The lessons of Thanksgiving as a harvest celebration have some worthwhile messages for Americans about savings rates.
Posted 11/14/2009
Because bank rates are so low, shopping for CD rates requires special caution in a changing inflation environment.
Posted 11/06/2009
CD rates on penalty-free CDs must be competitive with savings account rates and other options once all the penalties and restrictions are taken into consideration.
Posted 10/29/2009
A clue to bank rates may be found by watching US Treasuries, but at any given time, CD rates will vary more from bank to bank than Treasury rates.
Posted 10/22/2009
Laddering CD rates is one way to spread out risk, but with savings account rates as high as 1-year CD rates, a barbelled portfolio might be a better approach to today's bank rates.
Posted 10/16/2009
Bank rates have benefited from a deflationary environment, but inflation may be starting to come back and threatens to catch up with CD rates.
Posted 10/07/2009
Some historical perspective on how low today's CD rates are, and why that means shopping around for bank rates is more important than ever.
Posted 10/04/2009
CD rates have dropped considerably over the past year, which may come as a shock to anyone rolling over a certificate of deposit, but MoneyRates.com can help you cope.
Posted 09/25/2009
When CD rates are low, and savings account rates are competitive with them, it may be hard to understand committing to a CD, but it is worth asking a few questions first.
Posted 09/22/2009
While comparing the highest CD rates is important, it is best used as a step to narrow down the field before doing some checking on the financial health of the finalists.
Posted 09/11/2009
Buying a brokered certificate of deposit entails certain risks and complications, so there are some things you should know first.
Posted 09/02/2009
The Securities and Exchange Commission offers tips on several factors beyond CD interest rates that you should consider when shopping for a certificate of deposit.
Posted 08/26/2009
Certificates of deposit assess penalties for early withdrawals, but it might be worth it, depending on the penalty and on the CD interest rates involved.
Posted 08/19/2009
To compare long and short certificates of deposit, such as the spread between 5-year and 6-month CD rates, it helps to start with the implied interest rate over the longer period.
Posted 08/11/2009
Even with low CD rates, certificates of deposit can be a good tool for developing savings habits because they require you to lock money up rather than leave it ready to spend.
Posted 07/28/2009
As an alternative to short-term Treasuries, certificates of deposit have some of the same characteristics, with higher interest rates.
Posted 07/17/2009
Shopping for certificates of deposits should always yield extra rewards, but there are three reasons why the best CD rates are especially attractive right now.
Posted 07/07/2009
Anyone considering a longer-term certificate of deposit will find the reward for finding the best CD rate goes up as CDs get longer.
Posted 06/29/2009
With higher FDIC insurance limits, investors can invest more confidently in larger certificates of deposit, and as a result get more if they shop around for the highest CD rates.
Posted 06/25/2009
The highest CD rates may not be the best CD rates if the picture is about to change due to a wild card like inflation; find out how laddering your CD portfolio can help.
Posted 06/17/2009
With 6-month CD rates having a steep edge over 1-month CD rates, history suggests that the probability of interest rates rising fast enough to overcome this edge is quite low.
Posted 06/12/2009
How do installment savings accounts compare to CDs?
Posted 06/02/2009
How will Obama and the economy affect CD rates?
Posted 05/28/2009
President Obama may sign into law credit card reform next week, how will the banks react?
Posted 05/21/2009
Where is the best place to go with your money if won the lottery and did not want to risk a penny
Posted 05/12/2009
Why interest rates may be heading higher before you think
Posted 05/05/2009
A funny bank name may confuse us, but sometimes the best bank deals are from these banks with the odd names
Posted 04/29/2009
Interest rates are low across the world which has also driven CD rates low globally
Posted 04/24/2009
MoneyRates.com has some great ideas for what to do with tax refund check.
Posted 04/12/2009
Does deflation in the economy make savings rates and CD rates more attractive?
Posted 04/09/2009
How many more banks will the FDIC close in 2009 and how can we protect ourselves from a bank failing?
Posted 04/06/2009
Certificates of deposit can be a great investment for college savings, especially if the first tuition bill is only a few years away.
Posted 04/03/2009
With an installment savings account you can set up a savings plan with a bank to meet a savings goal.
Posted 03/25/2009
If you don't like the financial markets roller coaster, you can jump off, but doing so without going "splat!" requires some planning. Here are some ideas for rethinking your IRA and other retirement plans.
Posted 03/22/2009
If you're among the approximately 60% of Americans who don't have a will, you'll have little say in what happens to your estate--or your children. It doesn't matter if you have a high net worth or live in a trailer park. Here are 10 reasons you need a will.
Posted 03/17/2009
If you're fearless enough to bet your retirement on a race horse, try these investment strategies on for size.
Posted 03/09/2009
Positive thinking is great, except when it borders on denial. "It won't happen to me" can be famous last words. Saving for unexpected healthcare needs can help you meet emergencies without going broke.
Posted 02/19/2009
A Negotiable Certificate of Deposit, or NCD, sometimes called Jumbo CD, functions much like a regular CD, but requires a much higher minimum investment of $100,000. This product is relatively low risk, but cannot be cashed in before maturity.
Posted 01/19/2009
Equity-linked CDs offer the safety of CDs and some of the upside of the stock market, but the key is in how much market participation you get.
Posted 01/19/2009
Investors with longer time horizons and diversified savings portfolios may enjoy the convenience of zero coupon certificates of deposit. "Zero coupon" refers to the fact that interest accruing on this kind of CD is rolled back into the investment. Although this kind of dividend reinvestment requires additional tax planning, zero coupon CD holders enjoy some of the highest yields offered by traditional banks.
Posted 12/18/2008
High CD interest rates tend to come around in cycles, based on overall market conditions or on a specific bank's desire to increase its deposit base. However, the high penalties imposed by many banks for early withdrawals make it unprofitable to switch to higher yield investments. Therefore, a number of financial institutions offer new certificates of deposits called "bump-up CDs."
Posted 12/18/2008
New deposit rules make it easier for investors to use laddered and liquid CDs to enjoy the highest CD rates without giving up liquidity.
Posted 12/18/2008
Many people who are anxious about the stock market's gyrations plan to put their cash in certificates of deposit (CDs). Banks usually offer higher rates of interest on CDs than regular savings accounts. For a higher yield or return on your investment, you might be interested in a callable CD. Use these comparison shopping tips to find the best CD investments for your situation.
Posted 11/30/1999
Whether or not legislation on overdraft fees goes through, a money market account can help you to avoid checking account overdrafts.
Posted 11/14/2009
Savings rates need to improve, and a money market account can be a good place to start saving money as you work on new habits, because it is less final than a savings account.
Posted 11/06/2009
Money market accounts and money market funds share some similarities, but money market account rates are higher right now, plus the accounts enjoy FDIC backing.
Posted 10/29/2009
Money market rates may be strong enough relative to savings account rates that you could do better with a money market account rather than separate checking and savings accounts.
Posted 10/22/2009
While money market account rates are generally a little below savings account rates, the extra flexibility of money market accounts can be the right fit for new homeowners.
Posted 10/12/2009
History shows that, on average, bank rates have risen once recessions have ended, but exceptions show that it's no sure thing money market rates will rise on recovery.
Posted 10/04/2009
Building your savings rate with a money market account during the next economic expansion will leave you in better shape for the next recession.
Posted 09/28/2009
When searching for higher money market account rates, consider newer banks alongside established banks, because new banks are under closer watch by the FDIC.
Posted 09/25/2009
Money market rates are worth more than meets the eye right now because of deflation, and shopping for the highest money market rates can make even more of a difference.
Posted 09/22/2009
Money market accounts play a special role in building up funds for a financial emergency, because of the combination of flexibility and money market interest rates.
Posted 09/11/2009
Monitoring money market variables such as fees and money market rates is challenging in a fast-moving environment, but also more vital than ever.
Posted 09/02/2009
Money market rates are higher than checking account interest rates, a money market account is a good vehicle to use to optimize interest via active cash management
Posted 08/24/2009
Though a money market account may offer a gift to new depositors, in the long run the money market rate and account fees will have more impact than any one-time incentive.
Posted 08/17/2009
A recent survey revealed serious rifts in how married couples handle savings; a money market account can be a good place to start working together on a retirement savings program.
Posted 08/11/2009
Money market accounts represent an attractive compromise between flexibility and the ability to earn interest. Money market rates are higher than you are likely to get on a checking account, yet money market accounts typically allow more access to your money than a savings account. Assuming both components are important to you, it is important to regularly monitor the interest rate on your account.
Posted 07/29/2009
Money market account rates may seem fairly low, but when compared to deflation and paltry returns from other alternatives, money market rates look more attractive.
Posted 07/28/2009
Understanding the special role of money market accounts, plus some ideas for feeding those accounts, can help you start a savings program.
Posted 07/21/2009
If you shop around for the best money market rates, you will find money market yields competitive with short-term Treasuries, and without the risk of fluctuations in value.
Posted 07/07/2009
These illustrations will help you understand how to use a money market account so as to avoid money market fees.
Posted 07/06/2009
To earn the highest money market rates, consider moving up to a larger account size, since money market accounts generally give bigger rewards to larger depositors
Posted 06/25/2009
Money market accounts can be a little difficult to pin down in a definition, but ironically, their in-between nature may be what makes them the best solution for your needs. After all, just like Goldilocks, sometimes a banking customer needs a choice that represents the "just right" middle ground between other options.
Posted 06/23/2009
Is your idea of retirement one continuous beach party that would make Frankie and Annette envious? You've worked hard for your money and deserve to live your golden years in style. So dust off that surfboard, Harley, or mountain bike and get set to enjoy your retirement years. But to ensure that all those "teenage" antics don't bust your bank account, make sure you put together a solid estate plan to leave something for your heirs.
Posted 06/12/2009
Will the new cap on rates for weak banks change the rate landscape?
Posted 06/02/2009
Don't overlook one of best combinations of safety, rates, and liquidity available to investors
Posted 05/28/2009
Saving money is now cool. Here are five great ways you can save money.
Posted 05/20/2009
Many investors consider bond funds a safe investment, but if interest rates increase many bond funds will lose value
Posted 05/14/2009
Opening more than one money market account is a smart move.
Posted 05/06/2009
Anyone who keeps cash in a brokerage account may be missing an opportunity to double their interest income
Posted 04/30/2009
Three reasons that holding money in cash accounts makes sense
Posted 04/16/2009
Are bank safety deposit boxes safe enough to place our valuables with no worries?
Posted 04/01/2009
Don’t ignore finding the best money market account just because rates are lower.
Posted 03/26/2009
The state of Florida is considering legislation that would protect seniors against abusive annuity sales practices. But why only seniors -- and why only in Florida?
Posted 03/05/2009
Bernie Madoff's $50 billion hedge fund scam duped many prominent investors. The fact is though, most investment scams operate on the grassroots level--they are surprisingly common, and they take advantage of fairly average investors. How confident are you that you can spot an investment scam?
Posted 02/27/2009
You may contribute to an employer-sponsored retirement program without giving it much thought. After all, the money you save will be there ten, twenty, or thirty years from now when you retire, right? Guess again. There are no guarantees with investments,and many retirement accounts (whether they realize it or not) have taken a real bath as Wall Street markets compete with Death Valley to achieve the distinction of being the lowest elevation in the United States.
Posted 02/23/2009
Whether you want to secure the financial future of your children or leave the bulk of your assets to your faithful Chihuahua, having a solid estate plan in place can guarantee that your money goes to the right heirs.
Posted 02/18/2009
Tax free investments such as money market funds that invest in municipal bonds are worth investigating if you want your money to grow slowly but safely.
Posted 01/29/2009
Tiered money market accounts are safe investments that offer different interest rates depending upon your balance.
Posted 01/28/2009
Going through a divorce is never easy, and agreeing on dividing assets can be a challenge. If you're in the process of divorce and have money market accounts, what should you do? The answer can depend on how or if you and your spouse are getting along, and the laws governing divorce in your state. If you have significant assets, it's best to consult an attorney specializing in divorce as wells as a financial advisor. Here are some general methods of dividing jointly held money market accounts
Posted 01/07/2009
With savings account interest rates and CD rates so low, it is more important than ever to have a good savings rate. Why do some people save and others don't?
Posted 11/14/2009
Higher savings rates lead to higher account balances, and these can allow you to receive rewards such as higher savings account interest rates, or fee waivers on related accounts.
Posted 11/04/2009
Even with savings account interest rates fairly low, higher savings rates and smarter shopping for bank rates can make it easier to afford retirement in the long run.
Posted 10/29/2009
While bank rates should react to macroeconomic trends, savings account interest rates have yet to show the optimism about the economy that the stock market rally reflects.
Posted 10/21/2009
Although savings account interest rates have been low for some time now, a number of emerging economic developments could push rates higher.
Posted 10/12/2009
The impact of an improved savings rate and some smart shopping for savings account interest rates could easily amount to $8,000 over time in return for about four hours of work.
Posted 10/07/2009
Find out how proposals to raise bank capital limits could impact your savings account security and savings account interest rate.
Posted 10/04/2009
Savings accounts could not be more different from active investments, but savings accounts are ideal places to accumulate assets for eventual investment in stocks and bonds.
Posted 09/25/2009
As U.S. savings rates rise, depositors need to look more carefully than ever at banks, including financial soundness along side savings account rates in judging bank quality
Posted 09/24/2009
Average savings account rates have fallen back in recent weeks on pessimism about the economy, but many depositors can upgrade their savings accounts just by shopping smart .
Posted 09/11/2009
A recent survey suggests that Generation Y is falling behind on building up their savings accounts.
Posted 09/04/2009
The Federal Reserve is keeping interests rates low, which may explain why savings account rates haven't risen; however, this does mean savings account deposits are more secure.
Posted 08/26/2009
savings account is part of all stages of building wealth, and the issues involved in choosing a bank vary at different stages, from fee levels to savings account interest rates.
Posted 08/19/2009
Over time, savings account interest rates should respond to changes in market rates; if your savings account rate is slow to react it may be time to shop for a new savings account.
Posted 08/11/2009
While the turnaround in the banking sector is largely focused on a pick up in lending, savings accounts could benefit as banks become more stable and savings account rates rise.
Posted 07/28/2009
A comparison of CD and savings account rates shows that savings accounts have an advantage over short-term CDs.
Posted 07/24/2009
If you have a child or a grandchild, you may well be putting aside some money for that child's future expenses. That's a good plan, but why not also turn it into a teaching opportunity by having the child learn first-hand about savings accounts?
Posted 07/21/2009
With interest rates down, you will have to increase your savings rate to meet your retirement goals. Here are some tips for feeding your savings account.
Posted 07/06/2009
Feeding your savings account by following these tips for carefully managing the amount you keep in checking will help you earn more in savings account interest rates.
Posted 06/25/2009
Great ways to help ensure your savings destiny
Posted 06/02/2009
Here's what to look for in finding the best online savings account
Posted 05/21/2009
Teach your kids about money by opening an online savings account for them
Posted 05/11/2009
Find out why a plain old savings or money market account may be better than a liquid CD
Posted 04/30/2009
What's really important when considering which bank to open an online savings account
Posted 04/23/2009
Saving for retirement is one of the biggest worries facing Americans
Posted 04/15/2009
Savings bonds don’t measure up to a savings account set up at a bank.
Posted 04/07/2009
Kids are learning to save for a rainy day by opening a kids savings account at a bank.
Posted 03/31/2009
Finding the best online savings account for your banking needs can be more than just finding the highest rates
Posted 03/24/2009
Starting a savings account for your child or for your grandchild can help with college or avert financial emergencies. However, setting up a legacy shouldn't be done haphazardly--unless you want to end up lining Uncle Sam's pockets instead of helping out your kids. Or buying your granddaughter's dirtbag boyfriend a new motorcycle instead of funding her tuition. Ask yourself a few questions now to avoid headaches later.
Posted 02/18/2009
The subprime mortgage mess and tumbling stock market have many investors panicking. But you can preserve some of your wealth by allocating a portion of your portfolio to cash accounts like CDs or money markets.
Posted 02/12/2009
Short-term investments, such as savings accounts, money market funds, and CDs, can be a good match for excess reverse mortgage proceeds
Posted 01/25/2009
Sell your collection of classic rock albums? Auction your surfboard online? No way! Retirement doesn't have to mean living in reduced circumstances.Here are some ideas for keeping life fun while maintaining a healthy bank account balance.
Posted 01/25/2009
With defensive stocks losing up to half of their value over the past years, savers find great bargains and guaranteed returns from conventional savings accounts.
Posted 01/21/2009
A mortgage savings account can accelerate payment of your mortgage and save you on interest as well, but this product is not right for everyone.
Posted 01/17/2009
Banks--some more aggressively than others--do give or sell checking account information to other divisions of the bank or even third-party companies. If you want more privacy, you can take steps.
Posted 11/14/2009
Part of any good retirement plan is coordinating various bank accounts for maximum benefit at minimum cost. Is it smart to have your checking account and money market account at the same bank?
Posted 11/06/2009
If you'd like to spend more time on fun stuff like vacations and finding good investments, consider automating your checking account. It's easy to do, thanks to technology.
Posted 10/29/2009
If your primary money management goal is to protect retirement savings, your checking account should reflect that goal. Three attributes make senior checking accounts work for you.
Posted 10/22/2009
Is the bank that maintains your savings account huge and powerful, or huge and weak? The difference has been blurred by recent events. Choose the best accounts by being aware of new regulations for "too-big-to-fail" banks.
Posted 10/12/2009
Banks are willing to buy your checking account for $100 at sign-up. Online banking, mobile banking, automatic bill pay--it's all quite impressive, but it can also be confusing. Don't be afraid to choose a simple checking account.
Posted 10/07/2009
Checking account practices that are well-established, such as overdraft fees and free checking, may be changed by legislation enacted by the U.S. Congress.
Posted 10/04/2009
Overdraft fees are an unpleasant side effect of insufficient checking account management. Avoid overdraft fees by finding a checking account that works for you.
Posted 09/24/2009
Checking accounts that don't pay interest are guaranteed by the FDIC regardless of the amount deposited. This will change at the end of the year. Will that hurt smaller banks?
Posted 09/11/2009
Irresponsible use of a checking account can lead to unpleasant consequences. Here are three responsible checking account habits that everyone should practice.
Posted 09/04/2009
You can get a checking account without undergoing a credit check. Here are some tips for finding a no credit check checking account.
Posted 08/28/2009
Contrary to what would seem logical, many checking accounts now pay deposit holders better interest rates than comparable savings accounts. How and why?
Posted 08/20/2009
As China increasingly wonders about putting more billions into the U.S. financial system, checking account holders should remain aware of the impact that Chinese investments has on the U.S. banking system.
Posted 08/17/2009
High interest checking may not directly result in wealth, but seeking out the best interest checking account is a definite indication that you're on the right track to achieve wealth. And when it comes to wealth, thinking matters.
Posted 08/11/2009
When selecting a checking account, some people only consider one or two factors. But sometimes, un-obvious things make a big difference.
Posted 07/29/2009
As Americans begin to save more of their income, banks are competing hard for checking account deposits. For local banks, winning this battle is especially important.
Posted 07/27/2009
Remember when banks used to give you a new toaster oven when you opened up a checking account? These days, banks are giving out better gifts, including cold hard cash, to new customers.
Posted 07/21/2009
Checking accounts are a major tool that banks use to acquire and maintain relationships with customers. When seeking the best interest rates on other bank products, consider using your checking account as leverage.
Posted 07/06/2009
Rewards checking accounts feature much higher interest rates than typical checking accounts. However, you must engage in certain behaviors to qualify for the quoted rates. Luckily, the earning is pretty easy if you pay attention to the rules.
Posted 07/06/2009
Keeping large amounts of money in a checking account may not earn you high interest rates. But the importance of liquidity is not to be underestimated.
Posted 06/25/2009
Mortgage rates have risen dramatically, but interest rates paid on checking accounts have not necessarily followed suit. What's going on here and when might this dynamic change?
Posted 06/12/2009
An amazing bank gives a whole new meaning to the term "Green Banking"
Posted 06/01/2009
Banks are competiting to offer the best mobile banking services, but which type is the best?
Posted 05/27/2009
Reading your bank statements may save you more than a few pennies
Posted 05/14/2009
Banks like to call even the most basic services a "free" service
Posted 05/06/2009
Everybody can find a few ways to help the environment through their daily banking habits
Posted 04/27/2009
If someone in your family is running up overdraft fees, you can help them
Posted 04/23/2009
Don't miss out on the latest great bank deals for checking accounts
Posted 04/17/2009
Online bank deals today include banks that will pay sign-up bonus for opening a new checking account or savings account.
Posted 03/30/2009
Now more than ever you need to take steps to earn the most interest you can from your checking accounts.
Posted 03/27/2009
We live in an express-line society: we want money, goods, and services to be quickly and easily accessible. Conveniences like debit cards and online accounts can seem like the lifelines which make this all possible, but they can also come at a price. You need to protect yourself--and your checking account--by knowing some of the realities of identity theft and bank fees.
Posted 03/12/2009
Debit cards can be a wonderful source of convenience, but sometimes that convenience comes at a price. You could win or lose by using a debit card, but the more you know, the less you'll leave to chance
Posted 02/24/2009
If you're spooked by the tumbling stock market, it may be time to move some of your portfolio to cash accounts like CDs or money markets.
Posted 02/09/2009
A Fed rate cuts means that money is less expensive to borrow and less profitable to lend. That affects the value of everyone's money.
Posted 01/29/2009
Maintaining a business checking account is a great way to track your spending, stay organized, and look professional.
Posted 01/29/2009
Bank failure happens. But it won't matter if your accounts are FDIC-insured. These tips for maxing out your FDIC coverage can help keep your money safe.
Posted 01/25/2009
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