Amanda Barroso

Lead Writer | Credit scoring, budgeting, personal finance

Amanda Barroso covers credit scoring at NerdWallet. She spent more than a decade covering issues facing many Americans, including her work as a writer at the Pew Research Center, a policy analyst at the National Women's Law Center and a college professor. Amanda earned a doctorate from The Ohio State University.

Education: Ph.D. in women's, gender and sexuality studies from The Ohio State University, M.A. in journalism from University of Southern California, B.A. in English from Presbyterian College
Awards: Mellon/ACLS Public Fellow (2017-2019)
Organizations: Online News Association
Previous experience: Writer at Pew Research Center, Policy Analyst at National Women's Law Center

Amanda's picks

Credit Score Ranges: What They Mean and How They Work

by Amanda Barroso, Lauren Schwahn

Credit scores estimate your likelihood of repaying new debt. Learn what range your score falls in and how to grow it.

Smart Money Podcast – Overcome Impulsive Shopping: Strategies to Resist Social Media Spending Triggers

by Sean Pyles, Amanda Barroso

Understand the urge to spend money while scrolling on social media and learn strategies to control impulsive purchases.

Smart Money Podcast: Why Moms Face a Pay Penalty — and What to Do About It

by Sean Pyles, Amanda Barroso

Amanda has also nerded out in...

Other publications

The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Yahoo Finance

The latest from Amanda

Black Friday 2024 Streaming Deals

What Dynamic Pricing Means for Black Friday Shopping

Retailer strategies will make a difference in the deals you get. Here’s how to prepare for fluctuating prices.

When is Black Friday? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Shop

Mark your calendars for Nov. 29, the day after Thanksgiving, to take advantage of Black Friday sales this year.

We Tracked What to Buy (and Skip) During Amazon Prime Big Deal Days

Our Nerds did the research – some October deals are worth a look. Skip the lightning deals and look for bargains on things you already use and need.

What Is Revolving Credit?

Revolving credit allows borrowers to spend up to a credit limit determined by the lender and pay back the amount at once or over time.

July Prime Day 2024 Deals Are a Mixed Bag

Is Amazon Music Free With Prime, and What Do You Get?

Your Prime membership includes ad-free music, playlists and podcasts, but most music is shuffle-play only unless you upgrade to Unlimited.

Smart Money Podcast – Overcome Impulsive Shopping: Strategies to Resist Social Media Spending Triggers

Understand the urge to spend money while scrolling on social media and learn strategies to control impulsive purchases.

5 Financial Steps for New College Grads in Their First Jobs

A solid financial foundation starts with creating a budget, saving for emergencies and retirement, being proactive about student loan bills and building credit.

What Is Amazon Prime Reading and How Does It Compare to Kindle Unlimited?

Prime Reading offers Prime members access to a rotating library of e-books, audiobooks and magazines through the free Kindle app.

Best Things to Buy at Trader Joe’s

Smart Money Podcast: How to Overcome Common Psychological Financial Mistakes: Framing, Loss Aversion, and the Gambler’s Fallacy

Learn how to control your behavioral economics biases and whether it’s ever worth it to use a credit repair service.

How Much to Tip a Dog Groomer?

Consider the total bill, as well as the quality of the service, your pet’s temperament and where the work is done.

Is Peloton Worth It? What to Consider If You’re Thinking of Buying a Bike

Weigh the costs of buying new vs. refurbished, or buying vs. renting. A class membership can raise the price as well.

What Is Amazon Prime Student, and How Can You Save Money With It?

Eligible college students and nonstudents ages 18-24 can get the perks of Amazon Prime, like free two-day shipping, streaming access and shopping deals, for $69 per year.