Bankrate’s 2026 Annual Emergency Savings Report
A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year
Karen Bennett is a senior consumer banking reporter at Bankrate. Her expertise lies in finding the best savings accounts, checking accounts and CDs, as well as all things personal finance. She’s been a reporter at Bankrate since 2021, and she holds a master’s degree in Journalism and a bachelor’s degree in English.
Karen’s writing experience spans topics including bank accounts, saving money, budgeting, and credit cards, as well as lifestyle and health. She also spent time as a writer of product reviews and a reporter for local newspapers in Chicago, Milwaukee and Washington, D.C. In addition, she worked for over a decade as a writer and product manager for CoolSavings, a website devoted to saving money on groceries, travel and other products.
Karen stays on top of the latest in banking and personal finance. Topics she writes about for Bankrate include how to choose the best high-yield savings account, the latest statistics on checking account fees and ways to protect yourself from bank fraud.
On the personal finance front, Karen has covered topics such as progress for women in banking and the pitfalls of spaving deals (spaving is the act of spending more money to qualify for money-saving promotions).
When she’s not working, Karen enjoys working on her novel, as well as reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with her family.
The pillars of smart money management include having an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account, paying down debt, following a budget and living within your means.
— Karen Bennett
A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Sometimes paying an early withdrawal penalty on a CD isn’t a bad idea.
The National Credit Union Administration is similar to the FDIC, which covers banks.
Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
We appreciate your feedback
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.