What I offer
With more than 15 years of professional experience in personal finance and a lifetime of my own experiences with money, my mission is to help people realize the power they can have over their own money.
Let’s work together to make that happen.
More Than 15 Years In The Personal Finance Space
I’ve been observing, analyzing and writing or talking about personal finance professionally for more than 15 years with some of the biggest personal finance websites in the world. Today, I’m one of the public faces of LendingTree. I’ve been quoted by media outlets of all sizes from coast to coast and even internationally. I’ve worked through Great Recessions, pandemics and some good times as well. I even participated in an online town hall with the Obama White House.
Long before that, however, I was just a guy who once had $10,000 in credit card debt and a brand-new car payment that consumed my life for many years. That gives me a perspective that many others who do what I do just don’t have. Here’s how I can use this experience to help you…I
01.
MEDIA INTERVIEWS & QUOTES
Over the past decade, I’ve done thousands of interviews with all types of media outlets in all types of scenarios. Whether you have a fledgling podcast, work for a worldwide media powerhouse or fall somewhere in between, I’m ready to help you get the information and the pithy quotes you need.
02.
GUEST WRITING & ANALYSIS
Along with spending much of my time on-camera these days, I also write regularly for LendingTree. However, I’ve also done guest posts for sites such as Business Insider and CBS MoneyWatch, and I’m happy to speak with you about providing content for you, too.
03.
SPEAKING
I’ve spoken in-person at events such as FINCON, Money 20/20, CardCon, and the Digital Money Forum at the Consumer Electronics Show. I’ve also been featured in a webinar with Greater Atlanta Builds Credit and other groups. And as an advocate for childhood financial literacy training, I’ve spoken about money with kids at several schools in the Austin area. Let’s chat about your speaker needs as a business, school, non-profit or for your next event.
04.
FUNDRAISING
I’m passionate about raising money and awareness for cancer research, having lost my father to multiple forms of that dreaded disease in 2020. I’ve raised more than $5,000 in his honor and don’t plan to stop anytime soon. I even wrote for CBS MoneyWatch about how millions of Americans can work with their employers to increase their donations.
Press & Media Samples
New York Times: Travelers Ask, Cash, What’s That?
June 2022
Spoke with Beth Harpaz about the growing trend of cashless travel.
CBS EVENING NEWS: CREDIT CARD DEBT AMONG AMERICANS AT ALL-TIME HIGH
March 2023
Spoke with Tanya Rivero about record credit card debt and interest rates and what consumers can do to protect themselves.
CNN Business: Some retail store credit cards now carry APRs of more than 30%
November 2022
Spoke with Alicia Wallace about the rapid increase in interest rates for store credit cards. They’re traditionally really high, but in 2022, they reached rarely-seen levels.
What You Should Know About Me
My professional and personal experiences are so different from many others who do what I do.
I am a former journalist rather than an economist. I learned about personal finance by writing for real people rather than for bankers. I’ve spent much of my career in newsrooms rather than a bank or a PR firm, so I know how they work and what journalists really want and need. And I’ve been deep in debt, fearful of what lies ahead and unsure of what to do next. It all adds up to give me the unique perspective that I bring to everything I do. Here’s some of what you get when you work with me…
01.
JARGON-FREE, PLAIN-SPOKEN EXPERTISE:
As a journalist and then as an industry expert, I’ve made a living explaining complex issues in a way that is easy for people to understand. I’m comfortable making stories relatable and understandable for everyone from elementary school kids to C-suite executives, and I can do the same for your audience.
02.
MULTIMEDIA VERSATILITY:
TV, radio, print, online, email, podcasts, social media. Long-form, short-form and everywhere in between. Live and recorded. Serious and academic vs. quirky and fun. On location, in the studio, over the phone, via Zoom or Skype. DIY or with a team of helpers. Whatever you’re looking for and however you’re looking to do it, I’ve been there and I’m eager to help you make it happen.
03.
EMPATHY, NOT JUDGMENT:
Personal finance experts have motivated by shaming for far too long. Struggling Americans don’t need to be lectured and belittled. They need understanding. They need compassion. And they need simple, practical, easy-to-understand advice that really matters. That’s what I aim to provide.
04.
CONTEXT, CONTEXT, CONTEXT:
My 15 years as a professional in the personal finance space gave me a front-row seat to all of the craziness that happened during one of the most volatile periods in American history. That helps me approach the day’s biggest news with a perspective that can only come with time and experience.
05.
PASSION FOR BREAKING NEWS:
I may not work in newsrooms anymore, but I still love the adrenaline rush from when big events happen. I’m often ready with a quick comment or even just some on-background perspective on what just happened and what it really means for consumers. And if I can’t help you, I can probably point you to someone who can.
Inquire Today
Ready to Work together?
Let’s have a conversation to see how we might collaborate or work together. You can reach out via the form on my contact page linked below or the email listed on the page and I will get back to you within 3 business days.
“Matt is the real deal. He’s organized, reliable, easy to work with, and he knows what he’s talking about. What I really think sets Matt apart is his ability to turn a pile of visions and strategies into concrete tasks and products. That kind of execution talent is what turns ideas into reality, and it’s increasingly rare today.”
Tina O.
Financial Journalist & Educator
“Matt is one of the best credit experts and strongest writers on the U.S. News & World Report My Money blog team. His posts are always polished, well supported by research and filed well before deadline. Matt also has a relatable, friendly voice, and he makes it easy to understand complex credit topics. Any consumer who is contemplating which credit card to sign up for or how to boost a credit score should read Matt’s advice.”
Stephanie Steinberg
Journalist & Editor