Laura McMullen

Assistant Assigning Editor | Personal finance, financial news

Laura McMullen assigns and edits financial news content. She was previously a senior writer at NerdWallet and covered saving, making and budgeting money; she also contributed to the "Millennial Money" column for The Associated Press. Before joining NerdWallet in 2015, Laura worked for U.S. News & World Report, where she wrote and edited content related to careers, wellness and education and also contributed to the company's rankings projects. Before working at U.S. News & World Report, Laura interned at Vice Media and studied journalism, history and Arabic at Ohio University. Laura lives in Washington, D.C.

Education: B.S. in journalism from Ohio University
Previous experience: U.S. News & World Report

Laura's picks

Need Help Paying Bills ASAP? Use This Quick-Help Tool

by Liz Weston, CFP®

Use this guide to learn what assistance is available and identify what to deal with first.

How to Protect Your Spending Power From Inflation

by Hal M. Bundrick, CFP®

6 AAPI Financial Influencers to Follow in 2023

by June Sham, Meghan Coyle, Ronita Choudhuri-Wade, Cara Smith

Six financial professionals reflect on the complex relationship between Asian Americans and money, dispelling generational norms, and why there’s no winning in the comparison game.

Laura has also nerded out in...

Other publications

The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Associated Press

The latest from Laura

Use This Script to Lower Your Cable and Internet Bills

Cut Your Cell Phone Bill With This Script

What Is Layaway, and Should You Use It for Black Friday Shopping?

3 Black Friday Scams to Watch for and How to Stay Safe

Slash Your Bills With a Phone Call: 7 Pro Negotiating Tips

If you’re looking to cut expenses before the holidays, being polite, knowing competitor rates and highlighting your loyalty may help you save on your bills.

This Script May Help You Save on Utilities

Supporting Grown Kids? How to Land the Financial Helicopter

Most parents financially support their young adult children. Communication and deadlines can help.

How to Get Your Finances Back on Track for Fall

Reviewing spending and preparing for big expenses can help your budget recover from summertime.

Best Cell Phone Plans 2025: How to Find Your Best Deal

Let network strength, affordability and features lead you to the best cell phone plan for your needs.

How to Reach Out to a Recruiter on LinkedIn

Recruiters are often managing dozens of candidates, so it’s important to stand out.

How To Accept a Job Offer: 8 Steps With Examples

Express your gratitude and clarify the terms of your employment.

How To Respectfully Decline a Job Offer: 3 Tips and an Example

Experts recommend giving any job offer full consideration, and then being clear and kind when you share your decision to decline.

4 Video Interview Tips to Help You Nail the Call

These tips will guide you through checking your technology, setting and body language.

Is It Better to Quit or Be Fired?

Consider your next move, including whether you will have a job lined up or need financial support during a period of transition.

How to Quit a Job Over Text — Though We Don’t Recommend It

If you’re adamant about quitting this way, keep the message brief and professional.