Sara Clarke

Assistant Assigning Editor | Banking

Sara Clarke is a former Banking editor at NerdWallet. She has been an editor and project manager in newsrooms for two decades, most recently at U.S. News & World Report. She managed projects such as the U.S. News education rankings and the Best States rankings. Sara has appeared on SiriusXM Business Radio and iHeartMedia’s WHO Newsradio and has been quoted in The Salt Lake Tribune, The St. Paul (Minnesota) Pioneer Press and other outlets. She is based near Washington, D.C.

Education: B.A. in journalism from University of Maryland
Organizations: Online News Association, Society of Professional Journalists, ACES (The Society for Editing)
Previous experience: U.S. News & World Report, The Seattle Times, McClatchy/Tribune, The Washington Post

Sara's picks

Best Banks for Overdrafts 2024

by Chanelle Bessette

These financial institutions charge low or no overdraft fees and offer overdraft coverage options.

Is Your Bank Greenwashing? Here’s How to Check

by Spencer Tierney

Research the impact your bank has on the planet and any environmental claims or commitments it makes.

Sara has also nerded out in...

Quotes and interviews

The Salt Lake Tribune. Utah ranks high on the list of best states to live in.
St. Paul Pioneer Press. MN second only to Washington, says 2021 Best States ranking.

The latest from Sara

First Internet Bank Review: Checking, Savings and CDs

High rates and ATM fee rebates are big draws for First Internet Bank, but customers may be subject to monthly fees on some accounts.

Are You Saving Money in the Right Place?

The best place to save money depends on your financial goals and preferences. Also consider how long you want to save.

What Impacts Bank Account Rates Mid-2024?

The Fed rate and banks’ competition for consumer deposits play key roles.

Merging Finances Long After Marriage? Here’s How to Start

Merging finances with your spouse requires communication and practical considerations.

Allpoint ATMs Near Me: How to Find Them

The Allpoint network offers more than 55,000 automated teller machines (ATMs) to consumers throughout the U.S.

What Is a Bank Failure? Definition and List of Failed Banks

A bank failure is the closure of a bank by a regulator when it doesn’t have enough money to operate.

6 Do’s and Don’ts When Using CDs for Retirement

Focus on CDs for cash reserves, use a CD ladder and compare rates. But don’t lose sight of a CD’s purpose.

Asian American-Owned Banks and Credit Unions

Asian American-owned banks and credit unions focus on providing services to the Asian American community in the U.S.

Citibank CD Rates 2024: Has Variety And Some Decent APYs

Citibank has the most to offer among the four biggest U.S. banks, but rates aren’t competitive with online bank CDs.

Wealthfront Cash Review: Online Cash Management Account

Wealthfront Cash has a high annual percentage yield, a high amount of FDIC insurance and great ATM access.

Who Regulates Banks? Regulatory Agencies and What They Do

Agencies like the FRB, FDIC, CFPB, OCC and CSBS help protect consumers by regulating banks.

Laurel Road Bank Review: Checking and Savings

Laurel Road customers can earn a high rate on their savings and a welcome bonus on their checking.

NASA Federal Credit Union Review: Checking, Savings and Share Certificates

The Best Time for High CD Rates Might Be Right Now

CD rates remain high but have started to dip. Consider if CDs fit your short-term savings goals.

What the Capital One-Discover Deal Could Mean for Bank Accounts

If federal regulators approve the deal, the combined banks might have similar accounts, and debit cards would migrate onto Discover’s payment network.