Tarra Jackson

[[{“value”:”This month marks 10 years since my wife and I bought our first rental property — a humble little duplex that changed the trajectory of our financial lives.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. Since then, we’ve slowly and intentionally grown our real estate portfolio. Rental income plays a big role in our plan to retire early. And now, we’re saving up for our next property, with a purchase date likely in 2027.We estimate we’ll need around $50,000 for a down payment. And instead of parking that cash in a low-interest savings account, we’re doing something a little different. We’re building a reverse CD ladder.What’s a reverse CD ladder?Most CD ladders are designed to give you rolling access to your money over time — like one CD maturing each month or year.But with a reverse CD ladder, you buy multiple CDs that all mature at the same time.The plan is simple. As we build our savings, we periodically lock portions of it into CDs that all end around mid-2027. This is the target date for our next property purchase.This way, we keep earning great interest along the way, and when the time comes to buy, every dollar (plus interest) becomes available.Ideally, I want to keep all my CDs at the same bank — it just makes life easier when everything’s in one place. When building a reverse CD ladder, it’s key to find a bank that offers competitive rates and flexible term options, so you can lock in the best yields all the way to your target date.Check out the highest CD rates available right now to find the best fit for your savings strategy.Our $50,000 CD ladder setupMost CD ladders start with a big lump sum. But we’re building ours month by month. Here’s the general plan:We’re aiming to save about $2,000 per month over the next two yearsEvery few months, when the cash pile hits a few thousand, we buy a new 6-month to 24-month CDWe make sure each new CD ends around June or July 2027.By the time we reach our goal, we’ll have multiple CDs maturing with about $50,000 available. Plus, we’ll get all the interest earned along the way.How much interest can we earn?CD rates fluctuate widely across banks. But with the best available CD rates now, I could realistically open my first CD today with a 4.00% APY.Since most economists are forecasting rate drops in the next year or two, I’m going to assume I’ll be buying at progressively lower rates as time goes on.Here’s a rough calculation of how much interest I might earn if I purchased four CDs over the next few years, each with a slightly lower rate than the last.CD TermAmountAPYInterest Earned24 months$12,0004.00%$960.0018 months$12,0003.50%$630.0012 months$12,0003.00%$360.006 months$12,0002.50%$150.00Data source: Author’s calculations.If we stuck to this plan, the total money saved would be $48,000. And the total interest earned would be $2,100 — a nice little boost toward my rental down payment! It’s not life-changing, but that’s an extra couple grand we don’t have to earn elsewhere.Since I’m expecting rates to drop over time, it feels even more important to lock in the best rates I can find today. And if you’re considering a strategy like this, you should plan accordingly. Check out today’s top CD rates and lock in a high APY while they’re still available.Is a CD ladder right for you?If you’ve got a clear savings goal that’s in the one- to five-year timeframe, using CDs might be a smarter way to save. Just make sure all your money matures by the time you need to use it.Will our exact timing work out for buying a property? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure, I’m not going to let my money sit idle when it could be earning $2,000 in interest!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.Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

This month marks 10 years since my wife and I bought our first rental property — a humble little duplex that changed the trajectory of our financial lives.

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.

Since then, we’ve slowly and intentionally grown our real estate portfolio. Rental income plays a big role in our plan to retire early. And now, we’re saving up for our next property, with a purchase date likely in 2027.

We estimate we’ll need around $50,000 for a down payment. And instead of parking that cash in a low-interest savings account, we’re doing something a little different. We’re building a reverse CD ladder.

What’s a reverse CD ladder?

Most CD ladders are designed to give you rolling access to your money over time — like one CD maturing each month or year.

But with a reverse CD ladder, you buy multiple CDs that all mature at the same time.

The plan is simple. As we build our savings, we periodically lock portions of it into CDs that all end around mid-2027. This is the target date for our next property purchase.

This way, we keep earning great interest along the way, and when the time comes to buy, every dollar (plus interest) becomes available.

Our $50,000 CD ladder setup

Most CD ladders start with a big lump sum. But we’re building ours month by month. Here’s the general plan:

• We’re aiming to save about $2,000 per month over the next two years
• Every few months, when the cash pile hits a few thousand, we buy a new 6-month to 24-month CD
• We make sure each new CD ends around June or July 2027.

By the time we reach our goal, we’ll have multiple CDs maturing with about $50,000 available. Plus, we’ll get all the interest earned along the way.

How much interest can we earn?

CD rates fluctuate widely across banks. But with the best available CD rates now, I could realistically open my first CD today with a 4.00% APY.

Since most economists are forecasting rate drops in the next year or two, I’m going to assume I’ll be buying at progressively lower rates as time goes on.

Here’s a rough calculation of how much interest I might earn if I purchased four CDs over the next few years, each with a slightly lower rate than the last.

If we stuck to this plan, the total money saved would be $48,000. And the total interest earned would be $2,100 — a nice little boost toward my rental down payment! It’s not life-changing, but that’s an extra couple grand we don’t have to earn elsewhere.

Since I’m expecting rates to drop over time, it feels even more important to lock in the best rates I can find today. And if you’re considering a strategy like this, you should plan accordingly. Check out today’s top CD rates and lock in a high APY while they’re still available.

Is a CD ladder right for you?

If you’ve got a clear savings goal that’s in the one- to five-year timeframe, using CDs might be a smarter way to save. Just make sure all your money matures by the time you need to use it.

Will our exact timing work out for buying a property? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure, I’m not going to let my money sit idle when it could be earning $2,000 in interest!

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.Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The best retirement advice I ever got was to “begin with the end in mind.”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. If your goal is a $1 million retirement, you might imagine a huge pile of money sitting in a single bank account. But in reality, a $1 million nest egg should be a mix of accounts and income streams built to last you decades.Here’s what a $1 million nest egg might actually look like, and how it could fund your lifestyle.Your money won’t be sitting in one accountFirst things first: You probably won’t have a single $1 million retirement account. Most folks arrive at retirement with a mix of savings vehicles.Here’s what a well-diversified retirement setup could look like:$450,000 in a traditional 401(k)$200,000 in a Roth IRA$150,000 in a taxable brokerage account$100,000 in high-yield savings or CDs$100,000 in home equity or a small rental propertyEach of these can play a different role in your retirement plan.Your 401(k) and IRA offer tax-advantaged growth, but they come with rules about when and how you withdraw money. That’s where a brokerage account can fill the gaps and give you more flexibility.Rental properties can provide great cashflow, bringing in a steady monthly paycheck. And high-yield savings accounts are great for storing and protecting cash you may need in the near term.How much income can $1 million produce?A common rule of thumb for retirement income is the 4% rule. It says you can safely withdraw 4% of your portfolio each year without running out of money over a 30-year retirement.So if you have $1 million saved, here’s what you’re looking at:4% of $1,000,000 = $40,000 per yearThat’s about $3,333 per month before taxes.If you add in the average Social Security benefit right now of roughly $2,000 per month, this brings your retirement income to about $5,300 per month.Now, that’s not private-jet money. But it’s plenty to live well in many parts of the country, especially if your house is paid off and you’re not racking up new debt.Want to speak with an advisor about your retirement plan? A short questionnaire from our partner, SmartAsset, helps match you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors, each legally bound to work in your best interest.Stretching your money to last longerEven if you live modestly, budgeting is really important in retirement. That $1 million has to last decades, so you don’t want to spend too much too soon.Your investments shouldn’t be too conservative (they won’t grow fast enough), nor should they be too risky (you might lose too much at a bad time).Here are a few key strategies to help your money go the distance:Follow a sustainable withdrawal plan like the 4% rule, adjusting your withdrawals slightly based on market performance and inflation.Be intentional with which accounts you tap first. For example, spending from taxable accounts early lets your tax-deferred money keep growing longer.Delay Social Security if possible. Waiting until age 70 can increase your monthly benefit by up to 32% compared to claiming at 62.Keep tabs on spending, especially in the first few years. It’s easy to overspend when every day feels like a vacation.Pick up a part time job like consulting, freelancing, or even a fun part-time gig. Even an extra $500 to $1,000 a month can ease pressure on your nest egg.Your investments shouldn’t be too conservative (they won’t grow fast enough) nor should they be too risky (you might lose too much at a bad time).It never hurts to run your plan by a professional. Our partner SmartAsset’s secure quiz matches you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors who have passed a rigorous vetting process.With a thoughtful plan, diversified income streams, and a bit of flexibility, $1 million can fund a long and comfortable retirement.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”:”

The best retirement advice I ever got was to “begin with the end in mind.”

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.

If your goal is a $1 million retirement, you might imagine a huge pile of money sitting in a single bank account. But in reality, a $1 million nest egg should be a mix of accounts and income streams built to last you decades.

Here’s what a $1 million nest egg might actually look like, and how it could fund your lifestyle.

Your money won’t be sitting in one account

First things first: You probably won’t have a single $1 million retirement account. Most folks arrive at retirement with a mix of savings vehicles.

Here’s what a well-diversified retirement setup could look like:

• $450,000 in a traditional 401(k)
• $200,000 in a Roth IRA
• $150,000 in a taxable brokerage account
• $100,000 in high-yield savings or CDs
• $100,000 in home equity or a small rental property

Each of these can play a different role in your retirement plan.

Your 401(k) and IRA offer tax-advantaged growth, but they come with rules about when and how you withdraw money. That’s where a brokerage account can fill the gaps and give you more flexibility.

Rental properties can provide great cashflow, bringing in a steady monthly paycheck. And high-yield savings accounts are great for storing and protecting cash you may need in the near term.

How much income can $1 million produce?

A common rule of thumb for retirement income is the 4% rule. It says you can safely withdraw 4% of your portfolio each year without running out of money over a 30-year retirement.

So if you have $1 million saved, here’s what you’re looking at:

• 4% of $1,000,000 = $40,000 per year
• That’s about $3,333 per month before taxes.

If you add in the average Social Security benefit right now of roughly $2,000 per month, this brings your retirement income to about $5,300 per month.

Now, that’s not private-jet money. But it’s plenty to live well in many parts of the country, especially if your house is paid off and you’re not racking up new debt.

Want to speak with an advisor about your retirement plan? A short questionnaire from our partner, SmartAsset, helps match you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors, each legally bound to work in your best interest.

Stretching your money to last longer

Even if you live modestly, budgeting is really important in retirement. That $1 million has to last decades, so you don’t want to spend too much too soon.

Your investments shouldn’t be too conservative (they won’t grow fast enough), nor should they be too risky (you might lose too much at a bad time).

Here are a few key strategies to help your money go the distance:

• Follow a sustainable withdrawal plan like the 4% rule, adjusting your withdrawals slightly based on market performance and inflation.
• Be intentional with which accounts you tap first. For example, spending from taxable accounts early lets your tax-deferred money keep growing longer.
• Delay Social Security if possible. Waiting until age 70 can increase your monthly benefit by up to 32% compared to claiming at 62.
• Keep tabs on spending, especially in the first few years. It’s easy to overspend when every day feels like a vacation.
  Pick up a part time job like consulting, freelancing, or even a fun part-time gig. Even an extra $500 to $1,000 a month can ease pressure on your nest egg.

Your investments shouldn’t be too conservative (they won’t grow fast enough) nor should they be too risky (you might lose too much at a bad time).

It never hurts to run your plan by a professional. Our partner SmartAsset’s secure quiz matches you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors who have passed a rigorous vetting process.

With a thoughtful plan, diversified income streams, and a bit of flexibility, $1 million can fund a long and comfortable retirement.

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 

[[{“value”:”I don’t know whether to cheer or boo for rate cuts.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. On the one hand, a cut could bring lower borrowing costs and maybe even some relief on mortgage rates.But on the other hand, goodbye to those beautiful 4.00%+ rates we’ve been enjoying on savings products. If interest rates fall, so do the yields on high-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and money market funds.At the start of 2025, most experts predicted two or three rate cuts this year. Now we’re almost halfway through, and we’ve seen zero.So the big question heading into the June 17-18 Fed meeting is: Will this finally be the moment, or are we still stuck in a holding pattern?Either way, your money could feel it. Here’s what to know — and how to protect your cash before the Fed makes its move.If the Fed cuts rates, your savings could take an instant hitA rate cut (even a small one) could send savings yields down fast.Banks often respond to Fed moves almost overnight, especially when trimming the APYs (annual percentage yields) on their most competitive accounts.High yield savings accounts (HYSAs) feel an immediate impact, because they have variable rates that can change any time. Same with money market accounts.But if your money is in a certificate of deposit (CD), you’ve got a guaranteed rate for the duration of your CD’s term and are protected from cuts.Now’s a great time to give your cash a quick check-up and make sure it’s working as hard as it should be.Why locking in a CD now could be your smartest moveIf you’ve been stockpiling extra cash, this might be the moment to lock in a top CD rate.I’m talking about money you won’t need for a while, like savings for a house down payment, a big trip next year, or any short- to mid-term money goals.Putting that money in a CD lets you lock in today’s higher APY for the full term.Right now, some of the best CD rates are hovering around 3.50% to 4.35% APY. Here’s what a $10,000 deposit could earn you at various term lengths:6 months at 4.35% APY = $2151 year at 4.00% APY = $4002 years at 3.80% APY = $7743 years at 3.50% APY = $1,0874 years at 3.50% APY = $1,4755 years at 3.50% APY = $1,877As long as you don’t withdraw your money early, this is all guaranteed interest. No matter what happens to rates, your earnings are protected.In fact, looking way beyond the June 17-18 Fed meeting, you won’t have to worry about any changes for the entire term. Just make sure the CD term lines up with when you’ll need the cash.Want to see which banks are paying the highest CD rates right now? Check out our list of the best CDs available today and find one that fits your timelineHigh-yield savings accounts still make senseEven with the rate drama, HYSAs are one of the best spots for short-term cash.I keep my personal $25,000 emergency fund in one of these accounts. Yes, my rate is subject to changes. But that’s the price I’m willing to pay for the flexibility to access my funds at any time.As of right now, online banks on our list are still offering up to 4.40% APY on HYSAs. That’s over 10X the national savings rates — and 60X the average checking account rate!HYSAs are a no-brainer for any cash you don’t want to lock up long term.Want your cash to work harder without locking it up? Compare the best high-yield savings accounts available now — get up to 4.40% APY with no fees.The bottom lineYou don’t have to guess what the Fed will do to make a smart move right now. Whether rates dip or hold, the key is to stay proactive, protect your earnings, and not let indecision win.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”:”

I don’t know whether to cheer or boo for rate cuts.

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.

On the one hand, a cut could bring lower borrowing costs and maybe even some relief on mortgage rates.

But on the other hand, goodbye to those beautiful 4.00%+ rates we’ve been enjoying on savings products. If interest rates fall, so do the yields on high-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and money market funds.

At the start of 2025, most experts predicted two or three rate cuts this year. Now we’re almost halfway through, and we’ve seen zero.

So the big question heading into the June 17-18 Fed meeting is: Will this finally be the moment, or are we still stuck in a holding pattern?

Either way, your money could feel it. Here’s what to know — and how to protect your cash before the Fed makes its move.

If the Fed cuts rates, your savings could take an instant hit

A rate cut (even a small one) could send savings yields down fast.

Banks often respond to Fed moves almost overnight, especially when trimming the APYs (annual percentage yields) on their most competitive accounts.

High yield savings accounts (HYSAs) feel an immediate impact, because they have variable rates that can change any time. Same with money market accounts.

But if your money is in a certificate of deposit (CD), you’ve got a guaranteed rate for the duration of your CD’s term and are protected from cuts.

Now’s a great time to give your cash a quick check-up and make sure it’s working as hard as it should be.

Why locking in a CD now could be your smartest move

If you’ve been stockpiling extra cash, this might be the moment to lock in a top CD rate.

I’m talking about money you won’t need for a while, like savings for a house down payment, a big trip next year, or any short- to mid-term money goals.

Putting that money in a CD lets you lock in today’s higher APY for the full term.

Right now, some of the best CD rates are hovering around 3.50% to 4.35% APY. Here’s what a $10,000 deposit could earn you at various term lengths:

• 6 months at 4.35% APY = $215
• 1 year at 4.00% APY = $400
• 2 years at 3.80% APY = $774
• 3 years at 3.50% APY = $1,087
• 4 years at 3.50% APY = $1,475
• 5 years at 3.50% APY = $1,877

As long as you don’t withdraw your money early, this is all guaranteed interest. No matter what happens to rates, your earnings are protected.

In fact, looking way beyond the June 17-18 Fed meeting, you won’t have to worry about any changes for the entire term. Just make sure the CD term lines up with when you’ll need the cash.

High-yield savings accounts still make sense

Even with the rate drama, HYSAs are one of the best spots for short-term cash.

I keep my personal $25,000 emergency fund in one of these accounts. Yes, my rate is subject to changes. But that’s the price I’m willing to pay for the flexibility to access my funds at any time.

As of right now, online banks on our list are still offering up to 4.40% APY on HYSAs. That’s over 10X the national savings rates — and 60X the average checking account rate!

HYSAs are a no-brainer for any cash you don’t want to lock up long term.

The bottom line

You don’t have to guess what the Fed will do to make a smart move right now. Whether rates dip or hold, the key is to stay proactive, protect your earnings, and not let indecision win.

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