Karen Bennett
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30Years of experience
- Consumer banking
- Savings accounts
- CD rates
- Money market accounts
- Personal finance
- Master of Arts in Journalism, Columbia College Chicago
- Bachelor of Arts in English, University of Illinois
- Minor in Political Science, University of Illinois
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.
Karen beyond Bankrate
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
Karen's latest articles
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Cashless cash stuffing provides the best of both budgeting worlds
This crafty form of budgeting helps you manage your cash without hoarding it.
3 min read Jun 03, 2024 -
3 ways to ensure your fintech deposits are safe
Enjoy the advantages fintech banking offers while keeping your money safe and sound.
5 min read May 29, 2024 -
7 ways to manage financial stress during trying times
Follow these tips to manage your finances and relieve some stress.
6 min read May 21, 2024 -
My son turned 18. Here’s how his bank account grew up
Here’s what to know when your child’s bank account moves to a standard account.
4 min read May 09, 2024 -
Are money market accounts FDIC-insured?
Money market accounts share the same FDIC protections as savings accounts and CDs.
4 min read May 01, 2024 -
5 must-have features for checking accounts
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
4 min read Apr 18, 2024 -
How financial literacy for young adults has evolved
Balancing a checkbook may be passé, but managing your money well still matters.
8 min read Apr 11, 2024