Survey: Majority of US households uneasy with level of emergency savings
More U.S. adults have seen household savings decline than rise in the past year.
2 min read
Jun 23, 2022
Karen Bennett
Senior consumer banking reporter
EXPERTISE
- Banking
- Personal finance
- Credit cards
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree in English, University of Illinois
- Master’s degree in journalism, Columbia College Chicago
Karen Bennett is a senior consumer banking reporter at Bankrate. She uses her finance writing background to help readers learn more about savings and checking accounts, CDs, and other financial matters.
Karen brings decades of writing and reporting experience to the table, including the roles of credit cards writer for travel website Million Mile Secrets and money and career writer for The Cheat Sheet. Her work has also appeared in USA Today, Illinois Legal Times, and several Chicago, Milwaukee, and Washington, D.C. newspapers. In addition, she’s worked in the areas of marketing and business development, and she was product manager for a consumer money-saving website.
When she’s not writing Bankrate articles, she can often be found cheering her kids on at soccer games, cooking and reading up on saving for retirement and other personal finance topics.
Karen's latest articles
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Cashing in savings bonds: When can you redeem them?
Savings bonds are a simple way to save but redeeming them is a little more complex.
3 min read Jun 13, 2022 -
Bask Bank offers savings account APY among highest in the nation
The online-only bank’s savings rate tops many competitors.
1 min read Jun 13, 2022 -
Financial guide for the deaf and hard of hearing 2022
Many challenges still exist but advances have made earning and saving money easier.
4 min read Jun 09, 2022 -
Saving money for people with disabilities
Specific savings accounts can help disabled individuals gain financial security.
4 min read May 24, 2022 -
5 steps to take with your money in 2022, according to personal finance experts
Here’s what personal financial experts recommend to help get your finances in shipshape in 2022.
6 min read Apr 05, 2022 -
Saving for retirement with CDs
Investing in CDs for retirement offers benefits but also some drawbacks.
4 min read Mar 31, 2022 -
Bankrate sweepstakes winners reveal plans to drop debt, save money
Sweepstakes winners used their $10,000 prize for practical (and fun) purposes.
2 min read Feb 23, 2022
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What is the average interest rate for savings accounts?
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
3 min read Nov 21, 2024 -
What to do if a bank rejects you for a checking account
Your banking past has come back to haunt you. Here’s how to ask for a second chance.
3 min read May 02, 2024 -
APY vs. interest rate: What’s the difference and why it matters
Here’s the difference between APY and interest rate.
4 min read Aug 31, 2023 -
What is a SWIFT code?
You’ll need a SWIFT code for international wire transfers. Here’s how to find one.
2 min read Aug 14, 2023 -
How to join a credit union: Here’s what to do to become a member
Here’s what you need to do to become a credit union member.
3 min read Jul 18, 2023 -
6 ways to manage finances with multiple income streams
These strategies will help you manage multiple income streams.
4 min read Jul 18, 2023 -
Saving money from your summer job: Top tips for students
These tips can help students maximize savings from their summer job earnings.
3 min read Jul 17, 2023 -
5 tips to make sure revenge spending doesn’t wreck your wallet
As you look ahead to opening your wallet again, consider these key tips for avoiding revenge spending.
4 min read Jul 12, 2023