Zero-coupon CDs: What they are and how they work
Here’s everything you need to know about zero-coupon CDs.
3 min read
Aug 15, 2022
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 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
-
-
TD Bank Review 2022
Learn more about this institution’s features and see if it’s the right fit for you.
Aug 12, 2022 -
Banks that have cut or eliminated overdraft fees
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
6 min read Aug 11, 2022 -
Discover Bank Review 2022
Learn more about this institution’s features and see if it’s the right fit for you.
Aug 11, 2022 -
Navy Federal Credit Union Review 2022
Learn more about this institution’s features and see if it’s the right fit for you.
Aug 11, 2022 -
Step-up CDs: What they are and how they work
Step-up CDs can help you potentially earn a higher rate of return later on.
3 min read Jul 28, 2022 -
Choosing an online bank? Look for these top 7 things
Online banks come with incentives that you may not know about, and might make one the best choice for your needs.
3 min read Jul 22, 2022 -
How freelance artists can manage their money
Being successful as a freelancer requires strong money management skills — these tips can help.
8 min read Jul 20, 2022 -
Short-term CD vs. long-term CD: Which is best for you?
CD terms can range from three months to five years. Learn which one is right for you.
4 min read Jul 19, 2022 -
9 ways to save on back-to-school shopping
Follow these tips to shop smarter for school supplies.
4 min read Jul 11, 2022 -
Top banks for student athletes in 2022
Learn more about gaining financial independence and knowledge as a student athlete.
7 min read Jul 11, 2022 -
How to open a savings account: 6 steps to take
Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
4 min read Jul 07, 2022 -
What is direct deposit? Here’s how it works
Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
3 min read Jun 30, 2022 -
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.
3 min read Jun 23, 2022 -
Expert advice on protecting your bank accounts from hackers
These expert tips can help keep your bank and financial accounts safe from hackers.
4 min read Jun 17, 2022
-
Business checking vs. personal checking: How they compare
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
3 min read Nov 09, 2022 -
16 legitimate ways to find fast cash
Here are some places to look for a source of funds.
5 min read Nov 09, 2022 -
CDs vs. share certificates: What’s the difference?
Here are differences between CDs and share certificates, and which one to choose.
3 min read Nov 03, 2022 -
Walmart MoneyCenter: What it is and how to use it
Walmart MoneyCenter offers services like a checking account and money transfers.
3 min read Nov 03, 2022 -
11 pesky bank fees and how to avoid them
Steer clear of these common bank fees to keep your accounts from taking a hit.
7 min read Oct 28, 2022 -
5 things to know before opening a CD
A CD often earns a competitive, fixed rate. Here’s what to know before opening one.
6 min read Oct 28, 2022 -
How to choose the right savings account
Finding the right savings account consists of comparing rates, fees and more.
4 min read Oct 28, 2022 -
Pros and cons of jumbo CDs
Jumbo CDs pay a higher yield than other CDs. Here’s what to know before opening one.
3 min read Oct 27, 2022 -
What is a notary and what do they do?
A notary public witnesses and validates the signing of important documents.
2 min read Oct 27, 2022 -
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 Oct 27, 2022 -
Is it safe to link bank accounts?
Linking bank accounts is a way to make it easier to transact between the two.
5 min read Oct 24, 2022 -
6 top reasons to save your money
Most people know they should be saving a portion of their income, but they might not grasp all of the benefits of doing so. Saving is an important habit to get into for a number of reasons — it helps [...]
4 min read Oct 20, 2022 -
-
8 banks that reimburse ATM fees
ATM fees can be nuisance that add up. Here are eight banks that don’t reimburse them.
3 min read Oct 13, 2022 -
How to become a millionaire: 7 steps to reach your goal
The advice is really simple, but reaching the goal is more challenging than it sounds.
5 min read Oct 12, 2022