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Erica Sandberg

Freelance Consumer Finance Writer and Reporter at Various Publications

I am a credit and money management expert and began my career at Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS). There, I helped individuals and families overcome their debt issues and developed budgets, then transitioned into the agency’s primary media spokesperson.

For CreditCards.com, I produce stories and advice columns, including my current Small Business Credit Profile, an interview platform that features entrepreneurs and the way they use credit products.

My other clients include Experian, Discover and First Republic Bank. Passionate about communicating money and credit information, I have represented Chase, Western Union, the Better Business Bureau and Learning Resources in media campaigns and a speaker for journalism conferences.

As an expert, I also provide commentary for news programs, from CNN to Fox, as well as on my local San Francisco news outlets. I have also been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle.

Covers

Publications

  • U.S. News and World Report
    76 articles
  • U.S. News & World Report
    13 articles
  • US News and World Report
    13 articles
  • Bankrate
    2 articles
  • The Voice of San Francisco
  • Business Insider
  • Online and Print Magazine

Writes Most On

FinancialPlanningBudgetingPersonalFinanceMoneyManagementSavingsFinancialLiteracyFinancialWellbeingInflationConsumerBehaviorBudgetingtipsFinanceRetailIRSFinancialAdviceTaxesEcommerceTaxationDiscountsDebtRepaymentShoppingDebtManagementFinancialFreedomBudgetFriendlySustainabilityAccountantCostOfLivingGiftIdeasEconomyFinancialGoalsFinancialEducationInvestingDealsFinancialSecuritySavingMoneyHolidayShoppingAccountantsGiftGivingExpenseManagementCPAFinancialStressMonthlyBudgetCommunitySupportGroceryShoppingSaveMoneyCreditCardsMentalHealthTaxPlanningTaxAdviceAccountingFrugality
  • Most Popular
  • Recent Work
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  • Are Your Chances of Getting Audited Lower in 2025?
    14 Mar 2023—U.S. News and World Report
    Key Takeaways Taxpayers are typically worried they'll get audited for making mistakes on their returns, but audits are historically rare. The Trump administration reduced the number of IRS employees, so there is a slight chance fewer audits will take place in 2025. Audit triggers include unusual deductions and losses, missing or high income and self-employment income. Amend your return before the IRS sends an audit letter, and take steps to offset a future audit. Some taxpayers may assume...
  • PayPal and Venmo Taxes: What You Should Know About Payment Platforms
    5 Mar—U.S. News and World Report
    Whether you have an occasional side hustle or a permanent small business, odds are high that your customers paid you through a third-party payment platform. According to McKinsey’s 2024 State of Consumer Digital Payments report, 92% of U.S. consumers made some form of digital payment over the past year. Fintech companies such as Venmo, PayPal, Zelle and Stripe make the process swift and safe through their mobile apps. Be aware that you will often need to pay income tax on your earnings....
  • How the Disappearance of the Penny Could Impact Consumers’ Wallets
    12 Mar—U.S. News and World Report
    Key Takeaways As part of the Trump administration’s efficiency plan, the penny may cease being produced. Nickels would take over as the next lowest denomination, which could offset savings because they are also expensive to mint. Pennies are unlikely to become a collectors' item, so consumers can trade them in or use them in more creative ways. The penny is under attack, and its chances of survival are uncertain. In February 2025, President Trump ordered the U.S. Treasury to stop minting the...
  • What Debt Protections Could Consumers Lose Without the CFPB?
    14 Mar—U.S. News and World Report
    The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was launched in 2011 in response to the 2008 banking crisis, which destabilized millions of Americans. This new U.S. government agency's intent was to advocate for and enforce consumer-friendly federal financial rules. It also provided a complaint and investigation process in the event of suspected company abuse. The agency's purview included institutions such as banks, credit unions, credit card issuers, debt collectors and student loan...
  • What Happens if You Don't Pay Your Taxes?
    15 Jul 2024—U.S. News and World Report
    If you’re one of the millions of people in the U.S. who sends quarterly estimated income taxes to the IRS, you already know that doing it right requires dedication and organization. In contrast to an employer automatically deducting taxes from your paycheck, the process of sending the money to the agency and in the correct amount is your responsibility. So, what should you do if you didn't send the IRS any money this past year? Stay calm and take swift action. In most cases, there will be...

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