Rachel DePompa
Investigative reporter
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Rachel DePompa is Director of Investigations and a mid-day anchor for NBC12.
Rachel’s been a staple of Richmond television for more than 15 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 hosts, writes and edits our How We Got Here Podcast.
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.
Education
Affiliations
Awards
Updated: May. 25, 2023 at 12:28 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
The housing market has cooled off, but interest rates are still rising meaning higher mortgages. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from Bankrate about what first-time homebuyers can expect this year.
Updated: May. 23, 2023 at 8:04 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
42% of Americans plan to take a vacation this summer involving a flight or a hotel, according to a new NerdWallet study. With the burden of inflation looming, Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has ways to cut costs in this Watching Your Wallet.
Updated: May. 22, 2023 at 12:47 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Bank fees costs Americans billions of dollars each year. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks to an expert from MoneyTips about how to avoid fees and protect your wallet.
Updated: May. 18, 2023 at 4:36 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Money is one of the most common topics of controversy between couples. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a financial coach from Virginia Credit Union about ways couples can manage their money together.
Updated: May. 16, 2023 at 4:04 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Utility bills are up 5% over 2022. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has expert tips from SaveOnEnergy on how you can lower your costs.
Updated: May. 15, 2023 at 4:23 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Saying “I do” costs an average of almost $30,000. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert on little ways you can cut costs and save on your big day.
Updated: May. 11, 2023 at 4:33 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Applying for a job can be intimidating, especially if you’re fresh out of college with limited experience. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa sits down with a negotiating expert from the Shapiro Negotiations Institute to help navigate those intimidating job interviews.
Updated: May. 9, 2023 at 4:34 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
The average wedding now costs around $30K according to TheKnot.com, tempting some couples to use buy now, pay later financing. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to NerdWallet about the pros and cons of the buy now, pay later plan for your big day.
Updated: May. 8, 2023 at 4:13 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Mother’s Day is this Sunday. Are you still looking for the perfect gift? Consumer Investigative Reporter Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from Eventbrite to find gift ideas for the special woman in your life.
Updated: May. 4, 2023 at 5:13 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Freezing your credit is the safest way to protect accounts from cyber criminals, but there is a little-known side effect that could cost you. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with an expert from Virginia Credit Union to explain.
Updated: May. 2, 2023 at 5:03 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
One in four people say owning a car is so expensive it’s hard to pay other bills. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares advice from NerdWallet on how to cut costs.
Updated: May. 1, 2023 at 3:48 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
529 plans are a great way to save for your child’s future education costs. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explores one way to get creative with The College Investor when it comes to college savings.
Updated: May. 1, 2023 at 1:59 PM EDT
|By Daniela Molina and Rachel DePompa
Doctors across the country are sounding the alarm on emergency medical kits, commonly known as EMKs, on commercial flights saying sometimes they fall short and could be outdated. The Federal Aviation Administration hasn't updated the requirement for items on these kits for almost two decades, leaving it up to airlines to decide what to add.
Updated: Apr. 27, 2023 at 3:42 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
House fires are traumatizing and the last thing on your mind is remembering what you had in your kitchen or living room. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from Virtual Home Inventory about why making a home inventory can help you recoup big bucks if disaster strikes.
Updated: Apr. 25, 2023 at 3:47 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
More than 422 million people’s information was compromised in data breaches last year, per The Identity Theft Resource Center. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from Virginia Credit Union to teach you how to put a "fraud alert" on your credit report.
Updated: Apr. 24, 2023 at 4:30 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
It's never too early to start teaching your kids about money, especially instilling in them what it means to "earn interest.” Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares a few simple lessons to try out with your child.
Updated: Apr. 20, 2023 at 4:14 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Some good news for families saving for college: starting in 2024, new federal law will allow unused 529 funds to be rolled into ROTH IRA retirement accounts without tax penalties. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from The College Investor for details.
Updated: Apr. 18, 2023 at 4:54 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
It happens a lot: you switch jobs once or twice and now you have money in multiple 401K plans. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talked to a financial coach from Virginia Credit Union about whether you should consolidate or just leave it alone.
Updated: Apr. 17, 2023 at 4:11 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Cyber criminals are targeting your usernames and passwords you enter online while shopping. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from Kaspersky to find out how you can protect your information.
Updated: Apr. 13, 2023 at 4:54 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
A new survey shows 1 in 4 Americans are saving less for retirement because of inflation. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a NerdWallet expert on why still investing what you can will help in the long run.
Updated: Apr. 11, 2023 at 4:19 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Millions of Americans will move this year, with most relocating between April and October. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke with a moving expert for advice and tips on how to avoid being ripped off.
Updated: Apr. 10, 2023 at 2:47 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Looking to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa gets the lowdown on fashion swaps from Eventbrite.
Updated: Apr. 6, 2023 at 3:03 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Fidelity reports an average 65yo couple will need $315K in after-tax savings just to cover healthcare expenses, even with Medicare coverage. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares tips from NerdWallet to help you prepare for this cost.
Updated: Apr. 4, 2023 at 4:13 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
One in two retirees believe they will outlive their current savings according to a new study by Clever. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares ways you can improve your retirement outlook.
Updated: Apr. 3, 2023 at 3:43 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
A survey finds a third of Gen Z workers are not saving for retirement. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains how much they could be missing out on and ways you can invest, even during tough financial times.
Updated: Mar. 30, 2023 at 3:37 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Free money without a catch and for some, just a few clicks away. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shows how you can find out if any of the billions of dollars in unclaimed cash across the country is yours.
Updated: Mar. 28, 2023 at 3:28 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
A record 8.7% Social Security cost-of-living increase is one of the few positives of the record inflation we’ve faced. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about ways to make that extra money work for you.
Updated: Mar. 27, 2023 at 3:51 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
A new NerdWallet survey found 75% of Americans do not feel confident about their finances for 2023. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks to an expert about how you can take control of your budget during stressful economic times.
Updated: Mar. 23, 2023 at 4:15 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Investing is a great tool to build long-term wealth, the key is identifying which opportunities are best suited for your financial goals. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about an often-overlooked investment area: real estate equity funds.
Updated: Mar. 21, 2023 at 4:10 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
It’s tax filing season and if you’re expecting a refund, experts say you should start planning how you might spend that extra cash. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares expert advice on how to make that windfall work for you.
Updated: Mar. 20, 2023 at 3:40 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
It’s the time of year we all like to declutter our homes. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke to an expert about ways you can also spring clean your finances.
Updated: Mar. 16, 2023 at 2:55 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
More than 25 million Americans plan to buy a home this year, according to a new study from NerdWallet. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke to an expert about ways you can set a realistic budget if you’re one of those looking to enter the housing
Updated: Mar. 14, 2023 at 3:07 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
Planning to travel or go to some events for spring break? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa breaks down ways you can save while on a trip or staycation.
Updated: Mar. 13, 2023 at 4:45 PM EDT
|By Rachel DePompa
The deadline to file your taxes is quickly approaching. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has expert advice for those of you who haven’t filed yet.
Updated: Mar. 9, 2023 at 2:11 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
If you’re on a tight budget it can be tempting to make the minimum payment on your credit card bill. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out why that could cost you in the long run.
Updated: Mar. 7, 2023 at 3:23 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
Millions of Americans are paying to file their taxes when they didn’t have to. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa tells you what you need to know to file your taxes for free.
Updated: Mar. 6, 2023 at 5:03 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
Looking for a vacation home or another source of income? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa takes a look at the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a timeshare.
Updated: Mar. 2, 2023 at 4:05 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
Saving for your down payment is a critical step in getting into a new home. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a financial coach from the Virginia Credit Union about ways to save for your future home.
Updated: Feb. 28, 2023 at 5:06 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
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.
Updated: Feb. 27, 2023 at 3:36 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
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.
Updated: Feb. 27, 2023 at 1:11 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa and Daniela Molina
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.
Updated: Feb. 23, 2023 at 3:40 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
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.
Updated: Feb. 21, 2023 at 11:53 AM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
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.
Updated: Feb. 20, 2023 at 3:56 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
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.
Updated: Feb. 16, 2023 at 3:08 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
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.
Updated: Feb. 14, 2023 at 3:07 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
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.
Updated: Feb. 13, 2023 at 5:02 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
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.
Updated: Feb. 9, 2023 at 3:33 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
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.
Updated: Feb. 7, 2023 at 1:37 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
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.
Updated: Feb. 6, 2023 at 3:57 PM EST
|By Rachel DePompa
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.
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