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AR15.COM
2/11/2008 5:20:37 PM EDT
Looking for a little info on CD Ladders. I understand the basics of how they work, but are they a better investment than putting the money in a 401k or Money Markets? What will happen to CD's in times of inflation, a good investment or not?

FWIW I am a couple of years off of retirement and won't need the money then, just like a little to play with if I get the urge... Thanks.. fullclip
2/11/2008 8:10:13 PM EDT
[#1]

Clark also thinks people should ladder their CDs, which means having several CDs of different lengths going at the same time -- six months, one year, two years and five years, for example. This allows you to have access to your money every six months to a year, plus not have to guess where interest rates are headed. When your six-month CD matures, just put that money into one of your other CDs that has a good rate. That way you'll spread your money out and reduce your risk.


From clarkhoward.com/shownotes/2007/09/10/

An of course, CD rates www.bankrate.com/brm/rate/deposits_home.asp
2/11/2008 8:12:43 PM EDT
[#2]
Sweet, they even have a tool for CD laddering!  www.bankrate.com/brm/calsystem2/calculators/cdladder/default.aspx
2/11/2008 8:50:21 PM EDT
[#3]
Ladderring CD just lets you keep up with prevailing rates, its safe though, 6months max. Consider a small MMF for your "play money"- Good luck!
2/12/2008 4:14:33 AM EDT
[#4]
I'm building a ladder with my emergency funds. I plan to have 12 one year CDs, each with one month's worth of money. I only have one to go thankfully. This way if I lose my job I can just cash one of these each month.

Now seems like a bad time to lock into long term CDs though. The rates suck. I was getting 5.5% last year now it's down to 3.65%.
2/12/2008 6:13:20 AM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:
Now seems like a bad time to lock into long term CDs though. The rates suck. I was getting 5.5% last year now it's down to 3.65%.


That's the good part about ladders.  As rates climb, you're never too far from putting money from a low-rate into a higher rate CD.