Kimberly Ellis is a personal finance writer at Finder, specializing in banking and financial literacy. After teaching in public and private schools, Kimberly zeroed in on personal financial education to help families and kids develop lifelong money skills. She hails from New York City, graduating summa cum laude from Queens College with a BA in elementary education and mathematics, as well as a New York State teaching certificate. She’s also an aspiring polyglot, always in a book and forever on the hunt for the perfect classic red lipstick.
Expertise
- Kids' banking
- Financial literacy for kids
- K–12 education
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education and Mathematics | Queens College
- TESOL certification | Arizona State University
- Certified Content Marketer | HubSpot Academy
Industry insights from Kimberly Ellis
We asked Kimberly Ellis for her thoughts on kids banking and new technology in the banking industry.
What can parents do now to help their children develop good money habits in adulthood?
Parents can start teaching healthy financial habits to children sooner than they think. Since kids as young as 3 can grasp basic money concepts, it’s never too early to teach them about spending wisely, saving and investing. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect, and every family is different. Parents of young kids can start with virtual bank accounts that don’t involve real money to give kids a taste of budgeting. When they’re ready, level up to a prepaid debit card with strict parental controls like spending limits to let your child test-drive their new financial skills. Be sure to use all educational resources available, including financial quizzes, mini lessons and even financial literacy games that you’ll usually find with prepaid debit cards. And when your big kid is ready to upgrade to a full-fledged checking account, upgrade to a teen checking account with strong budgeting and spending tools.
What new technologies are you excited about for the banking consumer?
Banks are putting greater emphasis on their digital tools, specifically savings features. Previously, many banks only offered one savings account for all your savings goals, including anywhere from a down payment on a house to an emergency or vacation fund. So you couldn’t organize your money and allocate it where needed. But today, more banks let you create buckets for your different goals, track your progress and even use AI to intelligently transfer unused cash from your checking to your savings account. And if you’re someone that likes to put savings on autopilot, check if your bank supports debit card purchase roundups, which automatically round your transactions up to the nearest dollar and deposits the difference straight into your savings account. Saving a few cents every time you make a purchase can help ease the pinch more than when you save a large chunk of your paycheck in one shot.
Latest articles by Kimberly Ellis
0 articles written by this author
New survey reveals 1 in 4 Brits earning less than 1.5% on savings as expert warns people to switch now
A new survey by personal finance comparison site Finder has revealed that the average interest rate Brits are getting on their easy-access savings accounts is 2.39%.
![New survey reveals 1 in 4 Brits earning less than 1.5% on savings as expert warns people to switch now](https://www.finder.com/finder-au/wp-uploads/2019/06/article-default_450x250.png)
The best stock trading apps & platforms in the UK
We've tested, analysed and scored trading apps to find the 10 best trading platforms in the UK, who they're best for and the pros and cons.
![The best stock trading apps & platforms in the UK](https://www.finder.com/finder-au/wp-uploads/2019/06/article-default_450x250.png)
The “September effect”: Is it the worst month for the stock market?
We delve into the data behind the September effect and stock market performance - what are the best and worst months?
![The “September effect”: Is it the worst month for the stock market?](https://www.finder.com/finder-au/wp-uploads/2019/06/article-default_450x250.png)
Cheddar finance app review: The new cashback kings?
We explore Cheddar's free-to-join finance app and its range of cashback incentives at popular retailers.
![Cheddar finance app review: The new cashback kings?](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2024/08/Cheddar-450x250-1.jpg)
Bereaved families are among thousands of people being cheated out of interest on their own money by solicitors
Solicitors may be keeping millions in client interest. They hold client money for inheritance and other reasons, but some firms offer minimal interest (less than 1%) while earning higher rates themselves.
![Bereaved families are among thousands of people being cheated out of interest on their own money by solicitors](https://www.finder.com/finder-au/wp-uploads/2019/06/article-default_450x250.png)
Commuter students on the rise as living costs top £1,500 a month in UK’s most expensive uni cities
Nearly half of UK students plan to commute due to rising costs. The most affordable city is Stoke-on-Trent (£1,047/month), while London is the most expensive (£2,210/month).
![Commuter students on the rise as living costs top £1,500 a month in UK’s most expensive uni cities](https://www.finder.com/finder-au/wp-uploads/2019/06/article-default_450x250.png)
Growth Guarantee Scheme explained
The government-backed Growth Guarantee Scheme aims to improve the terms of business loans on offer
![Growth Guarantee Scheme explained](https://www.finder.com/finder-au/wp-uploads/2019/06/article-default_450x250.png)
Compare the best business loans in Scotland
If you need funding for your Scottish business we look at the type of business loans and financing available to you.
![Compare the best business loans in Scotland](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2022/03/business-loan-calc-450x250-1.jpeg)
Student living costs calculator: Compare cities in the UK
Compare different uni towns and cities with your home town and see the cost of living in each area.
![Student living costs calculator: Compare cities in the UK](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2024/08/CreditCardMinimumRepaymentCalculator_Finder_450x250.png)
How to grow traffic to your small business website
Find out how to grow traffic to your small business website using an analytics tool. We've used Semrush as an example. Paid content.
![How to grow traffic to your small business website](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/sites/3/2023/11/content-image-best-business-bank-accounts-for-startups_450x250.png)