult for first time homebuyers because of high interest rates and high prices. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks with an expert from NerdWallet on strategies for first time buyers.
Prices continue to be higher than they were a year ago with the inflation rate sitting right around 6.5%. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about the four ways you can try to fight rising costs and keep your budget in line.
Want to reboot your budget for the new year? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with a wealth management planner about how to map your money moves.
Even with an uncertain financial forecast for 2023 there are steps you can take to protect your money long-term, for yourself and future generations. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks to an expert about building generational wealth.
If you are on the hunt for a new job your paycheck might not be the only thing you should consider. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert negotiator for tips on how to get a great overall package.
When it comes to keeping your credit safe two of the top choices are a credit monitoring service and freezing your credit. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explores both options and gets an expert’s take on the best ways to secure your credit.
If you’ve made a resolution for 2023, sticking to it is always the challenge. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert advice to help you stay on track.
Quick fixes around the house are relatively inexpensive and could prevent significant damage from major accidents. While you can't eliminate every potential hazard in your home Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa highlights simple tasks you can tackle that could save money and keep your family safe.
The New Year is almost here and experts say it’s the time to set your financial plan. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares three top financial tips for 2023.
It’s a hacker tactic designed to trick you into letting con artists access your personal info. Consumer investigator Rachel DePompa talks to the FBI about “spear phishing” and how you can protect yourself.
Retirement might not be top of mind, but experts say now is the time to reevaluate your future savings. Consumer Investigator Rachel De Pompa shares expert advice on why just a little, could mean a lot.
Building wealth can change your life but getting started can seem overwhelming. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares three tips from a financial expert to get you on the right financial path.
While the cost of a used car prices is finally starting to drop they are still well above where they were a year ago. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out what you should know if you are looking to sell sometime soon.
As the temperatures continue to drop it is never too early to prepare for winter heating bills. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares tips that could help you save some money this season.
Cryptocurrency and NFT's have made headlines the past few weeks with wild swings in value, but before jumping in experts say education in their markets is key. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains.
If you’re trying to consolidate your student loans, consumer experts warn you may be a target for fraudsters. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains what to watch out for to avoid scams.
Whether you’re looking for holiday deals or scrambling for a last-minute gift, ‘tis the season to online shop. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains why the FBI says stay away from debit and stick to your credit card for those online purchases.
With seasonal parties, online shopping and holiday travel, it's tempting to splurge and blow your budget this time of year. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has a few reminders to help you keep your finances in check during the holidays.
It’s a spending strategy that’s been around for a while and now it’s making a bit of a comeback. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks with an expert about the do’s and don’ts of layaway plans.
For many Americans, a trip to the doctor is determined by the cost of the visit, instead of the medical need. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out ways you can keep your appointments, while still finding ways to save.
This time of year costs can quickly add up and leave you in a financial bind. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has advice from experts on what to do if you must take out a personal loan.
Holiday shopping season is in full swing and experts say the best way to avoid spending stress is make a plan and stick to it. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has your shopping and spending strategies.
If you’re struggling to overcome the financial stress of your debt reaching out for help could be the answer. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks to a woman who paid off $37,000 in just two years with the help of a nonprofit debt management company.
“Buy Now, Pay Later” – is a type of short-term loan that has taken the American marketplace by storm. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. consumers borrowed $2 billion via “BNPL” in 2019. In 2021 that number grew by more than 1,000 percent to $24.2 billion. Companies like Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna and PayPal have created these loans for borrowers to purchase everything from high-end electronics and jewelry to everyday staples like groceries and utilities.
According to the Consume Financial Protection Bureau Buy Now, Pay Later apps grew over 1,000% from 2019 to 2021. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks to a financial expert about their pros and cons and best way to use this payment method.
Social Security benefits will go up in January by 8.7%, the largest cost of living increase in 40 years. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares how much extra money you could see, plus expert advice on how you can best manage it.
As people rush to capitalize on President Biden's Federal Student Loan Debt Relief, con artists are ramping up efforts to target your money. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert who has advice on how you can avoid being ripped off.
Holiday Shopping Season is here and so are the Black Friday sales. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks with a financial coach about how you can avoid breaking your holiday budget in this Watching Your Wallet.
Investing is an important way to put your money to work for you and build wealth, but it can be intimidating to get started. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert advice on the five ways you can get started in building your financial future.
