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6 smart options to consider when your CD matures
Savers have their choice of high-earning interest-bearing accounts right now, thanks to today’s high-rate environment. After all, each time the Federal Reserve has raised its benchmark rate to try and temper inflation, consumer rates have gone up in tandem – and that includes the rates offered on accounts like high-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs). And, with the Fed’s benchmark rate paused at a 23-year high, these accounts can be a simple, risk-free way to earn interest on your money.
But given today’s economic unknowns – and the variable-rate nature of high-yield savings accounts – CDs in particular have become a popular choice for those seeking a low-risk, fixed-income option. Aside from today’s high rates, the main draw of opting for a CD over another type of interest-bearing account is that the rate is locked in when you open an account. So, you’ll earn the same rate for the full CD term – and won’t have to worry about rate changes until your CD matures.
When your CD hits maturity, though, it’s essential to make informed decisions to maximize your returns and align your investments with your financial goals. So, if you want to get the most out of your CD, it helps to know your options once your account matures.
Explore today’s top-earning CD account options now.
6 smart options to consider when your CD matures
If your CD account is set to mature soon, you may want to consider making these moves when it does:
Negotiate the renewal rate with your current bank
One of the simplest options you have when your CD matures is to renew your CD with the same financial institution. However, rather than simply rolling it over automatically, it could make sense to take this opportunity to negotiate for better terms.
For example, interest rates may have changed since you initially invested, and your financial institution might be willing to offer a higher rate to retain your business. Research current CD rates and use this information as leverage when discussing terms with your bank.
Find out more about the CD rates you could get today.
Open a CD with a higher rate at a new bank
Moving your funds to a new CD at a different bank can be a savvy move if you want to capitalize on better interest rates. Banks often compete to attract deposits, and you might find another institution offering more favorable terms for your investment.
Before making the switch, though, be sure to conduct thorough research on various banks and their CD accounts. Take note of any promotional rates, special terms or loyalty incentives that could enhance your returns.
Transferring your funds to a new CD with a higher interest rate not only boosts your earnings but also allows you to reassess the market and diversify your banking relationships.
Diversify with a ladder strategy
You can also consider diversifying your investments by adopting a CD ladder strategy after your CD matures. Rather than putting all your funds into a single CD, you would distribute them across multiple CDs with varying maturity dates.
This approach ensures that a portion of your investment becomes accessible at regular intervals, providing liquidity while taking advantage of potentially higher interest rates on certain CD terms. This strategy mitigates the impact of interest rate fluctuations on your overall portfolio — which can be a big benefit in today’s uncertain economic environment.
Explore a brokered CD
Brokered CDs offer an alternative to traditional bank CDs, providing access to a broader range of options and potentially higher yields. By working with a brokerage, you can choose from a variety of CDs issued by different banks, allowing you to optimize your returns.
Keep in mind, though, that brokered CDs may have different terms and conditions than traditional CDs. As such, you should carefully review the offerings and learn about associated fees before making a decision.
Consider a high-yield savings account
If you’re looking for flexibility and liquidity without sacrificing too much on interest rates, consider moving your funds to a high-yield savings account after your CD matures. While the interest rates on high-yield savings accounts can vary over time, many accounts currently offer rates that rival the top CD account options.
And, high-yield savings accounts provide easier access to your money, making them suitable for short-term financial goals or emergencies. As with any interest-bearing account, though, just be sure to compare rates across different banks to find the best option for your needs.
Invest in a short-term bond fund
If you’re willing to take on slightly more risk in pursuit of higher returns, short-term bond funds can be an attractive option. These funds invest in a diversified portfolio of short-term fixed-income securities, providing potential for capital appreciation and higher yields. However, it’s crucial to assess your risk tolerance and investment objectives before venturing into bond funds, as they are subject to market fluctuations.
The bottom line
As your CD approaches maturity, taking a proactive approach is crucial for optimizing your returns and aligning your portfolio with your financial goals. Whether you choose to negotiate for better CD terms, diversify with a ladder strategy, explore brokered CDs, consider high-yield savings accounts or invest in short-term bond funds, each option comes with its own set of benefits and considerations. Before making any decisions, though, be sure to assess your risk tolerance, liquidity needs and overall financial objectives. It can also help to stay informed about current market conditions and interest rate trends to make choices that align with your financial well-being.
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New documentary explores the private life of “Superman” icon Christopher Reeve
Long before comic book characters dominated movie screens, actor Christopher Reeve made the world believes in superheroes with the 1978 classic “Superman.”
Reeve died in 2004, nearly a decade after an accident re-shaped his life. “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is using interviews with family and friends and never-before-seen home videos to explore his real-life heroism.
Reeve started his career on the stage, studying at the prestigious Juilliard School and living with comedian Robin Williams. The pair had a friendship that was “more like a brotherhood,” said Reeve’s son Matthew. Reeve was in awe of Williams’ energy and versatility, Matthew Reeve said, but audiences quickly clued into Reeve’s own star power when he took on the role of the Man of Steel.
To his children, though, he “was just dad,” Matthew Reeve said. The documentary explores how Matthew Reeve and his sister Alexandra Reeve Givens grew up watching their dad take the stage as Superman. “Super/Man” also reveals their heartbreak over their parents’ breakup and the joy they found when Reeve re-married. He tied the knot with Dana Reeve in 1992, and the pair welcomed another child, William Reeve, later that year.
“Dana was sunshine,” Alexandra Reeve Givens recalled. “She just brought joy with her wherever she was and could find it even in the darkest moments.”
Those dark moments came suddenly, when in 1995, a near-fatal horseback riding accident left Reeve paralyzed from the neck down. The documentary allows viewers to see, for the first time, what went on out of the public’s view. Reeve can be heard talking about how he “ruined (his) life and everybody else’s,” but in a touching moment, old friend Robin Williams is seen visiting him in the hospital.
“Robin showed him ‘Hey, you’re still you,'” Alexandra Reeve Givens said. “‘You still have this foundation of friendship and people around you, who adore you. And you’re going to find those fun moments in life again.'”
That support from friends and family re-ignited Reeve’s legacy of activism. He made appearances at the Democratic National Convention and the 68th Academy Awards in 1996, about a year after the accident. Matthew Reeve said watching his father address his industry peers at the Oscars was “one of (his) most proud moments.”
“It was just a production for him to get out of bed every morning, let alone get across the country and go out in public for the first time,” Matthew Reeve said. “It was a big deal. It was a big deal to him, but it was also a big deal to the entire disability community. We stayed up in London till like three in the morning to watch that live. It’s a fond memory.”
Reeve also went on to launch what would become the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing research into spiral cord injury and help individuals and families impacted by paralysis. It was his dad’s mission to find a cure, Matthew Reeve said, while his stepmother wanted to focus on improving the lives of paralyzed people and their families. The foundation and Reeve’s platform helped bring unprecedented attention and funding to spinal cord injury research.
Reeve even kept acting and realized his lifelong dream of directing with the 1997 HBO movie “In the Gloaming.” Reeve died in 2004 from heart failure at 52.
“There is a huge amount of great actors and actresses out there, where their filmography might be amazing and what they achieve on a cultural level might be amazing, but have they actually achieved anything really as a human that moves the needle for our society?” said filmmaker Ian Bonhote, who made the documentary with Peter Ettedgui. “And Chris has done both things.”
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” will open in theaters on Friday, Oct. 11.
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