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Emily Batdorf

Banking Reviewer and Writer

About

With a background in education and a fascination with finance, Emily Batdorf writes approachable content for consumers who want to deepen their understanding of personal finance topics. She loves writing about financial foundations—like opening the right bank accounts, building an emergency fund and tackling debt. Her work has been featured on sites including USA Today, MarketWatch, Credible and LendEDU.

While working as an educator in the nonprofit sector, Emily Batdorf took an interest in personal finance. Seeking out resources to help set up her own financial success showed her the importance of approachable, engaging financial information. After making the leap from education to building a career as a freelance writer, Emily knew she could make an impact in the personal finance space.

Emily has been a regular contributor to Forbes Advisor since 2022. She’s also worked with brands such as USA Today, MarketWatch, Credible and LendEDU. Her particular interests in personal finance content lie in helping people build healthy foundations—whether that includes opening up the right bank accounts, making a habit of saving or paying off debt.

Emily lives in northern Michigan with her husband and adventure-loving corgi. When not working, she’s typically exploring her home state’s beaches and trails, reading a good book or dreaming up her next trip.

Expertise

  • Banking
  • Checking
  • Savings
  • Budgeting

Achievements

  • Work published on USA Today, MarketWatch, Credible and LendEDU
  • Specializes in banking, debt payoff and budgeting
  • 3+ years of freelance writing experience

Other Publications

Education

University of Michigan (B.A., Environmental Studies)

  • Living Paycheck To Paycheck Statistics 2024

    As living expenses in the U.S. continue to rise and wages struggle to keep up, it’s unsurprising that Americans of all generations are having a hard time financially. For many, this means living paycheck to paycheck. But what does it...
    Living Paycheck To Paycheck Statistics 2024

  • Best Banks For Nonprofits In April 2024

    Nonprofit organizations don’t operate in the same way as for-profit businesses. They can qualify for tax-exempt status and must use profits to further their missions. Nonprofits can also have distinct financial needs, and the right bank and bank account can...
    Best Banks For Nonprofits In April 2024

  • Are Money Market Accounts Safe?

    Money market accounts, or MMAs, are a type of savings account that combines competitive interest rates with easy access to your funds. Higher yields are sometimes associated with more risk, so you may be wondering how safe money market accounts...
    Are Money Market Accounts Safe?

  • Survey: What Role Does Money Play In Romantic Relationships?

    Money holds substantial importance in adulthood and is often tied to major life milestones—the same can be said about romantic relationships. So what happens when you combine the two? As it turns out, love may not be all you need....
    Survey: What Role Does Money Play In Romantic Relationships?

  • How To Get 5% CD Rates

    Certificate of deposit (CD) rates have climbed quite a bit in the past couple of years. While they've stabilized in recent months, it's not hard to find CDs offering 5.00% APY if you know where to look. You can still...
    How To Get 5% CD Rates

  • Best Checking Accounts For Seniors Of April 2024

    Everyone wants a low-cost, user-friendly bank account, but this is even more important for seniors who are retired or nearly there. That’s why the best checking accounts for seniors have low minimum deposits, no monthly fees and convenient features.
    Best Checking Accounts For Seniors Of April 2024

  • Alliant Credit Union CD Rates: April 2024

    Alliant Credit Union offers share certificates—a credit union’s version of a CD—across a wide range of terms. Both regular and jumbo certificates are available with a minimum deposit requirement of or , respectively. Alliant’s rates are competitive, earning up to...
    Alliant Credit Union CD Rates: April 2024

  • Can You Add Money To A CD?

    Certificates of deposit, or CDs, are attractive savings options because of the higher yields they earn. But what they offer in interest, they often lack in flexibility. You typically can’t add money to a CD after opening it and making...
    Can You Add Money To A CD?

  • Do Americans Trust Tech Giants And AI With Their Money?

    Technology giants are now established players in the financial industry. Apple's savings account, launched in April 2023, managed to draw over $10 billion in deposits in just a few months. Elon Musk aims to turn social media app X, formerly...
    Do Americans Trust Tech Giants And AI With Their Money?

  • Survey: 68% Of Americans Say Financial Regrets From 2023 Caused Stress

    The new year affords many of us the opportunity to start fresh with our finances. This time of year often prompts reflection on the previous year's financial regrets, followed by ideas about changes that can be made to avoid missteps...
    Survey: 68% Of Americans Say Financial Regrets From 2023 Caused Stress

  • 6% CD Rates: Where To Find Them And How To Qualify

    High interest rates have made it a good time to be a saver. Whether you’ve got your money in a high-yield savings account, money market account or certificate of deposit (CD), you’re likely getting a healthy return on your savings....
    6% CD Rates: Where To Find Them And How To Qualify

  • Best CD Rates In Virginia For April 2024

    Some of the best CD rates in Virginia are well over 5.00%—for the time being, at least. If you’re able to put some savings aside for at least a few months, you may be able to capitalize on competitive CD...
    Best CD Rates In Virginia For April 2024

  • How To Find High Savings Rates In 2024

    Anyone wanting to make the most of their savings should keep an eye out for the best savings account interest rates in 2024. With 2023 bringing some of the highest yields in recent years on consumer bank accounts, many wonder...
    How To Find High Savings Rates In 2024

  • Are CDs Worth It?

    If you’re looking for a safe way to earn interest on your savings, a certificate of deposit, or CD, is worth considering. CDs tend to offer higher interest rates than savings accounts. And today’s best CD rates are far higher...
    Are CDs Worth It?

  • Best Student Checking Accounts Of April 2024

    Having a student checking account can help you establish financial independence and build your money management skills while in college. The best of these accounts offer features beneficial to the typical money-strapped and on-the-move college student: low fees and minimums...
    Best Student Checking Accounts Of April 2024

  • How To Cash A Check Without A Bank Account

    These days, cashing a check can be as easy as using your bank’s mobile deposit tool or withdrawing cash at an ATM. But if you’re part of the 5.9 million U.S. households that are unbanked, according to a 2021 Federal...
    How To Cash A Check Without A Bank Account

  • Callable CDs: What Are They And How Do They Work?

    Certificates of deposit (CDs) are low-risk investments that generally offer fixed-interest earnings over a set period of time. Callable CDs, which can be terminated by the issuer before the CD reaches maturity, tend to offer higher interest rates—but they also...
    Callable CDs: What Are They And How Do They Work?

  • Best Free Business Checking Accounts Of April 2024

    The best business checking accounts can help streamline your finances and limit the amount of time you spend managing your money. If you can find a business bank account that suits your financial needs—and has no monthly maintenance fees—it’s a...
    Best Free Business Checking Accounts Of April 2024

  • BMO Business Checking Review 2024

    A good business checking account is a crucial tool for business owners. Depending on your needs, BMO, formerly BMO Harris, may have the right account for you. While this bank doesn’t offer free business checking—unless you run a non-profit, that...
    BMO Business Checking Review 2024

  • Best CD Rates In Pennsylvania Of April 2024

    If you’re looking to maximize interest on your savings, consider the best certificate of deposit (CD) rates in Pennsylvania. When you invest in a CD, your money earns interest at a fixed rate over the CD’s term, which could range...
    Best CD Rates In Pennsylvania Of April 2024

  • Huntington Business Account: Business Checking Review 2024

    Huntington Bank is a regional bank headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. It offers full-service personal, business and commercial banking with branch locations in 11 states and the ability to open most accounts online. Huntington has four business checking accounts, each with...
    Huntington Business Account: Business Checking Review 2024

  • American Express Rewards Checking Account Review 2024

    American Express National Bank, Member FDIC, launched its first-ever consumer checking account early last year—and didn’t hold back. The touts no account fees or minimums, competitive interest rates, plus Membership Rewards® points when you spend on the accompanying debit card....
    American Express Rewards Checking Account Review 2024

  • M&T Bank Review 2024

    M&T Bank, a regional bank founded in 1856 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, serves customers across the East Coast. With more than 1,000 branches and $201 billion in assets, M&T Bank offers a wide range of banking products and...
    M&T Bank Review 2024

  • Best CD Rates In Ohio Of April 2024

    Certificates of deposit (CDs) allow you to earn interest on your savings with minimal risk. Interest rates on your CD are fixed for months or years, so shopping around for a competitive rate is important. If you’re an Ohio resident...
    Best CD Rates In Ohio Of April 2024

  • Best CD Rates In Colorado Of April 2024

    If you’re looking for a low-risk savings vehicle that can earn you a little bit of interest, a certificate of deposit (CD) may be worth considering. While CDs aren’t necessarily known for sky-high interest rates, they typically offer better rates...
    Best CD Rates In Colorado Of April 2024

  • Synchrony Bank Savings Rate Of April 2024

    If you’re looking for a new savings account, the current Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings rate makes this account well worth considering. Without the cost of maintaining brick-and-mortar branch locations, the 100% online Synchrony Bank is able to pay generous...
    Synchrony Bank Savings Rate Of April 2024

  • Best 5% Interest Savings Accounts Of April 2024

    The best 5% interest savings accounts are designed to help you reach your financial goals faster. Whether you're saving for a down payment on a house, paying off student loans or building an emergency fund, the higher your interest rate,...
    Best 5% Interest Savings Accounts Of April 2024

  • How Much Money Should I Keep In CDs?

    Today’s high interest rates make certificates of deposit (CDs) more attractive for savers. Not too long ago, securing an interest rate of 5.00% APY was unheard of—but now, it’s possible. In an attempt to get the most out of today’s...
    How Much Money Should I Keep In CDs?

  • Key Savings Statistics And Trends In 2024

    Saving money is a foundational habit—one that’s crucial to reaching big financial goals without going into debt. And while the average savings account balance soared during the early days of the pandemic, things look different now. Even though interest rates...
    Key Savings Statistics And Trends In 2024

  • Savings Goal Calculator

    Saving for a major goal is no small feat. That’s why having the right knowledge and tools—like a savings goal calculator—can be so valuable. Taking the time to plan for your savings goals increases the likelihood that you’ll achieve them....
    Savings Goal Calculator
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Top Picks From Emily Batdorf

  • Survey: What Role Does Money Play In Romantic Relationships?
    Survey: What Role Does Money Play In Romantic Relationships?

    by Emily Batdorf

    Read More

  • Do Americans Trust Tech Giants And AI With Their Money?
    Do Americans Trust Tech Giants And AI With Their Money?

    by Emily Batdorf

    Read More

  • Best Banks For Nonprofits In April 2024
    Best Banks For Nonprofits In April 2024

    by Emily Batdorf

    Read More

About

With a background in education and a fascination with finance, Emily Batdorf writes approachable content for consumers who want to deepen their understanding of personal finance topics. She loves writing about financial foundations—like opening the right bank accounts, building an emergency fund and tackling debt. Her work has been featured on sites including USA Today, MarketWatch, Credible and LendEDU.