Cathy has a business degree and a background in business management within several different industries, including education, foodservice management, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. She has been a business owner and manager; an accounting, human resources, and hiring manager; a trusted business keyholder; a technology help desk leader; a reading and writing tutor, and a teaching assistant. Many of her previous positions involved working closely with insurance brokers and agents, CPAs, business lawyers, and the IRS to provide positive financial solutions for business owners. She has also written several employee handbooks for small businesses and mid-size companies. Her business experience spans nearly 30 years.

As a freelance contributor at First Quarter Finance, Cathy is educated, knowledgeable, and diligent when it comes to consumer research and finding the most current and complete information for FQF readers. She specializes in researching AARP and senior discounts, student and military discounts, store policies, and consumer credit. Her thorough research process includes connecting with corporate and hourly associates as well as studying official policy documentation. She has researched Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Big Lots, Burger King, Burlington, Costco, Cracker Barrel, Food Lion, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Kroger, Macy’s, Marshalls, Old Navy, Olive Garden, Pearle Vision, Publix, Red Lobster, REI, Sam’s Club, SITKA, Target, Tiffany & Co., Walmart and Whole Foods, among many others.

Cathy volunteers for many organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, the Ehler’s Danlos Society, the Loeys-Dietz Society, Make-A-Wish, and the Michigan Humane Society. She has written several blog posts as a guest for The Motion Pictures.net. Cathy has been a contributor to First Quarter Finance since 2018.