Tarra Jackson

[[{“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 

[[{“value”:”A lot of people hear “CD ladder” and assume it’s only for folks with big bucks to invest. But the truth is, you can build one with just $5,000.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. You’ll earn more interest vs. keeping that money in a plain old savings account. And you won’t keep all your money locked up for years.If you’re sitting on a few thousand bucks right now, here’s a simple three-rung CD ladder strategy to put your money to work.First, what’s a CD ladder?A CD ladder is where you split up your money into chunks, and then put each of those chunks into a different CD.The goal is to spread out your money over different terms, so bits of your cash become available at regular intervals.This gives you two big advantages:Higher APYs than savings accountsPeriodic access to your money without early-withdrawal penaltiesIt’s a win-win if you want to grow your savings without having to wait years to tap them.A simple three-rung CD ladder with $5,000Here’s an example.Using today’s best CD rates, let’s split $5,000 across a 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year CD term. Here is what that might look like and how much interest would be earned:CD TermDepositAPYInterest Earned1 Year$1,5004.50%$672 Years$1,5004.25%$1273 Years$2,0004.00%$240Data source: Author’s calculations.At minimum, you’d earn a total of $434 over three years. But you could earn more if you continued to re-invest each year.When the 1-year CD matures, you can either cash out or roll it into a new 3-year CD. Then, repeat each year. Eventually, you’ll have an ongoing ladder where one CD matures each year, but all are earning the highest long-term rates available at the time.Choosing the right bank is pretty important. Ideally you want to get all your CDs from a single bank that has top rates, low minimum deposits, and a variety of term lengths. To get started, check out our picks for the best CD rates available right now and build your own ladder in minutes.How to get started1. Decide how much to invest and how to split it upYou can split your money evenly, or pick a different amount for each CD term. There’s no right or wrong way to do it — your strategy should be based on when you want access to your cash again.2. Shop around for the best CD ratesThe goal is to get the most bang for your buck while keeping your money safe and secure. Look for strong APYs, low minimums, and enough term variety to fit your ladder. Make sure the bank is FDIC insured for peace of mind.3. Open your CDs and track maturity datesOnce you’ve picked your terms and provider, open your CDs and start earning that interest! Be sure to set reminders for when each CD matures so you can decide whether to cash out or reinvest.Ready to give it a shot? Start by comparing today’s top CD rates and see how far $5,000 can go.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 lot of people hear “CD ladder” and assume it’s only for folks with big bucks to invest. But the truth is, you can build one with just $5,000.

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.

You’ll earn more interest vs. keeping that money in a plain old savings account. And you won’t keep all your money locked up for years.

If you’re sitting on a few thousand bucks right now, here’s a simple three-rung CD ladder strategy to put your money to work.

First, what’s a CD ladder?

A CD ladder is where you split up your money into chunks, and then put each of those chunks into a different CD.

The goal is to spread out your money over different terms, so bits of your cash become available at regular intervals.

This gives you two big advantages:

• Higher APYs than savings accounts
• Periodic access to your money without early-withdrawal penalties

It’s a win-win if you want to grow your savings without having to wait years to tap them.

A simple three-rung CD ladder with $5,000

Here’s an example.

Using today’s best CD rates, let’s split $5,000 across a 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year CD term. Here is what that might look like and how much interest would be earned:

At minimum, you’d earn a total of $434 over three years. But you could earn more if you continued to re-invest each year.

When the 1-year CD matures, you can either cash out or roll it into a new 3-year CD. Then, repeat each year. Eventually, you’ll have an ongoing ladder where one CD matures each year, but all are earning the highest long-term rates available at the time.

How to get started

1. Decide how much to invest and how to split it up

You can split your money evenly, or pick a different amount for each CD term. There’s no right or wrong way to do it — your strategy should be based on when you want access to your cash again.

2. Shop around for the best CD rates

The goal is to get the most bang for your buck while keeping your money safe and secure. Look for strong APYs, low minimums, and enough term variety to fit your ladder. Make sure the bank is FDIC insured for peace of mind.

3. Open your CDs and track maturity dates

Once you’ve picked your terms and provider, open your CDs and start earning that interest! Be sure to set reminders for when each CD matures so you can decide whether to cash out or reinvest.

Ready to give it a shot? Start by comparing today’s top CD rates and see how far $5,000 can go.

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