Articles by Simon Zhen

Simon Zhen is the chief research analyst for MyBankTracker and an expert on consumer banking products, bank innovations, and financial technology. Simon has contributed and/or been quoted in major publications and outlets including Consumer Reports, American Banker, Yahoo Finance, U.S. News - World Report, The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Lifehacker, and AOL.com. Education: Education: B.S. in Health Sciences from Stony Brook University.

APY vs. APR: What's the Difference? While the face-value difference between APY and APR simply may be the last letter of the acronyms, the difference on your finances can be major. How SunTrust and BB&T Merger Could Affect Customers Photo of Simon Zhen Simon Zhen How SunTrust and BB&T Merger Could Affect Customers SunTrust Bank and BB&T have decided to merge into one of the biggest banks in... Best 1-Month CD Rates 2023: Worth Considering for Short-Term Savings? Photo of Simon Zhen Simon Zhen Best 1-Month CD Rates 2023: Worth Considering for Short-Term Savings? When you think about certificates of deposit (CDs), you’re probably thinking about... What is a CD Ladder and How to Use It to Maximize Yields Learn how laddering your CD portfolio is a good way of taking advantage of the highest CD rates. Building Savings vs. Pay Down Debt: Which is Better When You Have Extra Cash Find out whether you should prioritize savings or paying down debt when you have extra cash available to improve your financial situation. Coronavirus Guide to Navigating Your Finances in Uncertain Times Photo of Simon Zhen Simon Zhen Coronavirus Guide to Navigating Your Finances in Uncertain Times The global pandemic in the wake of COVID-19 has caused a great deal of financial... How to Use a Money Market Account to Reach Your Savings Goals Photo of Simon Zhen Simon Zhen How to Use a Money Market Account to Reach Your Savings Goals For savers who want to accelerate their progress towards their financial... Expecting a Tax Refund? Don’t Worry About Missing the Filing Deadline Missing the tax-filing deadline is fine for the many taxpayers who are expecting a tax refund for the year. Bank ATM Cash Withdrawal Limits & How To Get Around It Find out how much money can you take out of an ATM with your bank, and how to access more cash after you've reached the maximum daily ATM withdrawal limit. How to Avoid Savings Withdrawal Fees Photo of Simon Zhen Simon Zhen How to Avoid Savings Withdrawal Fees Question: I recently was charged $3 by Bank of America for “Fee For Checks And/Or...