16 Best Money Experts of 2017

GOBankingRates wants to know: Who is your #MoneyIdol?

Beginning in February and continuing throughout the month, 16 of the biggest names in the personal finance sphere will be fighting for your vote and the title of Best Money Expert 2017 in GOBankingRates’ sixth annual competition sponsored by ImportantScore.com. In this year’s competition, 2015 winner “Rich Bitch” author Nicole Lapin will be competing again to protect her crown from 15 other personal finance experts.

Check out the experts, and familiarize yourself with their claim to fame before voting begins on Feb. 1, at 2 a.m. PST.

Writer of nine consecutive New York Times best-sellers, David Bach‘s goal is to help people save more money automatically through a simple model called “pay yourself first.” In addition to being a top financial author, Bach has made appearances over the past 20 years at seminars, speeches and media events. He’s even appeared on CNN, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and much more.

Financial editor for NBC’s “TODAY” show, Jean Chatzky believes that financial literacy is one of the most important skills one should have at any stage in life. Much of her efforts in her career have been focused on developing money tips that are simple and straightforward. In addition to being AARP’s personal finance ambassador, she has teamed up with Time for Kids to launch Your Money, a magazine that reaches 2 million schoolkids monthly. Hear Chatzky’s financial advice on her podcast, “HerMoney with Jean Chatzky,” on iTunes.

She’s Dave Ramsey’s daughter, but Rachel Cruze has made a big name for herself in the personal finance space by dedicating her professional career to helping Americans learn money management skills and debt solutions. Author of the two books “Love Your Life, Not Theirs” and “Smart Money Smart Kids,” Cruze is a No. 1 New York Times best-seller. Much of her current work is targeted toward young adults, as she teaches “Foundations in Personal Finance.”

Entrepreneur and high-performance coach Josh Felber aims to help turn people’s passions into successful money-making ventures. Winner of GOBankingRates’ competition in 2014, Felber has been featured as a guest expert on several large media outlets, including Fox, ABC, CBS and NBC. You can read his money advice on achieving financial freedom through entrepreneurship in two books he’s been featured in: “Transform” and “SuccessOnomics.”

Frugal living expert and award-winning writer Lauren Greutman strives to help Americans craft budgets that don’t strip life of its pleasantries. Her website, LaurenGreutman.com, functions as a one-stop shop for anyone seeking budgeting advice, from money tips on paying off debt to cheap and easy meal-planning techniques. Greutman has a regular “TODAY” show segment and has been featured as a financial expert on “Dr. Oz,” “Good Morning America” and “Rachael Ray.”

Author of best-seller “Retire Inspired: It’s Not an Age, It’s a Financial Number,” Chris Hogan has made it his goal to help his followers gain ownership of their personal finances and professional lives. A financial coach with Ramsey Solutions for more than a decade, Hogan’s expertise goes beyond the general personal finance sphere, extending into retirement finance and leadership coaching. In addition to sharing money tips as host of the “Retire Inspired” podcast, people can find his financial advice on ChrisHogan360.com.

Anyone who has heard the money advice of “Rich Dad Poor Dad” author Robert Kiyosaki knows that his stance on making money is far from conventional. Never one to beat around the bush, Kiyosaki’s ability to keep it real with his fans and followers has made him a household name in the personal finance industry. In addition to being the author of 19 books, Kiyosaki has become a regular featured guest on outlets such as CNN, BBC, Fox News and “Larry King Live.”

Star of “The Clark Howard Show,” Clark Howard entered the space as a personal finance expert after he was able to sell his travel business and retire by 31 back in 1987. Since then, he has devoted his time and efforts to helping Americans make their money work for them. In addition to serving as a consumer reporter for Atlanta’s WSB-TV, Howard has published 10 books, the most recent being “Clark Howard’s Living Large for the Long Haul.”

Nicole Lapin is the Best Money Expert 2015 winner and author of the New York Times best-seller “Rich Bitch.” She’s also Redbook magazine’s first-ever money columnist. In addition to establishing an impressive writing career, she has shared her financial wisdom and tips for success across the airwaves as the youngest anchor to date at CNN. Her entrepreneurial spirit and “can do” attitude has led to guest appearances on other major networks and TV shows, such as MSNBC and the “TODAY” show.

Read: Money Lessons From the “Rich Bitch” — An Interview With Nicole Lapin

When it comes to giving financial advice, J. Money is anything but traditional. His websites BudgetsAreSexy.com and RockstarFinance.com have attracted millions of views. On these sites, J. Money challenges his audience members to re-think many of the tried-and-true notions that exist in the personal finance space. From tips on side hustles and monthly budgeting to strategies on early retirement and becoming a millionaire, J. Money covers it all.

Host of “Money Matters,” the country’s longest-running live call-in investment and personal finance radio show, Wes Moss is a jack of all trades in the personal finance world. His money tips and expertise expand across multiple personal finance categories, including investing and early retirement strategies. Moss is also currently the chief investment strategist at Capital Investment Advisors. You can find Moss’ financial advice on multiple outlets, such as About.com and The Balance.

Millennial money expert and author Stefanie O’Connell has shared her money tips in publications like Forbes, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Her advice is geared toward educating the younger generation on smart money habits that won’t sacrifice the life and activities they crave. O’Connell is also the author and host of “Money Minute,” a series that focuses on helping young adults reach their financial goals and achieve financial freedom.

Ranked No. 2 on Entrepreneur’s Top 50 Online Influencers in the World list, John Rampton‘s financial advice for Americans goes beyond just making money. An online marketing guru and startup enthusiast, Rampton’s focus is on wealth building and sustainment for the long-term — which he believes is the key to financial success. He’s also the founder of Due, an online payments company.

Bobbi Rebell believes the key to financial freedom is knowing your numbers and making smart money decisions. In her book “How to Be a Financial Grownup,” Rebell has compiled personal success stories from the biggest names in the business to help her audience take control over their money. She’s also a TV anchor and personal finance columnist at Thomson Reuters, and her money tips and business videos have been broadcast worldwide.

Kyle Taylor‘s launch to success in the financial world was no happy accident. With an intense passion for helping Americans from all walks of life, Taylor helps people create a bright financial future through his blog, ThePennyHoarder.com. It has become one of the largest personal finance blogs. On this site, readers can read real stories about real people and learn practical budgeting tips.

CEO and co-founder of America’s Best 401k, Tom Zgainer has helped thousands of businesses create and improve their retirement plans. He believes that all Americans should know exactly how much their investments are costing them. And, he encourages people to make saving for a comfortable retirement a priority.