All Posts By

Tarra Jackson

Fed Split on Rate Cut Timing: What It Means for Your Money

By Money Management No Comments

 Imminent or not? Here’s how to plan for both scenarios. 

Monster Ztudio / Shutterstock.com

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. Fed Governor Christopher Waller just threw a wrench into everyone’s financial planning. Fed Chair Jerome Powell spent Wednesday preaching patience on rate cuts. On Friday, Waller suggested the Fed could slash rates very…

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CD Rates Are Still Over 4%. Here’s Why I’m Not Biting in June 2025

By Uncategorized No Comments
[[{“value”:”I’ve been watching CD rates closely this year as top offers cleared the 5.00% mark. And even now, in June, plenty of banks are still offering 4.00%+ APYs on short- and mid-term certificates of deposit.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
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Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. But even with those strong numbers on the table, I’m still not biting.1. The Fed just hit pause again — and that changes the outlookThe Federal Reserve met again last week and chose to keep rates steady, holding the benchmark rate at its current level.That tells me two things:The Fed isn’t in a rush to cut.Rate volatility is sticking around longer than expected.If you lock in a 1-year CD right now, you’re committing your money under the assumption that rates will drop soon, and that assumption is looking shakier.There’s a good chance we see this rate environment hold through the fall, and I don’t want to give up flexibility just to earn a few extra tenths of a percent.2. CD rates look good, but not greatYes, 4.25% or 4.50% looks tempting at first glance. But you can get 4.00%+ APY right now from a high-yield savings account, with:No lockupsNo early withdrawal penaltiesFDIC insuranceInstant access when you need itThe rate is about the same and I get to stay flexible. If something better comes along (like a short-term bond or a CD special later this year), I’m not stuck waiting for my term to end or paying a fee to pull my cash.If you want to start earning up to 10x the national average interest rate on your savings, our best high-yield savings account page is a great place to start shopping for a new account.3. Life happens: I like being able to move fastThe biggest downside with CDs is the penalty for tapping into your money early. And in this economic environment, liquidity matters.If inflation heats up, if the risk of a recession spikes, or if better opportunities open up, I want to be ready, and not locked in for 12 months or more with no way out.That’s why I’m prioritizing flexibility over fractionally higher returns.Bottom line: I’m not chasing yield. I’m choosing freedom.CDs are still a great tool in the right situation — especially if you know you won’t need the money. But in June 2025, with the Fed standing still and high-yield savings rates still leading the pack, I’m staying liquid.If rates fall? I’ll pivot. If they hold? I’m still earning over 4.00% with full access.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

A safe against a bright yellow background.

I’ve been watching CD rates closely this year as top offers cleared the 5.00% mark. And even now, in June, plenty of banks are still offering 4.00%+ APYs on short- and mid-term certificates of deposit.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

But even with those strong numbers on the table, I’m still not biting.

1. The Fed just hit pause again — and that changes the outlook

The Federal Reserve met again last week and chose to keep rates steady, holding the benchmark rate at its current level.

That tells me two things:

  • The Fed isn’t in a rush to cut.
  • Rate volatility is sticking around longer than expected.

If you lock in a 1-year CD right now, you’re committing your money under the assumption that rates will drop soon, and that assumption is looking shakier.

There’s a good chance we see this rate environment hold through the fall, and I don’t want to give up flexibility just to earn a few extra tenths of a percent.

2. CD rates look good, but not great

Yes, 4.25% or 4.50% looks tempting at first glance. But you can get 4.00%+ APY right now from a high-yield savings account, with:

  • No lockups
  • No early withdrawal penalties
  • FDIC insurance
  • Instant access when you need it

The rate is about the same and I get to stay flexible. If something better comes along (like a short-term bond or a CD special later this year), I’m not stuck waiting for my term to end or paying a fee to pull my cash.

If you want to start earning up to 10x the national average interest rate on your savings, our best high-yield savings account page is a great place to start shopping for a new account.

3. Life happens: I like being able to move fast

The biggest downside with CDs is the penalty for tapping into your money early. And in this economic environment, liquidity matters.

If inflation heats up, if the risk of a recession spikes, or if better opportunities open up, I want to be ready, and not locked in for 12 months or more with no way out.

That’s why I’m prioritizing flexibility over fractionally higher returns.

Bottom line: I’m not chasing yield. I’m choosing freedom.

CDs are still a great tool in the right situation — especially if you know you won’t need the money. But in June 2025, with the Fed standing still and high-yield savings rates still leading the pack, I’m staying liquid.

If rates fall? I’ll pivot. If they hold? I’m still earning over 4.00% with full access.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Most Americans Save Wrong and It’s Costing Them

By Money Management No Comments

 You may be saving, but are you doing it right? 

Saving money
Syda Productions / Shutterstock.com

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. Employed Americans say they save 23% of their take-home pay, on average, according to a NerdWallet survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults. But many aren’t saving with a clear plan. The findings suggest that while many…

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Can You Dodge Toyota Price Hikes Coming in July 2025?

By Money Management No Comments

 Toyota says tariffs aren’t to blame, but a smart move now could save you later. 

A Toyota sign.
Bjoern Wylezich / Shutterstock.com

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. Toyota is raising prices on several popular models in July. If you are planning to buy a new car, you may want to pay attention. The automaker announced price hikes averaging $270 for Toyota vehicles and $208 for Lexus…

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Emergency Fund Fail: Fed Survey Shows Millions Still Vulnerable to a $400 Surprise

By Money Management No Comments

 Are you one unexpected bill away from financial disaster? 

Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. Despite signs of recovery and slowing inflation, millions of Americans remain financially exposed. According to the Federal Reserve’s latest survey, only 63% of adults say they could cover a $400 emergency expense using…

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How to Buy a Used Phone and Save (Without Getting Scammed)

By Money Management No Comments

 Use these tips to get a used phone without getting ripped off. 

Excited woman happy with her new phone plan
Dean Drobot / Shutterstock.com

The secondhand smartphone market (like secondhand goods in general) has gotten a bad rap. Horror stories about failing batteries and shady sellers might make you hesitant to buy used phones. But here’s the reality: it is a legit way to save money. Our guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from understanding why smartphones have gotten so expensive to knowing where to shop…

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