With the current economic problems and the volatility in the stock market, people want to find out how to get the best interest rates. They are nervous about investing and want to be sure their money is absolutely safe. Often people will choose a lower rate of return now just to ensure that their investment is secure. So what options are available if you have some money to invest and want to earn more interest than checking and savings accounts are paying?
Bank CD’s are guaranteed by FDIC insurance which is really the US government and that is about the safest you can get right now. If the FDIC insurance fails, that will mean the end of the US government and everything will be in total chaos so you have to trust it is safe. Unfortunately, certificate of deposits are paying only about 1%, which is a historically low rate of return.
Strangely enough, the best CD rate is not always the one with the longest term. Sometimes when you go into a bank looking for the highest rates, you will notice that the 30-year CD or 15 year CD actually has a lower rate than something for less years. Also, because of a special promotion, you may be able to get the best rate with one of the shorter terms CD’s.
These low rates really hurts all the people that need interest income to help them get by which are often retired people and seniors. It may be advisable for young people to invest in stocks and other vehicles that have some risk and can give a better rate of return but not older people. This is because young people have a long time horizon and can withstand market fluctuations but older people need to have their money available at all times.
Other safe options are to buy Treasury bills or just keep cash. T-bills are paying even less than CD’s though, and you are almost loaning your money to the U.S. government for free. You might decide to not invest it in anything and just keep cash but then inflation is going to eat away the value of your money. It is a difficult time for everyone right now with this horrible economy and dire financial situation.
Are you trying to find information about CDs vs Treasury notes? If you are you might take a look at Best CD Interest Rate where you will find more information.