CD rates can vary greatly depending on the term and location of the account. Don’t settle on the first rate you’re offered; researching the rates from all the banks and credit unions in your area will likely result in finding competitive offers you never knew existed.

A Certificate of Deposit, or CD is similar to a savings account in that it earns interest, but different in that you can set a length of time (anywhere from 3 months to 5 years) that you will not touch your savings. The reason you may choose this option is that banks typically offer higher interest rates because they know you are not going to withdraw the money. Banks can then loan your money out, and pay you a higher Bank Rate to allow you to earn even more money.

The most difficult, and important, decision to make when investing your hard-earned money is which type of investment account should you choose. Certificate of deposits mature at a fixed rate on a fixed length of time, so you know what you’re getting up front. Mutual Funds may give a higher return, but are risky because they rely on the success of the stock market and the choices of the firm doing the investing on your behalf. Be sure to do your research on Cedar Rapids Banking Rates before you decide.

As a longtime employee in the corporate headquarters of General Mills you have been fortunate enough to receive a steady paycheck, excellent benefits and career advancement during your tenure. However all good things must come to an end and with your retirement looming on the horizon, the additional investments you made into a high yielding IRA account is going to come in especially handy.

Cedar Rapids Banking Rates want to help you earn money, save money and put yourself in the best position for your own financial situation. If you have a savings account that you do not need for the rest of this year, it may be a good idea to invest into a 6-12 month CD and take advantage of the higher interest rates. You can earn up to 1% or more in a CD versus a savings account with a $5000 CD over 10 years; that can be over $500-$1000 more in interest payments with the higher CD rate.

A clear advantage of investing in CD‘s is that CD Rates are fixed, meaning you lock in an interest rate for the entire term of the CD, and it does not change. When interest rates are dropping, your CD stays at a higher rate. If you money is in a savings account, or interest paying checking account, your interest rate will drop daily, if rate are falling. Learn from Cedar Rapids Banking Rate partners if rates are falling or rising, and make the right choice to earn more money.