Cd Article Archive 2007

New Proposals to Reform Retirement Plans

By:

Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | November 23, 2007

Congress is debating the end of 401(k) plans as we know them. But don't be concerned-all proposed changes are for the better.

CDs and FDIC Insurance

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 20, 2007

Bank failures don't happen often, but they do happen. If you have your savings tied up in certificates of deposit, make sure you understand how FDIC insurance protects you and your money.

The Price of Commitment: Higher Interest

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 05, 2007

With certificates of deposit, it isn't the price you pay for the commitment, it's the price you earn for it.

Investing for Income

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | October 22, 2007

Investing for income is a popular retirement planning strategy. It can also be equally valuable to any investor who'd like to minimize portfolio volatility.

Foreign Aid: Invest Internationally

By:

Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | October 09, 2007

Geographic diversification is easier than you might think. Once you know what you're doing, you can trade foreign stocks, or even entire markets, just as you would any U.S. stock.

Five Simple Steps to Buying a Stock

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | October 04, 2007

You know you're supposed to put your savings to work "in the market," but you're not quite sure where to begin. Here's a step-by-step approach to buying stock.

Determining CD Rates

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | October 03, 2007

Several factors determine how banks and credit unions set interest rates on CDs (certificates of deposit). Learn those factors and you can find the best rate for your savings.

Are you an Investor or a Speculator?

By:

Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | October 01, 2007

Are you a gambler or an investor? Believe it or not-you can be active in the stock market without losing sleep.

IRA Individual Retirement Accounts

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 23, 2007

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) provide tax benefits for responsible savers.

A Primer on Purchasing Bonds

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 17, 2007

If you're looking for safety in your volatile stock portfolio, bonds can be a calming force. Here are some tips on how to buy them.

Investing: Safety in Diversity

By:

Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | September 05, 2007

When one market goes down, another is likely to rise just as quickly. As a result, a diverse portfolio is your best safeguard against crashes and popped bubbles.

Six Investing "No-nos"

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | August 30, 2007

Hone your investment practices and optimize your returns by learning what not to do with your portfolio.

The ABCs of Bonds

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | August 18, 2007

Did you know that the federal government wants to borrow money from you? Bonds, a relatively safe and predictable investment, can be a key component of your diversified portfolio.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETF)

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | August 15, 2007

Nowadays, novice investors have far more choices than just the traditional mutual fund. One option is the exchange-traded fund, which offers instant diversification with a low-cost buy-in.

Investing in Stocks? Understand the Exchanges

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | August 05, 2007

The stock exchange adds crucial efficiency to the interaction among businesses, investors, and brokers. Without it, businesses couldn't raise as much capital, investors wouldn't know the value of their holdings and the stockbroker's job would be much harder.

Understanding Index Fund Investing

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | August 01, 2007

Are you looking for a low-maintenance, low-risk way to get into the stock market? Index fund investing may be your answer.

Mutual Funds Basics

By:

Danette Pelletier - MortgageLoan.com | July 29, 2007

Have you ever tested the water temperature by dipping in a single toe? For decades, mutual funds have offered hesitant investors a chance to enter the stock market without risking overconcentration in any single security. If you've been thinking about mutual funds, educate yourself on the essentials before you plunge into the investing pool.

Finding the Best CD Rates

By:

Danette Pelletier - MortgageLoan.com | July 27, 2007

Certificates of deposit (CDs) offer the best of both worlds-reliable returns with very little risk. But not all CDs are the same. This primer will help you get the most bang for your buck.

Money Market Accounts or CDs - Which is better?

By:

Nicki Howell - MortgageLoan.com | June 29, 2007

When choosing a savings account, it's important to understand all your options. Money market accounts and certificates of deposit are great savings tools, but which is better?

Playing the CD Game to Manage Risk

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 10, 2007

The investing game is lot like poker-there's lots of risk, but also plenty of rewards. The payout comes down to how you play your hand. With certificates of deposit (CDs), there are plenty of strategies that help you win without a big gamble.

Low-Risk Investing Introduction

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 03, 2007

Investing your money doesn't have to mean buying stock in dotcoms or funding your cousin's start-up. Beginning investors can see financial gain by trying out low risk, low return investments.

Stock Market Introduction

By:

Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | May 29, 2007

Have you always wanted to invest in stocks but didn't know how to start? The following primer on stock market investing will help beginners feel more comfortable.

Where to Hang Your Rainy Day Fund to Dry

By:

Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | May 24, 2007

Everyone needs cash reserves for unexpected expenses or gaps in income. Where's the best place to keep those funds?

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

By:

Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | May 20, 2007

When the stock market goes down, a diversified portfolio can help ride out the storm. Real estate is an investment that can help buffer the market's mood swings.

Money Market Mutual Funds Introduction

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | May 14, 2007

If you're looking for a financial tool that doesn't carry a high degree of risk, money market mutual funds are an ideal choice. Structured to be highly liquid and a stable investment, they're an integral part of many investors' portfolios.

Are Certificates of Deposit Good Investments?

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | May 11, 2007

Nobody wants to work forever. But the only way people can stop working is to either win the lottery-an unlikely prospect-or have enough money saved for retirement. Unfortunately, saving isn't enough. The money that you accumulate must be invested wisely in order for it to grow into a comfortable nest egg.

CDs: Maximize Your Asset Allocation Impact

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | May 03, 2007

Asset allocation makes a huge difference when planning for retirement. A well-diversified portfolio can help you minimize risk and take advantage of the ups and downs of the stock market.

Six Smart Tips for CD Investors

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | April 23, 2007

A certificate of deposit is known by its initials-CD. But like any financial tool, these initials can spell trouble if you don't understand how the product works. Here are six smart tips to help you learn the ABCs of CDs.

Savings Tips: Explore Certificates of Deposit

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | April 07, 2007

In the music world, CDs (compact discs) are becoming a thing of the past, thanks to downloadable music. In the financial world, CDs (certificates of deposit) are still a reliable tool that will always be stylish.

Are Postage Stamps Better than High Yield Money Market Accounts?

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | April 04, 2007

You can lock in today's prices for postage for eternity. Is it a solid investment, or another tulip-bulb craze?

Choosing the Right High-Yield Savings for Your Needs

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | April 02, 2007

Whether you're saving for a rainy day or a two-month tour of Europe, it's important to choose savings instruments that meet your needs. Fortunately, there are options out there that can help you stash your cash and earn a competitive yield.

Shopping for a Certificate of Deposit

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | March 28, 2007

Certificates of deposit (CDs) offer healthy yields at virtually no risk-an ideal combination for many investors. While the CD concept sounds like a no-brainer, choosing the right option among many requires discipline and organization.

Personal Finance: Creating an Emergency Fund

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | March 24, 2007

The tried-and-true advice of financial professionals is to build and maintain an emergency cash fund. It can be discouraging, however, to keep your hard-earned money in a low-rate account. That's why a certificate of deposit (CD) can be an excellent tool for the disciplined investor. CDs offer higher rates than traditional savings accounts, as well as protection against that sudden compulsion to spend.

A Safe Investment Plan: Create a CD Ladder

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | March 21, 2007

Safe investments that provide reasonable returns are few and far between. Basic savings accounts earn only pennies on the dollar, and the stock market is a gamble, even if you do the research. If you're seeking a middle ground, consider laddering certificates of deposits (CDs) as a safer investment strategy.