Advanced Investment Strategies for Certificates of Deposit, Money Market Accounts, Savings Accounts, Checking Accounts and other investments

CD interest rates have undergone four significant changes in the past year, but none of them is likely to delight depositors.

The season has just begun, but the early numbers offer hope for higher CD rates in 2012.

Review these key current factors before you make any decisions on your CDs.

CDs can build savings endurance the way a runner builds distance: by gradually working towards greater lengths.

Low interest rates create challenges for CD laddering, but the strategy can still work.

While Operation Twist seeks to lower longer-term interest rates, long-term CD rates have already lost much of their advantage over short-term rates.

CD depositors are getting a raw deal on their interest rates, but this still might be better than being in stocks, bonds, or commodities.

Financial history doesn't always repeat itself, but it can be useful for understanding today's unusual relationship between CD rates and inflation.

These four features of CDs take on added significance in an era of low CD rates.

Tired of the same old vanilla CDs? In a compeitive marketplace banks are offering flexibility with new CD products.

The Fed's recent announcement is somewhat chilling for CD rates, but you may not have much to lose by keeping your money short-term and flexible.

A change in the pace of inflation should be a rare dose of good news for CD depositors.

Learn about differences in how early withdrawal penalties for CDs are structured, and how you can take advantage of these differences.

Interest rates on CDs are affected by both growth prospects and the inflation outlook; Here's how you can keep track of how new events may affect CD rates and terms.

Consider setting up a CD as a truly thoughtful gift for a recent college graduate.

The low interest rate environment remains challenging, but some money market accounts offer an income advantage and the chance at a better banking relationship.

Things went from bad to worse for money market accounts in 2011, but there are signs that things could improve soon.

A drop in inflation gave depositors reason to cheer in October, but it may not last long.

Treasury yields indicate that the messy Greek settlement deal may be a setback for money market rates.

Inflation is an ongoing problem for money market accounts, and gasoline prices are the chief culprit.

Recent employment numbers show that job growth is still too weak to offer much hope for money market rates.

The Fed's Operation Twist doesn't hold much promise for money market accounts or the economy, and may emulate conditions that typically lead into a recession.

Read about why the future direction of money market rates may depend on the health of the mortgage business.

Money market rates may seem very low already, but recent trends in Treasury bond yields indicates that more bad news may be in store.

Sift through the right employment data for clues about economic trends--and the future direction of money market rates.

It's true: One prominent bank has started charging for certain deposits. Read why this trend might start to affect money market accounts.

The FDIC offers advice on shopping for bank accounts, and MoneyRates.com offers some examples of how this can be applied to money market accounts.

Are money market rate increases on the horizon? Despite little change in money market rates, June's economic environment was a positive one for money market accounts.

With money market rates so low, an easing of inflation in May could signal an improving trend for depositors.

Certain risks of money market funds have still not been addressed, making them less of a sure thing than money market accounts.

Looking for a Valentine's gift that's both romantic and long-lasting? The Lovers Account may be a great choice.

While today's landscape for retirement savings is full of challenges, knowing your options well is the first step toward overcoming them.

As a person over 50, you may face difficulties in finding a new job that your younger counterparts don't. Find out how to overcome them.

Now that the year is a couple of weeks old, you may have found that your savings resolution has already slipped. Here's how to get back on track.

A handful of key news events from 2011 will affect deposits in 2012, but their precise impact remains to be seen.

World leaders skirted important responsibilities in 2011, and it contributed to the continued slide in interest rates.

After a chaotic year for banks in 2011, watch for continued collisions between profit issues and consumer demands in 2012.

MyMoneyCircles.com provides a personalized, community-centered approach to financial planning. Learn how it works.

By examining multiple aspects of your finances, you can make 2012 a year of savings.

While the urge to overspend is strong this time of year, you can be stronger. Find out how.

It may feel awkward to ask your aging parents about their finances, but a productive discussion on the topic can put both of you at ease.

Despite the challenging economy, 2012 can be a year of progress for your budget.

These savers opted for strange places to keep their money and paid the price.

As many Americans live with pessimism and low savings rates, consider these steps to break this negative cycle.

With apologies to Ralphie, these five presents for world leaders would top even a Red Rider BB gun.

Last year’s customer exodus will likely force banks into being more creative about adding fees. Find out how they may do it.

Knowing the ins and outs of prepaid debit cards can help you use them effectively and avoid the excessive fees that some include.

Chase's move to a new form could signal a renewed interest in customer relations from the nation's big banks.

While they make a fun and easy gift, you could get shorted if you don't pay attention to the terms.

Banks have moved to reduce the volume of paper statements already. Could your checks be the next victim of the paperless revolution?

Banks have retreated promptly from plans to charge customers for using their debit cards.

Direct deposit, credit cards and careful ATM shopping can help you duck the fees.

Minimum deposits and ATM fees are among the added-on costs that can drain a student's finances.

Check it out: These 11 banks offer checking accounts that make the grade with college students by saving them money.

The number of interest checking accounts is declining but they still offer a good return on your deposit. How much can you earn?

Overdraft charges, checking account fees and mortgage insurance make banks a lot of money but there are ways to get around them.

Groups call for reforms to make checking account rules simpler, more transparent.

Many other banking activities affected as bank try to restore revenue lost of federal regulations.

Bank's move could spur other banks to drop the charges that can lead to a "train wreck" of multiple overdrafts.

Rules on overdraft fees and debit card swipes could eventually force small banks to start charging for checking.

Mortgage rates defied predictions by remaining near historic lows throughout last year. But will this last in 2012?

Financial choices made during and after divorce can impact how well you move forward. Learn how to avoid these common errors.

An FHA loan has been the savior of many homeowners, but a shrinking insurance fund could mean problems for the program.

Read how the holiday classic "It's A Wonderful Life" would translate to a modern banking environment--complete with rogue traders and the Occupy movement.

If you are among the nation's estimated 20 million upside-down homeowners, the revised Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) may be playing your song.

Homeowners with little equity may have trouble securing a conventional refinance, but FHA refinance opportunities could be what they need to lower their rate.

The FHA hasn't produced many deals under this program. Where did it go wrong?

Mortgage brokers are being increasingly shut out of the marketplace by new rules and less funding. Is this a new opportunity for borrowers?

Two Columbia professors propose the mother of all refinances, with government help for homeowners with negative equity. The idea has some precedent, but here are the political realities.

As the financial house marks the U.S. credit rating down from AAA to AA+, onlookers ponder the effect on mortgage rates. Record lows may not be in the picture for much longer--but record highs are a long way away.

While the Dow was digging itself a hole, fixed-rate mortgages fell to within sight of their November 2010 record low. Does that piece of good news mean any help for the economy?

The Center for American progress says mortgage rates could rise by 0.66 percent if the government defaults on its bills. But is this estimate too low?

Despite the very real possible of a government default U.S. mortgage rates remain below 5 percent. But why is it that U.S. rates continue to remain so low?

What happens if the U.S. decides not to pay some of its debts? The odds are that interest rates will quickly rise for everything from mortgages to credit cards.

Greece is now facing serious economic times and the international community will step in to help. But will it be enough to stave off higher interest rates worldwide--and what happens if the U.S. defaults on its obligations?