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Tarra Jackson

Comcast Is Feeling the Heat: Could You Save a Bundle by Unbundling?

By Money Management No Comments

 This pricing revolution could save you hundreds. 

Joshua Rainey Photography / Shutterstock.com

According to Comcast’s first-quarter 2025 earnings report, after losing 199,000 broadband customers in just one quarter, the telecom giant is making moves that could impact what you pay for internet services, whether you’re a current customer or shopping around. The company has just rolled out what it’s calling an “everyday pricing structure,” which eliminates data caps and locks in prices for…

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4.25% CD Rates Could Disappear Soon. Should You Open a CD Now?

By Uncategorized No Comments
[[{“value”:”Most investors expect the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady when it meets in July. However, rate cuts are still on the table in 2025.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 the Fed does cut rates, or even signals rate cuts for later this year, banks could begin lowering CD rates in advance. In fact, some already have.That means now is the time to consider locking in your return — as high as 4.25% APY on the top CDs from our list — before rates drop even further.What to know before opening a CDA certificate of deposit (CD) is a type of savings account that holds your money for a set period, usually anywhere from a few months to five years.In return, you get a fixed interest rate that won’t change. Products like high-yield savings accounts are offering comparable returns, but those rates can change at any time.Here’s your quick CD how-to:Choose your term: Match it with your goals. Shorter terms (like 6-12 months) give you quicker access to your cash, and they currently offer the highest rates. Longer terms give you a guaranteed rate of return for a longer period of time, which makes them a good hedge against near-term rate cuts.Shop for the best rate: Online banks often offer higher APYs than traditional ones.Fund your account: You can usually open a CD via bank transfer. Most require a minimum deposit of $500 or more.Don’t touch your money: Most CDs charge penalties for early withdrawals.Plan your next move: Once your CD matures, you can roll your funds into a new CD at the same bank or move the money elsewhere.If you’re worried about tying up all your money, you can also try a CD ladder — a strategy that spreads your savings across different term lengths so a portion becomes available at regular intervals.Want to start earning guaranteed returns now? Check out our curated list of the top CD rates available today.Who should consider a CD right now?CDs are a good fit for you if:You have savings you won’t need soonYou want a guaranteed return, rather than maximum long-term growthYou’re saving for a short- to mid-term goalYou already have an emergency fund in placeIf you think rates are headed down — and there’s good reason to believe so — then now is the time to lock in a CD.Don’t wait until rates drop furtherEven if the Fed doesn’t cut rates at its next meeting in late July, the window to lock in high CD yields could close soon.Banks tend to move quickly when they expect a shift, and early signs are already on the horizon. The stability of CDs is a great way to protect your savings and give you peace of mind if you’re worried about falling rates.Ready to secure your APY? Open a top-paying CD today and lock in your rate before they fall.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 silver bank vault on a background of red, yellow, and green with dollar signs.

Most investors expect the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady when it meets in July. However, rate cuts are still on the table in 2025.

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 the Fed does cut rates, or even signals rate cuts for later this year, banks could begin lowering CD rates in advance. In fact, some already have.

That means now is the time to consider locking in your return — as high as 4.25% APY on the top CDs from our list — before rates drop even further.

What to know before opening a CD

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a type of savings account that holds your money for a set period, usually anywhere from a few months to five years.

In return, you get a fixed interest rate that won’t change. Products like high-yield savings accounts are offering comparable returns, but those rates can change at any time.

Here’s your quick CD how-to:

  • Choose your term: Match it with your goals. Shorter terms (like 6-12 months) give you quicker access to your cash, and they currently offer the highest rates. Longer terms give you a guaranteed rate of return for a longer period of time, which makes them a good hedge against near-term rate cuts.
  • Shop for the best rate: Online banks often offer higher APYs than traditional ones.
  • Fund your account: You can usually open a CD via bank transfer. Most require a minimum deposit of $500 or more.
  • Don’t touch your money: Most CDs charge penalties for early withdrawals.
  • Plan your next move: Once your CD matures, you can roll your funds into a new CD at the same bank or move the money elsewhere.

If you’re worried about tying up all your money, you can also try a CD ladder — a strategy that spreads your savings across different term lengths so a portion becomes available at regular intervals.

Want to start earning guaranteed returns now? Check out our curated list of the top CD rates available today.

Who should consider a CD right now?

CDs are a good fit for you if:

  • You have savings you won’t need soon
  • You want a guaranteed return, rather than maximum long-term growth
  • You’re saving for a short- to mid-term goal
  • You already have an emergency fund in place

If you think rates are headed down — and there’s good reason to believe so — then now is the time to lock in a CD.

Don’t wait until rates drop further

Even if the Fed doesn’t cut rates at its next meeting in late July, the window to lock in high CD yields could close soon.

Banks tend to move quickly when they expect a shift, and early signs are already on the horizon. The stability of CDs is a great way to protect your savings and give you peace of mind if you’re worried about falling rates.

Ready to secure your APY? Open a top-paying CD today and lock in your rate before they fall.

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 

Spicy Tariffs Could Heat up Your Grocery Budget

By Money Management No Comments

 How will McCormick’s “surgical and strategic pricing” affect you? 

Wooden spoons holding spices
Krzysztof Slusarczyk / 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. Your spice rack could become the next casualty of rising grocery costs. McCormick & Company announced plans to raise prices in the coming months as new tariffs squeeze their bottom line, according to TheStreet.

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Are We Headed for a Recession? Here’s How to Protect Your Money

By Uncategorized No Comments
[[{“value”:”You’ve probably seen the headlines: slowing growth, sticky inflation, and whispers about interest rate movement. The big question keeps coming up: Are we headed for a recession?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. Nobody knows for sure, but here’s what I do know after years of writing about personal finance: Waiting until you know we’re in a recession is waiting too long. The smartest move is to recession-proof your finances before things hit the fan.Here’s what I’m doing, and what I recommend to anyone trying to stay one step ahead.Build (or rebuild) your emergency fundIf the economy slows down and layoffs start picking up, having three to six months of expenses in a high-yield savings account (HYSA) gives you flexibility and peace of mind.Look for an HYSA paying around 4.00% APY. There are plenty right now.Keep your emergency fund totally separate from your checking or investing accounts.Even $1,000 is a good start if you’re rebuilding from scratch.Start putting your money to work today and earn up to 4.40% APY on your cash — check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts.Cut back on high-interest debtCredit card APRs are often over 20%. If a recession hits and your income drops, that kind of debt becomes a massive burden fast.What to do now:Pay down variable-rate debt aggressivelyConsider a 0% intro APR balance transfer card if you need breathing roomSkip extra investing until your high-interest balances are under controlSome of the best recession protection is just not owing money to a credit card company. Simple as that. You can get nearly two years interest-free with some of the best balance transfer credit cards — check out our list here.Don’t panic-sell your investmentsMarket dips are scary. But history shows that trying to time the bottom usually backfires. Long-term investors who stay the course tend to come out ahead.If you’re investing for retirement, keep contributing. If you’ve got short-term goals, like buying a house in a year or two, that money shouldn’t be in the market anyway. Historically, the S&P 500 returns about 10% annually. Short-term drops are just part of the ride.And there’s never a bad time to start investing. Pick one of the best online brokers and start thinking about your retirement.Diversify your income if you canOne income stream feels fine, until it’s not. Even a small side hustle or freelance gig can give you financial stability when the economy wobbles.Some ideas to explore:Remote freelance platforms like Upwork or FiverrPart-time consulting or tutoringSelling a product or service locally (or online)You don’t need to launch a full-scale business. You just need enough to give yourself options if your main paycheck becomes less reliable.Recession or not, it pays to stay readyWe might avoid a full-blown recession. Or we might not. Either way, the steps above put you in a better position no matter what happens. Building cash, cutting risk, and keeping your cool can help you ride out whatever the economy throws our way.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 dying plant labeled

You’ve probably seen the headlines: slowing growth, sticky inflation, and whispers about interest rate movement. The big question keeps coming up: Are we headed for a recession?

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.

Nobody knows for sure, but here’s what I do know after years of writing about personal finance: Waiting until you know we’re in a recession is waiting too long. The smartest move is to recession-proof your finances before things hit the fan.

Here’s what I’m doing, and what I recommend to anyone trying to stay one step ahead.

Build (or rebuild) your emergency fund

If the economy slows down and layoffs start picking up, having three to six months of expenses in a high-yield savings account (HYSA) gives you flexibility and peace of mind.

  • Look for an HYSA paying around 4.00% APY. There are plenty right now.
  • Keep your emergency fund totally separate from your checking or investing accounts.
  • Even $1,000 is a good start if you’re rebuilding from scratch.

Start putting your money to work today and earn up to 4.40% APY on your cash — check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts.

Cut back on high-interest debt

Credit card APRs are often over 20%. If a recession hits and your income drops, that kind of debt becomes a massive burden fast.

What to do now:

  • Pay down variable-rate debt aggressively
  • Consider a 0% intro APR balance transfer card if you need breathing room
  • Skip extra investing until your high-interest balances are under control

Some of the best recession protection is just not owing money to a credit card company. Simple as that. You can get nearly two years interest-free with some of the best balance transfer credit cards — check out our list here.

Don’t panic-sell your investments

Market dips are scary. But history shows that trying to time the bottom usually backfires. Long-term investors who stay the course tend to come out ahead.

If you’re investing for retirement, keep contributing. If you’ve got short-term goals, like buying a house in a year or two, that money shouldn’t be in the market anyway. Historically, the S&P 500 returns about 10% annually. Short-term drops are just part of the ride.

And there’s never a bad time to start investing. Pick one of the best online brokers and start thinking about your retirement.

Diversify your income if you can

One income stream feels fine, until it’s not. Even a small side hustle or freelance gig can give you financial stability when the economy wobbles.

Some ideas to explore:

  • Remote freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr
  • Part-time consulting or tutoring
  • Selling a product or service locally (or online)

You don’t need to launch a full-scale business. You just need enough to give yourself options if your main paycheck becomes less reliable.

Recession or not, it pays to stay ready

We might avoid a full-blown recession. Or we might not. Either way, the steps above put you in a better position no matter what happens. Building cash, cutting risk, and keeping your cool can help you ride out whatever the economy throws our way.

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 

Still Using a Debit Card for Travel? That Mistake Could Be Costing You Thousands

By Uncategorized No Comments
[[{“value”:”I know, I know… Using your debit card is easy. It’s familiar. It keeps you out of credit card troubles. I totally get it.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 seriously, if you’re still using a debit card to pay for travel stuff — like flights, hotels, or rental cars — you might be unknowingly leaving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on the table.Not to mention, you could be missing out on some other perks and protections that can save your trip if things go sideways.Here’s everything you need to know — and how to switch things up without overcomplicating your life.Credit card rewards can offset your entire tripLet’s talk numbers. Many of the best travel cards offer anywhere between 2% to 5% back in rewards on travel-related purchases. That may not sound like much — until you add it all up…Say you spend $3,000 on flights, hotels, and food during a single trip. That could net you an easy $60 – $150 or more in rewards, depending on the card you have.And that’s just for a single trip! If you’re traveling multiple times a year, and using the card on regular purchases, it’s easy to rack up over $500 in annual travel rewards.Debit cards don’t offer anything close to this in rewards.If you’re looking for an easy starter travel card, check out this crowd favorite from Chase. I’ve personally used it for years, and right now it comes with a massive welcome offer for a limited time.Built-in protections can save your trip (and your wallet)Beyond points, another huge benefit of travel cards is built in protections and insurance.Here are just a few of the protections you can get when you book travel with the right cards:Trip cancellation or interruption coverage: Get reimbursed if your trip gets delayed or canceled for covered reasonsLost luggage reimbursement: Receive money if your bags go MIARental car insurance: Decline the rental company’s pricey coverage and still be protectedEmergency assistance: Access help abroad, from medical referrals to travel coordinationIf you book travel with a debit card, you probably won’t get any of these. That means if your plans go sideways, you’re likely on your own — financially and logistically.How to switch smartly (and maximize your rewards)Here’s a simple four-step way to dip your toe in the credit card rewards pool:Pick a starter travel card — Here’s our best travel cards list. You can’t go wrong with either of the top two.Start with travel bookings — Use this credit card only when buying flights, hotel stays, or rental cars.Pay it off right away — Treat it like a debit card by paying the balance in full after each use.Track your rewards — Use the issuer’s portal or app to see how quickly your points add up.This strategy gives you all the best rewards, protections, and perks, without risking credit card debt or overspending.Interested in even more travel perks, like VIP status upgrades or lounge access? Compare all our top-rated travel credit cards here for 2025.You’re booking travel anyway. Might as well earn rewards by using different cards. Your next trip could pay for your next-next trip. Just sayin’!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.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Beach scene with palm trees and light grey credit card poking out of the sand.

I know, I know… Using your debit card is easy. It’s familiar. It keeps you out of credit card troubles. I totally get it.

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 seriously, if you’re still using a debit card to pay for travel stuff — like flights, hotels, or rental cars — you might be unknowingly leaving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on the table.

Not to mention, you could be missing out on some other perks and protections that can save your trip if things go sideways.

Here’s everything you need to know — and how to switch things up without overcomplicating your life.

Credit card rewards can offset your entire trip

Let’s talk numbers. Many of the best travel cards offer anywhere between 2% to 5% back in rewards on travel-related purchases. That may not sound like much — until you add it all up…

Say you spend $3,000 on flights, hotels, and food during a single trip. That could net you an easy $60 – $150 or more in rewards, depending on the card you have.

And that’s just for a single trip! If you’re traveling multiple times a year, and using the card on regular purchases, it’s easy to rack up over $500 in annual travel rewards.

Debit cards don’t offer anything close to this in rewards.

If you’re looking for an easy starter travel card, check out this crowd favorite from Chase. I’ve personally used it for years, and right now it comes with a massive welcome offer for a limited time.

Built-in protections can save your trip (and your wallet)

Beyond points, another huge benefit of travel cards is built in protections and insurance.

Here are just a few of the protections you can get when you book travel with the right cards:

  • Trip cancellation or interruption coverage: Get reimbursed if your trip gets delayed or canceled for covered reasons
  • Lost luggage reimbursement: Receive money if your bags go MIA
  • Rental car insurance: Decline the rental company’s pricey coverage and still be protected
  • Emergency assistance: Access help abroad, from medical referrals to travel coordination

If you book travel with a debit card, you probably won’t get any of these. That means if your plans go sideways, you’re likely on your own — financially and logistically.

How to switch smartly (and maximize your rewards)

Here’s a simple four-step way to dip your toe in the credit card rewards pool:

  1. Pick a starter travel card — Here’s our best travel cards list. You can’t go wrong with either of the top two.
  2. Start with travel bookings — Use this credit card only when buying flights, hotel stays, or rental cars.
  3. Pay it off right away — Treat it like a debit card by paying the balance in full after each use.
  4. Track your rewards — Use the issuer’s portal or app to see how quickly your points add up.

This strategy gives you all the best rewards, protections, and perks, without risking credit card debt or overspending.

Interested in even more travel perks, like VIP status upgrades or lounge access? Compare all our top-rated travel credit cards here for 2025.

You’re booking travel anyway. Might as well earn rewards by using different cards. Your next trip could pay for your next-next trip. Just sayin’!

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.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Should You Open a 5-Year CD Before Rates Drop?

By Uncategorized No Comments
[[{“value”:”The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady in its June meeting, which means CD rates aren’t likely to drop overnight — but they may start slipping soon.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. Many experts still expect the Fed to lower rates later this year. If that happens, banks could begin cutting CD yields in anticipation. So if you’ve been thinking about locking in a long-term CD, this might be your best window.Learn why (and how) to open a 5-year CD before rates start to fall.Why a 5-year CD makes sense right nowHistorically, CD rates tend to follow the Fed’s lead. When the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, banks usually reduce CD rates as well — sometimes even before the cut happens.Case in point: even with no rate cut yet, some banks have already started trimming their CD yields. But right now, top 5-year CD rates are still among the best we’ve seen in years, with some banks currently offering around 3.50%.Opening a 5-year CD at these rates means you can lock in a solid return even if the market shifts. That gives you more certainty than something like a high-yield savings account, which can change rates at any time.And with a 5-year CD, you’ll get that guaranteed return for a whole half-decade.Want to lock in a top CD rate now? Check out our list of the top 5-year CD rates to get started now.Who should open a CD?A CD isn’t right for everyone. But it can be a great fit if you have money you don’t need to touch and want a predictable return.You should consider a CD if:You have short- to medium-term savings goals. A CD can be perfect for saving for a car, vacation, or wedding.You want a guaranteed return. A fixed rate shields your savings from drops in the market.You have an emergency fund already. CDs charge penalties for early withdrawal, so they’re best for money you can leave untouched.CDs are also FDIC insured up to $250,000, meaning your money’s protected just as it would be in a savings account.Don’t wait — open a CD todayCD rates haven’t significantly dropped yet — but that could change fast if the Fed signals cuts.By opening a 5-year CD now, you can secure a strong return and protect yourself from future rate drops for years to come.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 silver bank safe with a background of days off a calendar.

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady in its June meeting, which means CD rates aren’t likely to drop overnight — but they may start slipping soon.

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.

Many experts still expect the Fed to lower rates later this year. If that happens, banks could begin cutting CD yields in anticipation. So if you’ve been thinking about locking in a long-term CD, this might be your best window.

Learn why (and how) to open a 5-year CD before rates start to fall.

Why a 5-year CD makes sense right now

Historically, CD rates tend to follow the Fed’s lead. When the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, banks usually reduce CD rates as well — sometimes even before the cut happens.

Case in point: even with no rate cut yet, some banks have already started trimming their CD yields. But right now, top 5-year CD rates are still among the best we’ve seen in years, with some banks currently offering around 3.50%.

Opening a 5-year CD at these rates means you can lock in a solid return even if the market shifts. That gives you more certainty than something like a high-yield savings account, which can change rates at any time.

And with a 5-year CD, you’ll get that guaranteed return for a whole half-decade.

Who should open a CD?

A CD isn’t right for everyone. But it can be a great fit if you have money you don’t need to touch and want a predictable return.

You should consider a CD if:

  • You have short- to medium-term savings goals. A CD can be perfect for saving for a car, vacation, or wedding.
  • You want a guaranteed return. A fixed rate shields your savings from drops in the market.
  • You have an emergency fund already. CDs charge penalties for early withdrawal, so they’re best for money you can leave untouched.

CDs are also FDIC insured up to $250,000, meaning your money’s protected just as it would be in a savings account.

Don’t wait — open a CD today

CD rates haven’t significantly dropped yet — but that could change fast if the Fed signals cuts.

By opening a 5-year CD now, you can secure a strong return and protect yourself from future rate drops for years to come.

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