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

IRA Certificates of Deposit: Low Risk, Plus Reward

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.
Posted 01/28/2009

When Banks Fail: Maximizing FDIC Insurance Coverage

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.
Posted 01/25/2009

How to Compare CD Rates

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.
Posted 01/09/2009

Certificates of Deposit (CD) Primer

With many types of certificates of deposit (CDs) now available, finding the highest CD rates requires some knowledge of the market.
Posted 01/08/2009

Indexed CDs Primer

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.
Posted 12/18/2008

IRA Money Market Accounts: Good and Safe

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.
Posted 01/21/2009

Money Market Account vs Savings Account

Money market accounts and traditional savings accounts share certain characteristics, but also have differences that make each product attractive in specific situations.
Posted 01/19/2009

Money Market Accounts versus Money Market Funds

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.
Posted 01/17/2009

Money Market Accounts Primer

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.
Posted 01/07/2009

Five Advantages of Medical Savings Accounts

Five ways that health savings accounts can help you shrink your spending and cut your stress.
Posted 02/16/2009

Health Savings Account

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
Posted 01/17/2009

Education Savings Accounts

Education savings accounts are a tax-advantaged way to save for college expenses.
Posted 01/17/2009

Savings Accounts Primer

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
Posted 01/17/2009

Tips to Reconcile Your Bank Account

Reconciling your checking or savings account doesn't have to be a nightmare if you follow these tips.
Posted 02/23/2009

Avoiding Checking Account Fees

Here is a list of some common checking account fees, and some suggestions on how to avoid those checking account fees.
Posted 01/25/2009

Calculating Interest on a Checking Account

Understanding how interest is calculated on a checking account can help you make better choices about where to keep your money.
Posted 01/19/2009

How to Manage a Checking Account

Keeping good records and using technology tools available today can help you properly manage a checking account.
Posted 01/19/2009

Different Kinds of Checking Accounts

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.
Posted 01/19/2009

Understanding Mortgage Refinance Rates

Save money by reviewing and comparing refinancing rates and costs before selecting a new mortgage.
Posted 03/20/2009

A Primer on Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans

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.
Posted 03/20/2009

Reverse Mortgage Loans: 10 Things to Consider

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.
Posted 03/13/2009

Airline Rewards Cards and things to look for

Four strong reasons why you should be wary of credit cards that offer airline miles as rewards.
Posted 08/05/2009

Tips for finding your best secured credit card

How to find a secured credit card that helps you make money on your deposit and comes with low fees.
Posted 08/05/2009

Variable versus Fixed Rate Credit Cards

Understanding nuances between fixed and variable rate credit cards could translate into huge savings in finance or interest charges.
Posted 08/05/2009