Want to save money on paper checks? Skip your bank
You can spend less on reorders and still have the security features you need.
3 min read
Nov 23, 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
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How to save money for a car in 7 steps
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No-penalty CD vs. savings account
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Capital One CD rates
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Best 5-year CD rates – November 2022
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Best 18-month CD rates – November 2022
An 18-month CD may provide the right balance for your needs.
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Best online banks that take cash deposits
Let’s look at several online banks and credit unions that let you deposit cash.
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Best 6-month CD rates – November 2022
As rates rise, a short-term CD could help you take advantage of increasing yields.
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Best 3-year CD rates – November 2022
There’s more to a top three-year CD than just the rates. Read the fine print before you buy.
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What is a demand deposit account (DDA)?
These accounts provide easy access to your money.
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What is a bank reconciliation statement?
A bank reconciliation statement helps you track business finances and catch errors.
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Marcus by Goldman Sachs CD rates
Here’s everything you need to know about the online bank’s CDs.
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Midterm elections 2022: Here are the key things at stake for your money
Inflation and the economy are hot topics as the midterm elections draw near.
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Guide to checking account terminology
Learn about common checking terms, from bounced checks to outstanding checks.
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Routing number: What it is and how to find yours
That string of numbers at the bottom of your check is really important. Find out why.
3 min read Nov 03, 2022
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Business checking vs. personal checking: How they compare
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
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16 legitimate ways to find fast cash
Here are some places to look for a source of funds.
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CDs vs. share certificates: What’s the difference?
Here are differences between CDs and share certificates, and which one to choose.
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Walmart MoneyCenter: What it is and how to use it
Walmart MoneyCenter offers services like a checking account and money transfers.
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11 pesky bank fees and how to avoid them
Steer clear of these common bank fees to keep your accounts from taking a hit.
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5 things to know before opening a CD
A CD often earns a competitive, fixed rate. Here’s what to know before opening one.
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How to choose the right savings account
Finding the right savings account consists of comparing rates, fees and more.
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Pros and cons of jumbo CDs
Jumbo CDs pay a higher yield than other CDs. Here’s what to know before opening one.
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What is a notary and what do they do?
A notary public witnesses and validates the signing of important documents.
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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.
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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 -
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How to start (and build) an emergency fund
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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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