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

IRA Certificates of Deposit: Low Risk, Plus Reward

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

An IRA account that contains CDs is a safer, more balanced IRA account than one without. Certificates of deposit provide solid returns year after year with minimal risk.

When Banks Fail: Maximizing FDIC Insurance Coverage

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

To avoid predicament in today's uncertain economic climate, investors need to understand the details of FDIC insurance coverage. MoneyRates provides a comprehensive guide and answers your most common questions about FDIC insurance.

How to Compare CD Rates

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

In a way, the Internet has made it easier than ever to compare CD rates. After all, CD rates can be found online, updated daily. With that data at your fingertips, it is a relatively simple matter to choose the highest CD rates. However, while identifying the highest CD rates is important, there is a little more you should know when you choose a CD.

Certificates 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.

Indexed CDs Primer

By Joe Taylor | Money Rates Columnist | December 18, 2008

Indexed CDs blend the ease of a traditional savings account with the rewards of owning an index fund. Offered by a growing number of banks and brokerages, indexed CDs are standard certificates of deposit tied to stock indexes instead of securities. In exchange for assuming greater risk, savers can sometimes enjoy yields of two to five times those of traditional CDs.

IRA Money Market | IRAs | Retirement Investing | Money-Rates.com

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

For people worried as they watch their retirement savings go up and down with the stock market, a money market account within an IRA may be a good choice.

Money Market Accounts | Savings Accounts | Money-Rates.com

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 versus Money Market Funds

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

Many people confuse market funds with money market accounts. But these are two very different things. Money market funds are investments in the debt of governments and major corporations. Money market accounts are much more like savings accounts.

Money Market Accounts 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 certain restrictions, such as a minimum balance or a limited number of transactions allowed per month. The goal for the account holder is to receive more interest with less risk. These accounts are historically favored by conservative investors who seek a guaranteed return on their money. They are the "boring" part of many a balanced investment portfolio.

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.

Savings Accounts Primer

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

Deciding whether you want features like a high interest savings account or a savings account with a debit card depends on how you plan to use it

Tips to Reconcile 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 if you follow these tips.

Avoiding Checking Account Fees

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

Here is a list of some common checking account fees, and some suggestions on how to avoid those checking account fees.

Calculating Interest on a Checking Account

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

Understanding how interest is calculated on a checking account can help you make better choices about where to keep your money.

How to Manage a Checking Account

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

Keeping good records and using technology tools available today can help you properly manage a checking account.

Different Kinds of Checking Accounts

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

Choosing the right kind of checking account for your needs can be daunting because there are quite a few options. Here is a breakdown of the different types of checking accounts available.

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.