Basic Guides for Certificates of Deposit, Money Market Accounts, Savings Accounts, Checking Accounts and other investments

Indexed and Variable Rate CDs

By MoneyRates Team | Money Rates Columnist | July 27, 2011

Curious how indexed or variable-rate certificates of deposit (CDs) work? Here are some essential facts on these unique accounts.

IRA CDs

By Andrew Freiburghouse | Money Rates Columnist | January 28, 2009

An IRA that contains certificates of deposit (CDs) can offer investors some much-needed protection from the stock market -- a particularly attractive feature for those nearing retirement age.

Maximizing FDIC Insurance Coverage

By Gina Pogol | Money Rates Columnist | January 25, 2009

Make certain that your deposits are fully covered by learning the answers to these common questions on FDIC insurance.

Comparing CDs and Money Market Accounts

By Karen Lawson | Money Rates Columnist | January 25, 2009

CDs and money market accounts can both help protect your long- and short-term savings, providing security and even competitive yields -- if you're willing to shop around.

How to Compare CD Rates

By Richard Barrington | Money Rates Columnist | January 9, 2009

Interest rates are important when you're shopping for a CD, but there are some things to keep in mind before you select an account based on its rate.

Certificate of Deposit (CD) Primer

By Richard Barrington | Money Rates Columnist | January 8, 2009

With many types of certificates of deposit (CDs) now available, finding the highest CD rates requires some knowledge of the market.

Money Market Accounts: A Good Choice for Your IRA?

By Andrew Freiburghouse | Money Rates Columnist | January 21, 2009

A money market account placed in a IRA can offer excellent stability and tax benefits. Learn why money market IRAs are a particularly good choice if you're near retirement.

Money Market Accounts Vs. Savings Accounts

By Andrew Freiburghouse | Money Rates Columnist | January 19, 2009

Money market accounts and traditional savings accounts share certain characteristics, but also have differences that make each product attractive in specific situations.

Money Market Accounts Vs. Money Market Funds

By Andrew Freiburghouse | Money Rates Columnist | January 17, 2009

Many people confuse money market funds with money market accounts, but these are two fundamentally different types of financial instruments.

Money Market Accounts: A Primer

By Andrew Freiburghouse | Money Rates Columnist | January 7, 2009

Money market accounts are similar to savings accounts, but often pay higher interest and may carry more restrictions. Learn when you should choose a money market account.

How To Choose A Bank

December 14, 2011

Specialty Bank Report

May 31, 2011

Specialty bank information from MoneyRates.com.

Online Banking Tips

January 10, 2011

Read the latest online banking advice from MoneyRates.com.

College Savings Plans

January 10, 2011

Five Advantages of Medical Savings Accounts

By Joe Taylor | Money Rates Columnist | February 16, 2009

Five ways that health savings accounts can help you shrink your spending and cut your stress.

Health Savings Account

By Richard Barrington | Money Rates Columnist | January 17, 2009

High deductible health insurance, used with a health savings account, can be a good way for you to pay for current and future health care expenses

Education Savings Accounts

By Andrew Freiburghouse | Money Rates Columnist | January 17, 2009

Education savings accounts are a tax-advantaged way to save for college expenses.

Tips for Reconciling Your Bank Account

By Karen Lawson | Money Rates Columnist | February 23, 2009

Reconciling your checking or savings account doesn't have to be a nightmare. Follow these simple steps to find out if your account is in balance.

Avoiding Checking Account Fees

By Andrew Freiburghouse | Money Rates Columnist | January 25, 2009

Here are some of the most common checking account fees, along with suggestions on how to avoid them.

Calculating Interest on a Checking Account

By Andrew Freiburghouse | Money Rates Columnist | January 19, 2009

If you want to know where every dollar in your finances comes from, it's important to understand how to calculate checking account interest.

How to Manage a Checking Account

By Andrew Freiburghouse | Money Rates Columnist | January 19, 2009

While technology can help today, there is still no substitute for diligence when it comes to managing your checking account.

Different Kinds of Checking Accounts

By Andrew Freiburghouse | Money Rates Columnist | January 19, 2009

Looking for a new checking account? It may be helpful to know what options exist before you start shopping.

Bank Stock Information

By MoneyRates Team | Money Rates Columnist | May 5, 2011

Bank stocks are one of most closely watched segments of the market, but there are things you should know before you invest in them.

Car Loan Shopping Tips

By MoneyRates Team | Money Rates Columnist | January 10, 2011

Considering a new auto loan? Learn the basics on auto loan shopping, including what to look for in a lender.

What is Commercial Paper?

By MoneyRates Team | Money Rates Columnist | January 10, 2011

Learn how commercial paper works and how it can fit into an individual investor's portfolio.

Government Bond Funds and Inflation Protection Funds

By MoneyRates Team | Money Rates Columnist | January 10, 2011

Curious whether a bond fund is for you? Research the basics before you make any purchases.

Social Lending Site Reviews

January 10, 2011

Dividend Stock Information

November 18, 2010

Green Banking Tips

March 13, 2009

What is Green Banking? What can you do? Green Banking deals and offers.

Comprehensive Guide to Savings Accounts, Money Market Accounts and Certificates of Deposit

By Joe Taylor | Money Rates Columnist | January 29, 2009

Depending on your investment needs, you can find a banking product with federal insurance and high interest rates for your short term and medium term savings

Retirement Money Market Accounts

By Andrew Freiburghouse | Money Rates Columnist | January 28, 2009

Retirement money market accounts are a solid, safe investment that pays off over the long haul without incurring much risk in the short-term.

How to Use Personal Returns

By Joe Taylor | Money Rates Columnist | January 25, 2009

High yield savings accounts can turn personal returns into long term capital gains without the fees or risk associated with the stock market.

FDIC Insurance Basics

By Francine L. Huff | Money Rates Columnist | January 17, 2009

Before depositing your money at a bank, make sure your savings account will qualify for FDIC insurance.

Understanding Mortgage Refinance Rates

By Karen Lawson | Money Rates Columnist | March 20, 2009

Save money by reviewing and comparing refinancing rates and costs before selecting a new mortgage.

A Primer on Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans

By Karen Lawson | Money Rates Columnist | March 20, 2009

You're shopping for the lowest mortgage rates available. If you're looking for a mortgage with adjustable rates, the lowest mortgage rates now can potentially cause problems later. Here's why.

Reverse Mortgage Loans: 10 Things to Consider

By Karen Lawson | Money Rates Columnist | March 13, 2009

Reverse mortgages provide access to cash from your home's value. Before taking out a reverse mortgage, it's important to fully understand how it works and potential risks.