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.

What is a Bank Surrogate? A type of bank that focuses on user-experience and keeps customer deposit with a true FDIC bank. Examples of bank surrogates include PerkStreet, Simple… The Best Short-Term Personal Loans in 2024 Photo of Simon Zhen Simon Zhen The Best Short-Term Personal Loans in 2024 The best short-term personal loan for you is probably going to be one offered by... Where to Find Small Personal Loans Photo of Simon Zhen Simon Zhen Where to Find Small Personal Loans The typical personal loan will have a minimum borrowing amount -- meaning that’s... The Tax Advantages of Taking a HELOC The IRS is most generous with people who take out a HELOC to improve their homes. This category of borrowers can deduct interest payments up to a value of one million dollars for a couple filing their tax returns together. Insider Secrets from a Chase Banker: How to Complain the Right Way Chase is a big bank that charges plenty of fees. But, there are many cases where Chase will remove a fee -- see which fees and charges can be waived. How to Invest in U.S. Series I Savings Bonds Photo of Simon Zhen Simon Zhen How to Invest in U.S. Series I Savings Bonds Learn the basics how to invest in Series I Savings Bonds, a viable savings product... What is an ACH Transfer? Photo of Simon Zhen Simon Zhen What is an ACH Transfer? ACH transfers, or Automated Clearing House transfers, are transactions that are... How the IRS Collects Taxes You Owe What Happens If You Can’t Pay Your Taxes How to Reduce Next Year's Income Taxes Photo of Simon Zhen Simon Zhen How to Reduce Next Year's Income Taxes By taking steps now to reorganize your financial life, you can reduce your tax...