Erin Spaht

Washington, D.C., United States

Special Projects and Investigative Producer at WUSA-TV (Washington, DC)

Sr. Special Projects & Investigative Producer + @WUSA9 @LSU @ManshipSchool | EMMY, Murrow, AP, Tom Renner Award winner It's pronouced Sp-8, not Sp@

Articles

Your car's color may impact its resale value, new study says

2 weeks ago | wusa9.com | Erin Spaht

The study finds yellow and orange cars have more demand than supply, and that means higher value on the used-car market. WASHINGTON — We’ve all heard it said that a new car’s value drops as soon as your drive it off the lot, but did you know the color of a car can impact its value when it’s time to sell it? According to a new study by iSeeCars.com, the average car loses 31% of its value — nearly $5,000 — in just three years. But certain car colors retained more value.
Free pet microchip clinic | Where's the Money?

1 month ago | wusa9.com | Erin Spaht

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — The Brandywine Valley SPCA is the largest animal welfare organization in the region, helping more than 20,000 animals per year across our entire footprint spanning PA, DE, NJ, and DC. The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) is hosting FREE microchip clinics in Washington, DC, on Saturdays in May. This clinic aims to provide vital services to the pet families of The District and ensure lost pets are reunited with their loving families.
Home sellers urged to plan for commission, staging fees and other hidden costs

1 month ago | wusa9.com | Erin Spaht

Credit: Mayo - stock.adobe.com WASHINGTON — If you are looking to sell your home, May is the month to do it. Why? Because the odds are you’ll get more money for your house. According to Bankrate, homes sold this month fetch about 13% above their market value. The median home-sale price in the U.S. as of March 2025 was $403,700, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Generational divide: Older owners regret costs, younger owners regret mortgages

1 month ago | wusa9.com | Erin Spaht

Among homeowners with regret, 42% say maintenance and other hidden costs are more expensive than expected. WASHINGTON — Owning a home is the cornerstone of the "American Dream." Homeownership symbolizes stability, financial success, and a personal stake in your community. But according to a new Bankrate survey, almost half of the homeowners it surveyed say they have at least one regret about the purchase of their home.
What to know about financial infidelity | Where's the Money?

1 month ago | wusa9.com | Erin Spaht

A new study reveals 2 in 5 Americans in a relationship have kept a financial secret from their partner. WASHINGTON — A new Bankrate study found that 40% of adults in relationships have kept a financial secret from their partner. The most common financial secret? Overspending—followed by hiding debt, having a secret credit card, or stashing money in a hidden savings or checking account. So, who’s keeping secrets? According to Bankrate, it’s Gen Z.
How to save money at the grocery store | Where's the Money?

1 month ago | wusa9.com | Erin Spaht

Grocery shopping is not an easy task but moving from a paper list to a digital one can help you save money. WASHINGTON — Whether you love it or hate it, someone’s got to do the grocery shopping. Kimberly Palmer is a personal finance expert with Nerdwallet. She said, "It's a really big job to manage the groceries every week and thinking about what you need to buy for your meals that are coming up and it can be really hard if all of that falls on one person.
Boost your credit score with digital tools, smart strategies | Where's the Money?

1 month ago | wusa9.com | Erin Spaht

Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a good credit score as it could affect loans, credit cards and living arrangements. WASHINGTON — Your credit score impacts how much you pay for certain financial products and services. An expert says there are a lot of digital tools right at your fingertips to help you stay on track.
Why you shouldn't store your money in payment apps | Where's the Money?

1 month ago | wusa9.com | Erin Spaht

Experts warn that while the apps bring convenience, they also come with security concerns. WASHINGTON — More than three-quarters of U.S. adults say they’ve used a payment app, according to the Pew Research Center. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau says the transaction volume on these apps is expected to go from $893 billion to $1.6 trillion by 2027. Building better money habits is all about creating small, consistent habits that line up with your financial goals.
What to buy now and skip for later | Where's the Money?

1 month ago | wusa9.com | Erin Spaht

Nearly everything you purchase has a best time to buy, and timing your purchases right can make a big difference to your bottom line. Credit: Stillfx - stock.adobe.com Closeup of assorted American banknotes WASHINGTON — If you're tightening your budget due to rising costs, knowing what to buy and when is is key to saving. Let’s start with spring cleaning. If your old vacuum isn’t doing the trick, now is a good time to buy a new one.
How cash stuffing can help get your budget back on track | Where's the Money?

2 months ago | wusa9.com | Erin Spaht

Cash stuffing gains popularity on social media, offering a simple, hands-on budgeting method using cash envelopes to curb overspending. WASHINGTON — Cash stuffing is getting a lot of eyes on social media and it might be the thing you need to curb your spending and get your budget on track. Here’s how to get started – no apps or high-tech tools required. It’s budgeting in its most basic form, literally stuffing cash in envelopes for specific needs.