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

Interest rates changed noticeably in early May, with some rates rising and yield spreads widening. Learn how you can adapt if this trend continues.

In an ordinary world, borrowers may pay much higher rates on longer-term loans. But today's interest rate landscape is anything but ordinary.

Your investment portfolio needs to adjust as you grow older, but today's market conditions bring even more variables into the mix.

Hedge funds have a somewhat exotic appeal, but they often fail to deliver on their promise.

The reality of retirement saving isn't pretty today, but acknowledging these truths can help you prepare more effectively.

A summer slump in job creation could have implications that ripple all the way to your savings. Learn how your money may be impacted by the latest lackluster jobs report.

Both savings account rates and the stock market face a mixed economy, but the odds of improvement may be better for deposits.

Despite the fact that long-term CD rates fell relative to short-term rates in April, recent economic developments make long-term CDs more attractive than they seem.

Shopping for CDs takes special care in a low-interest-rate environment, especially when economic change is in the air.

CD rates are low across the board, but three specific factors about the current environment favor shorter-term CDs.

The environment for CD rates just keeps getting tougher, making the right shopping strategies all the more important. Here are five key things to keep in mind.

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.

It is important to freshen up various aspects of your financial program at least once a year. Why not handle it this spring?

Taking a disciplined approach to entering the stock market can help you avoid risky market-timing moves. Learn how you can do it.

The sudden drop in the price of gold is just the latest twist in its boom-and-bust history.

A new survey shows alternative investments gaining popularity, but popularity doesn't necessarily make for a good investment.

The low-yield environment is contributing to a rise in investment scams. Read six ways you can protect yourself.

Enthusiasm about the stock market is growing. Find out why that makes this a good time to be cautious.

There are certain types of stock buys that habitually attract investors, but there are often fatal flaws in these investments.

If that sounds too good to be true, you may not have checked your current interest income lately.

High-yield bond funds may be tempting in today's low-interest-rate environment, but they can be a risky way to earn income.

Overcoming fear and greed is an essential part of successful investing. Learn whether your emotions are compromising your investment decisions.

These five tips can help you rethink retirement income investing in the context of today's low-interest-rate environment.

Keeping these concepts in mind as you adjust your investments may help you minimize your tax bill.

A new federal rule requires 401(k) administrators to distribute new fee disclosures, but investors need to keep a few things in mind to get the most from this information.

Read why China's rate cut was one bright spot in an otherwise grim week for economic news.

Slowing employment and rising inflation have raised the prospect of stagflation, which could hit money market accounts especially hard.

A new survey finds that a broad majority of parents tie their kids' allowances to chores or academic performance. Will this help these children develop better financial habits?

Taking these steps after graduation can put young people on the path to financial independence.

Pension advance loans may tempt some retirees, but there are things they should consider before taking one.

Think your retirement is planned to perfection? You better be sure it can withstand these five shocks.

Recent figures suggest that many women may not be preparing effectively for retirement. Is your mother one of them?

Many of the traditional assumptions about retirement investing have been uprooted by today's rates. Learn how to adjust your holdings.

Mastering this ability may help your children overcome countless financial challenges as adults. Learn how you can help them acquire it.

Asking these can help you design a plan to strengthen your preparation strategy for next year.

A rally in stocks has made the market look attractive, but the underlying fundamentals send more of a mixed message.

Is money from the IRS headed your way? Think twice before spending it on any of these things.

While low interest rates may discourage savers, there are still plenty of reasons why it's critical to save now.

The financial FLU poses more of a long-term threat than the typical case of influenza. Luckily, there are cures for it.

Many Americans have good reason to worry about retirement. But for those who would rather focus on solutions, here are some steps to take.

An FDIC insurance provision expired this month. Learn whether your deposits are still protected.

If you're tired of near-zero interest rates and new fees on your accounts, an online bank may be just what you need. Read five reasons why you should consider switching.

Walmart's Bluebird prepaid debit card is a very competitive product, but there are some inherent drawbacks to using any prepaid card.

While bank customers have risen in opposition to some checking account fees, they are still paying billions in overdraft charges. Learn five ways to avoid them.

Federal regulations and a sluggish housing market have kept large banks on the ropes lately. Can they recover?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is examining overdraft fees, but can they succeed where other efforts have failed?

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.

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.

Various interest rates are moving in different directions, which may require consumers to fine-tune their borrowing and deposit strategies.

Real estate investments can provide growth and income, but they also carry some special risks.

Though "Downton Abbey" is set in a distinctly different era, its plot holds some financial lessons that are relevant today.

The fiscal cliff deal contains some possible clues about the country's future. Learn what financial choices you may want to consider as a result.

If you have been dragging your feet on refinancing, you shouldn't ignore a certain warning sign that has appeared lately.

Retirees often don't think of refinancing, but current conditions make refinancing worth a fresh look to older Americans.

A drop-off in mortgage applications suggests that low interest rates may have exhausted their stimulative impact, which may leave the Fed out of options.

If you need to finance a home renovation, an FHA 203(k) loan may be your solution.

Recasting is another way to lower your monthly mortgage payments, but there is one catch.

If you are a homeowner with a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), you may soon be eligible for an streamline refinance at a lower cost.

After mandating higher fees on mortgages with the last payroll tax deal, Congress showed mercy on lenders and borrowers with last week's version.

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.