Connie Prater

My official title is senior writer at CreditCards.com. In fact, I consider myself a savvy consumer, a mom, a penny-pincher/tightwad and an above average Scrabble player. I have been a reporter and editor for print and online news organizations for more than 25 years. I was on the team of Miami Herald journalists that won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting in a series of articles on voter fraud in the Miami city elections. As a journalist, I have written about consumer affairs, social services for the working poor and health and medicine. Over the years, I’ve developed a knack for explaining complex topics in simple terms “that my mother can understand.” In April 2010, the Society of American Business Editors and Writers recognized my coverage of the credit card reform law with its Best in Business Award for creative use of online media. I found out firsthand what identity theft victims go through in protecting their good names and credit ratings when my purse was stolen several years ago. I can share my tips on protecting your privacy and what not to haul around in those big purses and handbags. I have a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a master’s in business administration from Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla. In addition to the Miami Herald, I have been fortunate enough to work at the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News and iVillage.com. What’s in my wallet? A Visa credit card is on the top of the pile as the most frequently used plastic in my wallet. Connie Prater was a senior writer for CreditCards.com from 2007 to 2012.