Latest news with #editors


Forbes
8 minutes ago
- Business
- Forbes
CD Rates Today: July 30, 2025 - Earn As Much As 4.94%
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Today's highest CD rate is 4.94% for a jumbo 6-month CD. CD rates from online banks are commonly twice as high as the national average rates. CD ladders let you leverage high rates without locking up all of your money long-term. The best interest rates on CDs (certificates of deposit) currently top out at 4.94%, depending on the term. Here's a look at how CD rates are trending, along with an overview of the best rates for various terms. A CD is a kind of savings account with a fixed interest rate for a given term. You can access your principal and interest payments once the CD term expires; if you withdraw money before that time, you'll incur an early withdrawal penalty . Traditionally, the longer a CD term, the higher the yield, but that dynamic hasn't held in recent years. Make sure you select a CD that matches up with when you'll need the money. Three-month CDs are a good option for short-term savings goals. The current average rate on a three-month CD sits at 1.29%, but the highest rate is 4.62%. The average rate is unchanged from a week ago. If you're interested in a short-term CD with high yields, consider a six-month CD . The best rate today is 4.94%. The current average APR for a six-month CD is 1.76%, about the same as last week. The highest interest rate currently available on a 12-month CD—one of the most popular CD terms—is 4.84%. If you find a rate in that vicinity, you've found a good deal. Last week, the rate was lower at 4.64%. The average APY, or annual percentage yield, on a one-year CD is now 1.84%, unchanged from a week ago. If you can hold out for two years, 24-month CDs today are being offered at interest rates as high as 4.52%. That's the same as this time last week. The average APY for the CD is 1.64%, flat to last week's average. Today, the highest rate on a three-year CD stands at 4.26%, so you'll want to shop around for that rate or something near it. The average APY is 1.57%. The highest rate available today for a five-year CD is 4.26%. The average APY is 1.58%, similar to last week. If you opt for a five-year CD, make sure you're aware of the early withdrawal penalty. It's not unusual to lose one full year's worth of interest or more if you break open a five-year CD before it matures. The best rate today on jumbo CDs is 4.94% for a 6-month term. As with non-jumbo, various term lengths are available. The average APY for the 6-month CD is currently 1.81%. Most jumbo CDs require a minimum deposit of $100,000—and some even require $250,000. However, there's no universally agreed-upon definition regarding what qualifies as a "jumbo" CD. Some banks and credit unions slap the label "jumbo" on CDs you can open with $50,000, $25,000 or even less. Related: CD Interest Rates Forecast: How Good Will They Get? Digital banks tend to have an edge over traditional outfits thanks to lower overhead costs and the need to offer top-of-market yields to attract new customers. Take Chase Bank (traditional), Capital One (hybrid) and Synchrony Bank (online). Be sure to compare a few options with the types of banks you're most comfortable with. Other top CD rates by banks include: To open a CD , start by establishing an account with a bank and making a one-time, upfront payment, which constitutes your principal. Many banks require you to deposit a minimum amount—which can be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars—to open a CD. At credit unions, CDs are often referred to as share certificates. The timer on your CD term begins once you deposit your principal. You begin earning interest, and the bank or credit union will provide you with monthly or quarterly statements reflecting how much you're accumulating. Since early withdrawal penalties eat into your earnings, it's in your best interest to avoid tapping your CD before the term matures. In some cases, you may even face early withdrawal penalties so stiff they cut into your principal. If you want the best interest rate on your savings, CDs are usually your best bet, outpacing even the best high-yield savings accounts and best money market accounts . You will have to do without the money for as long as the term lasts; otherwise you'll owe an early withdrawal penalty. Even still, you may not be that impressed since potential investments, such as stocks, tend to outperform CDs over the long haul. Why settle? The issue is that stocks, and even bonds, are much more volatile than CDs. Stocks crashed nearly 20% in 2022, while bonds dropped 13%. Imagine a fifth of your savings going "poof" over the course of a year. Not a happy thought, is it? CDs and stocks perform different roles in your overall financial plan. CDs are a depot for a portion of your savings you don't need immediately, while stocks provide solid long-term returns. You don't want to risk cash you're depending on. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. provides you with up to $250,000 in coverage in the event the bank issuing your CD ever fails. For share certificates purchased from federal credit unions and most state-chartered credit unions, the National Credit Union Administration insures your money up to the same limit. CD rates generally fluctuate the most following the Federal Reserve's decisions to raise, lower or maintain the federal funds rate. The federal funds rate is the rate at which banks lend money to each other overnight. The Fed makes decisions about the funds rate eight times per year when the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets. Related: CD Interest Rates Forecast: How Good Will They Get? Curinos determines the average rates for certificates of deposit (CDs) by focusing on specific CDs and excluding others. Certain types, such as promotional offers, relationship-based rates, private, youth, senior, student/minor, affinity, bump-up, no-penalty, callable, variable, step-up, auto transfer, club, gifts, grandfathered, internet-only and IRA CDs are not considered in the calculation. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) You build a CD ladder by saving your money in multiple CDs with cascading term lengths. For instance, you might buy a one-year CD, a two-year CD, a three-year CD, a four-year CD and a five-year CD. As each of the shorter-term CDs matures, you replace it with a new five-year CD. Follow this plan and you'll have one better-yielding five-year CD maturing each year. If you're ever having a bad year, you could take some of the cash from the expiring CD and use it to pay bills instead of pouring it all into a fresh CD. Comparison shop to track down the best CD rates . Banks and credit unions compete by offering alluring yields to land your business, so shopping around is a must before you purchase any bank CD or credit union share certificate. CDs usually come with zero fees, meaning your money won't be nibbled at by the monthly maintenance fees that are typical with many savings, checking and money market accounts. You will likely be charged an early withdrawal penalty if you end your CD term early. Make sure you won't need access to your cash in the meantime.


Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
CD Rates Today: July 29, 2025 - Earn As Much As 4.94%
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Today's highest CD rate is 4.94% for a jumbo 6-month CD. CD rates from online banks are commonly twice as high as the national average rates. CD ladders let you leverage high rates without locking up all of your money long-term. Today's best interest rates on CDs (certificates of deposit) are as high as 4.94%. Rates vary by term and often fluctuate, and they are expected to fall as the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates. A CD is a particular type of savings account that pays a fixed interest rate for a set period of time. The benefit is that you'll typically receive a better yield than what you could find from a high-yield savings account. The drawback is that you can't touch the money before the CD matures without paying a withdrawal penalty. For instance, you could lose an entire year's worth of interest if you withdraw funds from a five-year CD before it reaches maturity. Three-month CDs are a good option for short-term savings goals. The current average rate on a three-month CD sits at 1.29%, but the highest rate is 4.62%. The average rate is unchanged from a week ago. If you're interested in a short-term CD with high yields, consider a six-month CD . The best rate today is 4.94%. The current average APR for a six-month CD is 1.76%, about the same as last week. The highest interest rate currently available on a 12-month CD—one of the most popular CD terms—is 4.84%. If you find a rate in that vicinity, you're getting a good deal. Last week, the rate was lower at 4.64%. The average APY, or annual percentage yield, on a one-year CD is now 1.84%, unchanged from a week ago. If you can hold out for two years, 24-month CDs today are being offered at interest rates as high as 4.52%. That's the same as this time last week. The average APY for the CD is 1.65%, flat to last week's average. Today, the highest rate on a three-year CD stands at 4.26%, so you'll want to shop around for that rate or something near it. The average APY is 1.57%. The highest rate available today for a five-year CD is 4.26%. The average APY is 1.58%, similar to last week. The longer the term, the higher the early withdrawal penalty. It's not unusual to lose one full year's worth of interest or more if you break open a five-year CD early. Be absolutely certain you understand the penalty before you make your investment. The best rate today on jumbo CDs is 4.94% for a 6-month term. As with non-jumbo, various term lengths are available. The average APY for the 6-month CD is currently 1.81%. Most jumbo CDs require a minimum deposit of $100,000—and some even require $250,000. However, there's no universally agreed-upon definition regarding what qualifies as a "jumbo" CD. Some banks and credit unions slap the label "jumbo" on CDs you can open with $50,000, $25,000 or even less. Related: CD Interest Rates Forecast: How Good Will They Get? CD rates are rarely the same between any two banks, so you should comparison shop when looking for a new account. You may decide to stick with your current bank because it's convenient or join a new bank to take advantage of higher rates. To find the right CD, look at the specific term you're interested in with a few different banks. Traditional, brick-and-mortar banks tend to offer lower CD rates, in general, than online banks without any branches. For example: Other top CD rates by banks include: To open a CD , start by establishing an account with a bank and making a one-time, upfront payment, which constitutes your principal. Many banks require you to deposit a minimum amount—which can be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars—to open a CD. At credit unions, CDs are often referred to as share certificates. The timer on your CD term begins once you deposit your principal. You begin earning interest, and the bank or credit union will provide you with monthly or quarterly statements reflecting how much you're accumulating. Since early withdrawal penalties eat into your earnings, it's in your best interest to avoid tapping your CD before the term matures. In some cases, you may even face early withdrawal penalties so stiff they cut into your principal. If you want the best interest rate on your savings, CDs are usually your best bet, outpacing even the best high-yield savings accounts and best money market accounts . You will have to do without the money for as long as the term lasts; otherwise you'll owe an early withdrawal penalty. Even still, you may not be that impressed since potential investments, such as stocks, tend to outperform CDs over the long haul. Why settle? The issue is that stocks, and even bonds, are much more volatile than CDs. Stocks crashed nearly 20% in 2022, while bonds dropped 13%. Imagine a fifth of your savings going "poof" over the course of a year. Not a happy thought, is it? CDs and stocks perform different roles in your overall financial plan. CDs are a depot for a portion of your savings you don't need immediately, while stocks provide solid long-term returns. You don't want to risk cash you're depending on. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. provides you with up to $250,000 in coverage in the event the bank issuing your CD ever fails. For share certificates purchased from federal credit unions and most state-chartered credit unions, the National Credit Union Administration insures your money up to the same limit. CD rates generally fluctuate the most following the Federal Reserve's decisions to raise, lower or maintain the federal funds rate. The federal funds rate is the rate at which banks lend money to each other overnight. The Fed makes decisions about the funds rate eight times per year when the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets. Related: CD Interest Rates Forecast: How Good Will They Get? Curinos determines the average rates for certificates of deposit (CDs) by focusing on specific CDs and excluding others. Certain types, such as promotional offers, relationship-based rates, private, youth, senior, student/minor, affinity, bump-up, no-penalty, callable, variable, step-up, auto transfer, club, gifts, grandfathered, internet-only and IRA CDs are not considered in the calculation. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) You build a CD ladder by saving your money in multiple CDs with cascading term lengths. For instance, you might buy a one-year CD, a two-year CD, a three-year CD, a four-year CD and a five-year CD. As each of the shorter-term CDs matures, you replace it with a new five-year CD. Follow this plan and you'll have one better-yielding five-year CD maturing each year. If you're ever having a bad year, you could take some of the cash from the expiring CD and use it to pay bills instead of pouring it all into a fresh CD. Comparison shop to track down the best CD rates . Banks and credit unions compete by offering alluring yields to land your business, so shopping around is a must before you purchase any bank CD or credit union share certificate. CDs usually come with zero fees, meaning your money won't be nibbled at by the monthly maintenance fees that are typical with many savings, checking and money market accounts. You will likely be charged an early withdrawal penalty if you end your CD term early. Make sure you won't need access to your cash in the meantime.


Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Take the near-impossible quiz that was used to determine if applicants at Vogue were fit for the job
Vogue magazine is the cream of the crop in the fashion world, and many dream of working at elite publication - but could you have hacked working at Vogue during its prime? Luckily for the fashion forward amongst us there's a way to see how you'd fare working the fashion bible. The New York Times recently released an interactive quiz to determine where your strengths - and weaknesses - lie. As per the Times, to work for famed Vogue editor Anna Wintour in Vogue's glory days, you had to know a little bit of everything. The quiz, which was created by Wintour's top editors, is based on a real exam that was given to those applying for an assistant position at the publication in the '90s. It would test the applicants elite cultural literacy and quiz them on a 'declaration of what mattered to Vogue.' The original '90s exam consisted of a whopping four pages full of 178 notable people, places, books and films - all of which had to be identified on the spot by the applicant. However, The Times' quiz - which you can take here - made it a tad easier than the original, with a multiple-choice format instead. The interactive quiz uses names and cultural references on the original exam - although the publication noted that applicants in the '90s didn't have the luxury of multiple-choice. It consists of eight different sections, with each section focusing on a different area of knowledge - and the results have been mixed. Questions in the quiz are mainly New York focused, for example, you're asked to name a 'Seventh Avenue Fashion House' (DKNY) or a 'See-and-to-be seen disco popular with the fashion crowd' (Studio 54). Eager quiz-takers flocked to the comments section to share their results - with many claiming despite the quiz deeming them a great fit, they still wouldn't have stood a chance in the illustrious Vogue offices of the '90s. '32/32 but as a somewhat short person of color who won't wear heels and will never fit into a size four dress, it could have been 1000/1000 and I still would not have gotten the job,' one user commented. '32/32 so passed the test but I would not have fit in during the '90s - overweight, pimply, leftist, who wore plaid and jeans,' wrote someone else. 'In the early 2000s I was the subject of an article in Vogue for my profession. They used my words and not my picture. I think if Wintour saw what I looked like she would have cancelled the article. '32/32. I had a career In fashion. At my first interview at 23, my soon to be boss asked, "Can you lie and be deceitful?" to which I promptly answered 'yes' and got the job,' recalled someone else, jokingly adding: 'Ah the '80s.' The original '90s exam consisted of four pages full of 178 notable people, places, books and films - all of which had to be identified on the spot by the applicant. Wintour is seen in 2019 Others found the quiz difficult, admitting they 'could not have done it without multiple choice.' The results either informed the quiz taker they didn't pass if they didn't do well, their resume would be kept on file if they scored somewhere in the middle, or, for those who score high enough, they passed. Then '90s era of Vogue has long been a fascination by fashion lovers and culture critics alike, with former British editor-in-chief Edward Enninful declaring that the '90s turned the fashion industry 'upside down.' In 2024, Hulu released a six-part series titled In Vogue: The 90s, which delved into the decade's most defining moments. In 2023, a former assistant of famous editor Wintour, Lily Stav Gildor, 31, shared what it was really like to work for her. Gildor worked as one of three assistants to the Editor-in-Chief of US Vogue from January 2014 to May 2015 and has gone viral on TikTok sharing her experiences at the magazine - and what she learned. Gildor revealed London-born Wintour taught her 'connections are the most important thing.' 'I learned, so so much from her. I learned about business I learned about fashion I learned about media. And in the last year I started my own business as a textile designer and it's still use the information today,' she gushed. Questions in the quiz are mainly New York focused, for example, you have to name a 'See-and-to-be seen disco popular with the fashion crowd' (Studio 54) In her book, Anna: The Biography, author Amy Odel interviewed several of Wintour's former assistants to get the rundown on how a typical day of Wintours' looked Anna's staff reportedly started preparing for her arrival at the officer at 7:30am. One of the interns begins to respond to Anna's emails, listens to her voicemails, writes out messages for her, sets out the daily newspapers, and get Anna's coffee and breakfast, according to Back Row. One of her former assistants, who chose to remain anonymous, compared some of their actual work moments to the movie The Devil Wears Prada. 'Whenever she wasn't in the office, was when you were able to get those things done. Then she'd come into the office. It was very much like in The Devil Wears Prada when they're all like, "She's coming!" the ex-assistant said. 'I was always scrambling to get ready. You're literally putting things away, making sure everything looks great.' The book also claimed that just like in the movie, one former assistant was advised to not go to the restroom until another was present. Wintour first became editor in chief of Vogue in 1988 and is credited with completely transforming the famed fashion magazine. She is also behind making the Met Gala what it is today - a red carpet event attended by the fashion elite, as she handpicks the celebrities and makes sure to greet them personally. In June, Wintour told staffers that she will be stepping down from her role as Vogue's editor-in-chief. She will continue to hold her position as Condé Nast's global chief content officer and global editorial director at Vogue, and the new head of editorial content will report directly to her. As chief content officer, Wintour oversees every brand globally, including Wired, Vanity Fair, GQ, AD, Condé Nast Traveler, Glamour, Bon Appetit, Tatler, World of Interiors and Allure.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
33 Travel Items You'll Love So Much, You'll Never Go Without Them Again
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. 1. An airplane seat back organizer, because losing your earbuds in the endless void of the seat pouch in front of you is a really lousy way to start your vacation. This keeps your personal effects organized and on hand for that mid-flight boredom — no more having to stand up and reach for the overhead compartment to find your novel. Plus, this way, you won't accidentally leave behind your fave lip balm on the plane. Promising review: "Very useful, especially when traveling with kids. Provided easy access and storage to things like a water bottle, hand sanitizer, snacks, wipes, and headphones. I didn't have to access my carry-on." —JJ Get it from Amazon for $29.99. 2. Plus, a drink holder for my window seat people who don't want to try balancing all their personal effects, as well as their beverages, on the teensy tiny tray table that somehow gets smaller and smaller with each passing year. It even holds some other essentials, like your headphones, glasses, or phone! Amazon Heads up — you can only use this if you're sitting in a seat that has access to a full window! Promising review: "I used this for the first time on a 737. It was fabulous! It didn't intrude into my sitting space nearly as much as I expected. Because the actual window is recessed from the side wall, this only sticks out from the side wall about an inch. If you're considering this, you likely fly enough to know that seats aren't always aligned with the windows. If your window happens to be right beside your seat or the seat in front of you, this won't be of much use. But because it doesn't just come out as much as I thought, you can use it in more situations than I expected. And when you can use it, it's great! I love not having to have my entire tray table down just to hold a 3-inch cup. My only suggestion would be to add a place to hold trash until the flight attendant picks it up. This is very small, very lightweight, and very useful. I'll be taking it on every flight from here on." —JBC Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 3. A *mini* Kindle to carry an entire library's worth of books so you're always entertained during that eight-hour flight, that poolside vacay, or during some downtime in the Airbnb while you're waiting for your always-chronically-late friends to finish getting ready. After all, not only does it carry thousands of downloaded books, but the battery life lasts up to six-freaking-weeks!!! Check out a TikTok of the mini Kindle in action. Promising review: "This is such a great Kindle! It's lightweight, the perfect size for going in a purse or bag, and the matcha is SUCH a great color. I already have a Paperwhite SE that I love, so I decided to get this Kindle for travel purposes. The battery life isn't as great as my Paperwhite, but it still lasts me a while with daily reading! It fits perfectly in my hands and makes reading very comfortable. The only thing it is missing is the warm light option, but that is not a deal breaker for me. If you are looking for a lightweight and comfortable Kindle, this is the one for you." —Christine Heath Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in two colors). 4. A 4-in-1 makeup brush set with a makeup sponge, eyeshadow brush, eyebrow/eyeliner brush, and blush/blending brush — literally everything you could possibly need for a full face of glam without needing to bring an entire case full of brushes. Amazon Promising review: "The bristles are soft, and they apply the product very well. Love that it has a case, which is perfect for traveling. Now I don't have to travel with 10+ brushes." —Yashira Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 10 styles). 5. A universal travel adapter to prove that you are always prepared, no matter which country you end up stumbling upon, as it works in over 160 different countries! Making an unscheduled trip to Argentina, you weren't quite planning on? Don't worry about your devices running out of charge since this adapter has got you covered, no matter where you end up! But remember that this is not a voltage converter! Promising review: "I am a digital nomad, so I travel full-time around the world. I have a lot of devices to charge (laptop, Kindle, phone, backup battery, portable Wi-Fi device, camera, the list goes on). A lot of times, hostel bunks or hotel rooms only have one outlet, and with the previous adapter I was using, I had to charge one device at a time. I used to literally set my alarm to wake up in the middle of the night and switch devices so that I could get more than one device fully charged overnight. I did my research, finally, and settled on this one because it is universal and has four USB ports. What a GAME CHANGER. On my latest trip, I was able to charge all my devices at once, and it made traveling so much smoother. It seems well-made and of good quality, too. Definitely recommend for my digital nomad and traveling peers. Happy travels! :)" —Maggie A. Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two colors). 6. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter that'll let you connect your AirPods (or any wireless headphones) to your airplane seat! Now, you won't have to use those uncomfy plastic earbuds the airline gives you — you can use the headphones of your choice while still enjoying the free in-flight entertainment that is offered! Promising review: "If you have a wireless earpiece and fly frequently, this is a must-have. Most newer planes have a monitor on the seat backs that enables you to watch movies, etc. This unit enables you to do it using your wireless earpiece. Connection is simple and automatic once you have initially paired your device or devices. It's convenient. I'm happy with the purchase." —JCE Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in four colors and five styles). 7. A set of silicone "EarPlanes" to help prevent those awful ear pains that are sure to happen the moment the plane takes off or lands. Promising review: "This product has changed my life. I travel fairly frequently and always have issues with ear pressure on the plane. My ears will be clogged up, and it is painful to swallow for a day or two after short-distance flights. But now, I use these and fly incident-free. You are supposed to insert them before the plane takes off and then before landing. I have found that it works best if I leave them in the entire flight from before takeoff until landing, but they work almost as well if you take them out once you reach cruising altitude." —Thomasina Get a pack of one from Amazon for $7.89. 8. An eight-compartment pill organizer — now, you can keep all of your meds on hand without trying to dig through your bag for different bottles. Each one has eight compartments (two large, six small) and can safely store any size pill or vitamin you need. No need to lug around large bottles in your carry-on; you can just toss one of these little organizers instead. Promising review: "My husband and I travel a lot and take a number of prescription drugs. It was always a hassle accessing our medication when needed, so I purchased this organizer to make things easier. I used a and labeled each little compartment, and it has performed wonderfully. I highly recommend this organizer to anyone who travels and needs medications throughout the day." —Jacqueline Get a three-pack from Amazon for $6.97 (available in two color sets). 9. A 2-in-1 straightener and curling iron so you're not trying to stuff two separate tools into your luggage — but you're well aware of the fact that you can't possibly survive without both a curler and a straightener. Plus, it's dual voltage for international travel! Amazon Promising review: "I randomly bought this little curling iron/straightener to save space for after trying it out, I now find myself reaching for it over my big, expensive, full-sized regular curling iron and straightener. It just heats up so fast and does the best job, especially curling. It curls quickly, and the curls last all day. On both regular hair and extensions. If I could change anything about it, it would be to have it in a full-sized version, too, with the same effectiveness. Not sure if one exists, but if it does, I will buy it." —Melanie Get it from Amazon for $43.77. 10. A simple luggage strap that can hold your essentials, like a travel pillow, jacket, personal item, and more, as you scoot along through the airport. Here's to quickly gathering all your stuff post-screen and freeing up those hands! Amazon Promising review: "Definitely what I needed for my luggage as a flight attendant. Very heavy duty and perfect for me. Works great with my extra luggage and lunch bag to hang on my suitcase. Thank you so much. Will definitely buy again." —Mary Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in five colors). 11. An electronics organizer to keep all of your favorite small gadgets and chargers on hand and keep the mess of wires compact so that they're not taking up extra much-needed space in your bag. Promising review: "I am a flight attendant, and I LOVE this organizer! I keep my iPad, passport, cords, paperwork, and hand sanitizer in here. It keeps me organized! Definitely recommend to anyone who travels and needs to keep organized." —amazonislife Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in four colors and two sizes). 12. A trifold travel wallet that will hold all of your cards, money, and travel documents. It's thin enough to slip into the tiniest of pouches, and this RFID-blocking case can help protect your sensitive information as you catch that last-minute red-eye flight back to your hometown. The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, slim pocket, a ticket slot, a cellphone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, key holder, and pen holder. Promising review: "This was a great travel wallet to have on a recent overseas trip. I have no idea if that RFID stuff actually works, but the zippers were easy to use, and the wallet snapped securely. Just the right amount of pockets and didn't add too much bulk to my carrying bag! Simple design, decently made and a good buy." —nostalgia88 Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 27 colors). 13. A bendy travel pillow so you can get some rest (without hurting or straining your neck), no matter how awkward those budget airline or even your car seats are situated. Amazon Promising review: "I'm a flight attendant, and I travel with this pillow all the time! In hotel rooms, I use it to support my neck, on the plane, I use it to support my lumbar area. When I drive, it helps my lower back. I love that it has a liner that can be removed to wash. I bought my boyfriend one too, and it goes everywhere we do!" —Debbie Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in five colors and four sizes). 14. Or a Trtl travel pillow that frankly looks almost like a scarf, you can easily adjust to give you that perfect tilt ratio that brings the ultimate comfort. Time to actually get some snoozes on the plane. 😴😴😴 Amazon BuzzFeed Shopping contributor loves this! She says: "I've used this for the past few years and swear by it! Before this, I always found traditional neck pillows uncomfortable and would end up ditching them halfway through the flight and getting frustrated. The Trtl pillow is adjustable — you wrap the pillow around your neck and secure it with Velcro, and if you find it's too loose, just make it a bit tighter! I've truly never slept better on a plane than with this pillow." Promising review: "As a flight attendant, I travel all the time. This makes getting stuck in a middle seat palatable. I've used this in cars, planes, trains, etc. It is great. My sister was so jealous on our last trip to Italy that she kept trying to steal it off me. Ordered her one for Christmas." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $64.99 (available in five colors and four sizes/styles). 15. A collapsible silicone water bottle because you don't want to spend the entire flight asking the stewardess for teensy tiny cups of water that you down in a single shot. Plus, it'll be incredibly helpful when you want to take a bottle of water onto the plane but don't have the time to buy a $10 one at the gate. Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed on our BuzzFeed Shopping team says: "I bought this water bottle before a 2.5-week trip to Vietnam (where you don't drink tap water) and Malaysia (where you do). I didn't want to bring one of my ride-or-die S'well bottles because it would take up extra room in my bag when I wouldn't be able to use it during the majority of the trip. This handy silicone bottle did just the trick! It's very easy to roll up and *stays* rolled up thanks to the just-stretchy-enough loop. Said loop was also very handy while walking through airports and just around sightseeing. The bottle is easy to clean and doesn't make my water taste weird. I'm now using it as my daily water bottle and feel confident it'll serve me well for a long time. Plus! With a collapsible water bottle, it's easier to remember if you left water in it before you go through security." Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six colors). 16. An on-the-go Gillette razor to easily fit in even the most stuffed of backpacks. This lil Venus has a pivoting head that adjusts to your curves, so there's no need for awkwardly angling your razor. It's perfect for a quick touch-up before hitting the beaches of Cancun. It comes with one handle and one blade refill but will work with other normal Venus refills! Promising review: "The travel-size shaver is definitely a space saver, along with a lovely case that has holes to help ventilation and prevent mold. Don't let the cuteness fool you. Despite its much smaller size, the handle is easy to handle and grasp." —Sight Seer Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 17. A luggage-mounted cup caddy because the most important item on your travel day checklist is the Starbucks drink you pick up as a reward after braving the tedious security line. This just attaches right onto your suitcase and has two large pockets — perfect for carrying that breakfast sandwich you couldn't resist ordering along with your favorite Refresher. Promising review: "I'm a flight attendant, and I love this one! I love the Velcro 'quick detachment.' It's the best! I had one before without the Velcro opening that just stretched over the handle, and it was a PAIN! This one is great! There's room for two large drinks and a slim pocket for my phone or wallet. Many people see it and ask where I got my clever little caddy!" —Debra G Get it from Amazon for $11.39+ (available in 26 colors and patterns). 18. A hands-free (rotating!) phone mount perfect for propping up your device during any long plane rides. The strong clamp can attach itself to just about anything — your seat tray, suitcase handle, etc. And the dual joints and 360-degree rotation allow for the best viewing angles! Now you don't have to settle for absolute boredom when boarding those budget airlines that don't have a screen. Amazon Promising review: "I used it on a round trip. It is has a powerful and sturdy clip that will attach to almost anything. I didn't have to attempt to balance it on the food tray or strain my neck. It remained at eye level and never attempted to sway or fall. I'd buy it again. Also I'd consider it as a stocking stuffer for a frequent traveler. This is definitely a thumbs-up!" —Kara Get it from Amazon for $11.18+ (available in seven colors). 19. A Beis backpack you can zip open like a suitcase to fit enough clothes for your quick weekend getaway. Having this bag on hand is KEY if you're trying to take as many outfits as physically possible, while still keeping things light and compact enough to avoid baggage fees. Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed on our shopping team says: "I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I had a trusty (now discontinued) InCase backpack I used as a personal item and served me well on dozens of trips for about five years. But I wanted a bag for some upcoming travel (2.5 weeks in Europe with *just* carry-on for five flights) that opens up like a suitcase for easier packing. Since buying, I've taken it on two long weekend trips (Amtrak to Newport, Rhode Island, for a wedding and regional train to a Connecticut country lake house) with no complaints. In fact, for both of those trips, I packed MORE than I needed. Inside, you'll find a mesh zippered pocket and a plastic pocket perfect for your toiletries. I can fit enough wet toilet toiletries in the second pocket as I'd be allowed to carry on for a plane. In the mesh pocket, I put other necessities like cotton swabs, medicine, eyeglasses, etc. The main compartment is deceptively deep, so you can easily roll clothes and Lego-fit them in together without using packing cubes. In fact, I fit all of the stuff in the second picture in that section (a romper, PJs, a bikini, sunscreen, five pairs of undies, a pair of jean shorts, nap dress, three pairs of socks, two pairs of sandals, two T-shirts, a slip skirt, sleep mask, curling iron, mini flat iron, makeup bag, and tote bag). AND it has stretchy X-straps to keep it all secure like you'd see in a roller suitcase so when I unzip it, everything stays put. But before I forget, there's a separate cushioned laptop pocket close to the backpack straps that I found works well for books or a Kindle if your travel leaves you laptop-less. I love that this backpack has DEEP side pockets so your umbrella or water bottle won't fall out. In fact, I stuck a flashlight and an umbrella in one side pocket. (You could always use a flashlight.) Plus! It has a generously sized pocket on the front of the backpack with easy access for sunglasses, snacks, writing sorts of those little extras you need to access quickly. To top it all off, the backpack straps and top handle are STURDY. I felt totally secure toting it around and slinging it into overhead storage compartments on the trains. I love the look and construction of it with faux leather and sturdy black canvas, and the trolley pass-through to easily fit on my roller suitcase, I'm about to drag through a bunch of airports. At nearly $80, this isn't the cheapest backpack option, but if you're a frequent traveler, you'll get so much mileage on it and seriously save on some baggage fees, making it well worth the cost. This backpack and I are going places, for sure." Get it from Beis Travel for $118 (available in six colors). 20. A packing list pad perfect for making sure you don't forget the gifts for all your little niblings, the Insta-worthy outfits you've meticulously picked out, and the dozens of extra chargers you need for all your gadgets. Write out your list well in advance so you don't end up panic shopping at the last second in a foreign city when you realize you've forgotten your flip-flops. Amazon Promising review: "I hate packing — I mean, I really hate packing! I am always afraid I am going to forget something, and the entire ordeal is a stressful one for me. Since I have to travel a lot, this is a game-changer. No more guessing if I forgot my underwear — everything I need is on this list. I am thinking of just keeping one bag totally packed, filled with the items on the list, and just adding my suit in when I am ready to travel. :)" —Dr. Oceanfront Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in two colors and a road trip version). 21. A 3-in-1 foldable wireless charging pad so that you don't have to debate which of your chargers you need to leave behind — because carrying three separate wires takes up a ridiculous amount of space. This can charge your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds all at once! Lift up the circle on the watch charger that doubles as a watch stand. Green lights pop up when fully charged, but that feature can be turned off for those with sensitivity to light. Promising review: "Super compact and sleek, so far no issues with charging my iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, and performance remains consistent. This charger has eliminated at least two additional cords, and I deeply appreciate not having to shuffle chargers around when packing for travel. The charging light has an on/off feature by the watch pad, so I'm able to keep it on the bedside table at night without a bright green light shining in my face. Overall, a great value for the money and such a great tool for staying organized during travel." —Cassandra Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors). 22. An adjustable universal travel harness seat perfect for any little ones six months or up, so you can 🪄bippity boppity boo🪄 any ol' chair into a highchair. Now you can secure your kiddo when you find yourself at your airport Chili's, even when there's not a single highchair in sight. Amazon FYI, this is suited for little ones from the ages of six months and up. Liuliuby is a New York-based small business that specializes in stroller and car seat accessories. Promising review: "This thing was amazing! I give it 10 stars — it fits every type of chair we encountered on our Kenyan vacation! Kept our toddler controlled and made feeding on the go so easy. Very lightweight and packable, a vacation must-have!" —Kireme1 Get it from Amazon for $28.99. 23. A pack of LeakLocks Toiletry Skins that can be extended to fit both full-size and travel-size toiletries like shampoo, sunscreen, or any other liquids — because the last thing you want is droplets of your lotion staining your expensive top. Rinseroo is a small business specializing in problem-solving cleaning, pet, and travel products. Promising review: "These covered various sizes of products — hair care, body wash, etc. Nothing leaked out of these whatsoever, even after a lid popped open during a flight. These prevented it from leaking out on the other contents of my luggage. Easy to use. Not flimsy. Very flexible. LOVE THESE!" —TAG Get a four-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two color sets and also available in an eight-pack). 24. A digital luggage scale so you're not zipping open your bulky suitcase right there on the floor of the airport's check-in counter and trying to stuff three different jeans into your son's backpack. Bring this puppy wherever the adventure takes you, and never have to worry about paying those exorbitant oversized baggage fees again! You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. Here's what BuzzFeed editor has to say about this: "I tested this digital luggage scale out when packing for a trip to Iceland — check out my demo of how it works on TikTok!" Promising review: "We used this on a six-flight trip across Europe and it made it easy to know that we repacked our bags according to the various weight limits. Some bags had a 10-kg limit and some had a 50-lb limit so it was convenient to switch back and forth between units (even though dividing by 2.2 isn't exactly rocket science)." —Robert Get it from Amazon for $9.89+ (available in four colors and a two-pack). 25. A combination 3D eye mask/travel pillow because the guy in the seat in front of you refuses to close that window shade when it's clearly time for some shut-eye. This will block out the light, keep your head straight so it doesn't bob and jolt you out of sleep, and just overall help you catch some relaxing Zs before you land. This contraption provides 360-degree support thanks to a wraparound design and clips that connect it to your seat's headrest. Promising review: "Just took a 15-hour flight with this travel pillow, and this was the best travel pillow by far. I've used inflatable and memory foam neck pillows before; the major problem is that they don't secure your head and torso, so either your muscles have to hold up your body, or your head and torso will end up swinging around, and both are disruptive to sleep. With this travel pillow, my muscles can relax, and the padded eye mask will hold up my head and torso. One minor downside is that the pillow needs to be mounted on your seat's headrest; if someone bumps your seat, it can be disruptive, but this rarely happens. Its size and weight are also much less than memory foam neck pillows, and I don't have to bring an extra eye mask, so it is very travel-friendly." —Sky Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in nine colors). 26. Or a cooling, memory foam contoured sleep mask to block out the light streaming through your neighbor's open window. 🙄 This mask basically molds itself to your face, and its contoured design prevents pressure around the eyes — allowing you to have a comfy sleep even as you try to snooze on the plane. Promising reviews: "The BEST BEST BEST and most comfortable sleep mask I've found. Night shifter for years, and have tried everything. Many other sleep masks have some qualities but not all. This one is AMAZINGLY SOFT, VERY THICK, plush, high quality material, quality stitching that won't come apart like so many others that are cheaply made, and it's EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE even though it's a good price. Very impressed and pleasantly surprised." —Amazon Customer "I loved it so much, I bought a second for my boyfriend! We both travel so much that sometimes you end up in a hotel room where the blinds still let in light, and this blocks it out without compressing your eyelids where it feels like you're being forced to keep them shut. I love that the compression contours around your eye so that you can open your eyes without feeling like you're restricted. I love it so much I sleep with it at home now and I never travel without it!" —Jordann Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in eight colors). 27. A Pashmina scarf you can use as a cutesy travel accessory, a comfy blanket or pillow, a wrap, a nursing cover, or even a shield from that summer sun since it's got UPF 50+ protection! You're about to drape this around your neck before every trip. Promising review: "I absolutely love this wrap!! It is the perfect weight and size for travel. It didn't leave my side on an 11-day backpack trip through Europe and was used as a scarf, blanket, towel, and wrap all throughout the trip. Fashionable enough to dress up a basic travel day outfit, warm enough to keep away a chill on a cooler night, and light enough to pack away small into a bag or tie around a purse strap. I can't say enough great things! I am buying these as gifts for everyone I know who travels." —Jenn Get it from Amazon for $36+ (available in nine colors). 28. Or a nursing scarf with a magnetic snap mechanism so you can feed your little one in absolute style. Drape this scarf around your neck, or keep it on hand, decorating your diaper bag, so you can nurse your baby absolutely anywhere without fear of it clashing with your perfect travel look. Piolina Say hello to one of my new favorite parenting products!! As a breastfeeding mom, with a baby who is always looking to feed, I'm constantly finding myself either nursing or pumping in public. The previous covers I was using were both as conspicuous as they were... shall we say... not the prettiest?? I was also always worried that the previous cover I had was not providing the proper coverage I needed. And then I got this scarf. It has a magnetic snap design that keeps the scarf secure around my neck, so I don't need to worry about my daughter snatching the cover off me. It's deceptively large and covers absolutely what it needs to! Plus, it's So. Freaking. Pretty!!! Finally, a mom-necessity that actually elevates my outfit instead of ruining it! It's the perfect accessory — I keep it around the handle of my diaper bag because it looks beautiful there, and it ensures that I always have it on hand. I even took it on a few trips, and I've gotten a ton of compliments every time I use it. It's literally motherhood made chic. Promising review: "I'm genuinely in love! I've had my eye on this scarf for a while and decided to buy it for myself for Mother's Day. We spent the day by a trendy pool in Hollywood with my 2-month-old baby, and it was such a great accessory. I was able to comfortably breastfeed throughout the day while looking chic. I love how soft & light it is while offering the perfect amount of coverage." —Hana L. Get it from Piolina for $82 (available in three colors). 29. A travel-friendly blanket-slash-pillow so you're always comfy, even when those budget airline seats seem to be getting harder and harder each time you book them, and that A/C is blasted to the max. Use it as either a blanket or fold it into a pillow. And with the strap on the back, it can be slid onto your luggage handlebars for easy access! Amazon EverSnug is a small business that sells travel sleeping care kits. Check it out on TikTok here. Promising review: "I ordered two of these and my daughter and I both use them numerous times while flying recently. They compact nicely, have a loop that can go through the handle of a carry-on, and are the perfect size for snuggling up and sleeping on the airplane. It is lightweight and I will not fly again without it!" —SweetMama Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in seven colors). 30. A travel jewelry case for storing your absolute *best* of friends. This box has seven slot rolls and three rectangular compartments, so you can store anything from rings to earrings to necklaces! Don't deal with the stress of misplacing any of your favorite pieces within your mountain of clothes — these will keep those gorgeous earrings on hand for date night. Amazon Promising review: "I purchased this box for a weekend getaway. In the past, I have just thrown all of my jewelry into little makeup bags, but then everything gets tangled and disorganized. I love that this box keeps everything organized and leaves all my necklaces tangle-free!" —Dogmom206 Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in eight colors). 31. And the Ring Thing — a ~waterproof~ case that'll keep your most precious jewels safe and secure whenever you want to take a quick dip in the pool. This can clip onto your bag or reusable water bottle for easy access, because the worst thing that can happen on your honeymoon is losing your gorgeous wedding ring just days after saying "I do". 💍 Amazon The Ring Thing comes from BringThings, Inc., a woman-owned company dedicated to making "stylish, functional products." They donate a portion of each sale to anti-human trafficking non-profits. Promising review: "I take my wedding ring off at night when I go to bed. When I'm at home, I put it in a ring dish. But, whenever I am traveling, I'm always afraid that I might forget it or it might get knocked onto the floor, and I won't be able to find it. So this works perfectly for me. Since it has a clip on it, I attach it inside my bathroom bag, and the problem is solved. My rings are safe and secure and won't be forgotten." —CG Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in 15 colors). 32. A Tushbaby carrier with extra pockets for diapers, bottles, and your wallet and phone, so you don't have to carry around an oversized diaper bag or try pushing around a clunky stroller as you visit the gorgeous landmarks on your vacation. This will help support your little one's weight and take some strain off your back and arms, which is perfect for your clingy little tyke who wants to stay as close to you as possible while you're exploring a new city. Amazon Promising review: "We bought this for a cruise and used it every day. We loved it so much, we now only use this instead of our other, more expensive chest carrier." —Tyson Bowers Get it from Amazon for $84.99 (available in three colors/designs). 33. And a Cybex Coya travel stroller so your stroller doesn't get damaged or — heavens forbid — lost when tossed around in your airport's baggage claim. This is the perfect travel stroller to have once your little one is able to hold themselves up since it can easily be compacted, has a built-in carrying handle, can fit in a plane's overhead compartment, AND is customizable. Luxury meets convenience. Samar Hadri / BuzzFeed This travel stroller is super customizable — you can mix and match the metal of the stroller as well as the color, so you can choose the perfect combination for you. I love this stroller with every fiber of my being. Now, there may be other travel strollers that are cheaper out there, but believe me, none as comfy and as luxurious as this. Driving this around the airport when I went to NYC, I'm not gonna lie, I almost felt too fancy. My daughter was comfy in the stroller the entire time (and I'm the type of traveler that's there at least a solid three hours early), which is actually super impressive considering she's currently in the "fight for freedom all day, every day" stage. Traveling with a baby is hard, and if this is your first, you're definitely gonna realize pretty darn quickly how difficult it is when compared to your pre-baby life. This stroller has made it so easy for me. I don't have to worry about the airline sending my checked-in stroller to the baggage claim (thus forcing me to carry a heavy baby for like half an hour), nor do I have to worry about it getting damaged when tossed with other luggage. This easily folds, has a carrying handle built in so I don't have to worry about bringing a separate carrying case, and is super easy to open up when it's time to exit the flight. I can't state enough how much I love this. Get it from Cybex for $599.95 (available in a variety of colors and customizations). Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.


Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
CD Rates Today: July 28, 2025 - Take Home Up To 4.94%
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Today's highest CD rate is 4.94% for a jumbo 6-month CD. CD rates from online banks are commonly twice as high as the national average rates. CD ladders let you leverage high rates without locking up all of your money long-term. The best interest rates on CDs (certificates of deposit) currently top out at 4.94%, depending on the term. Here's a look at how CD rates are trending, along with an overview of the best rates for various terms. A CD is a particular type of savings account that pays a fixed interest rate for a set period of time. The benefit is that you'll typically receive a better yield than what you could find from a high-yield savings account. The drawback is that you can't touch the money before the CD matures without paying a withdrawal penalty. For instance, you could lose an entire year's worth of interest if you withdraw funds from a five-year CD before it reaches maturity. Three-month CDs are a good option for short-term savings goals. The current average rate on a three-month CD sits at 1.29%, but the highest rate is 4.62%. The average rate is unchanged from a week ago. If you're interested in a short-term CD with high yields, consider a six-month CD . The best rate today is 4.94%. The current average APR for a six-month CD is 1.76%, about the same as last week. For a one-year CD, one of the most popular CD terms, the highest interest rate available is 4.84%. Last week, the rate was lower at 4.64%. The average APY, or annual percentage yield, on that CD now stands at 1.84%, unchanged from a week ago. If you can hold out for two years, 2-year CDs today are being offered at interest rates as high as 4.52%. That's the same as this time last week. The average APY for the CD is 1.65%, flat to last week's average. Today, the highest rate on a three-year CD stands at 4.26%, so you'll want to shop around for that rate or something near it. The average APY is 1.57%. The highest rate available today for a five-year CD is 4.26%. The average APY is 1.58%, similar to last week. The longer the term, the higher the early withdrawal penalty. It's not unusual to lose one full year's worth of interest or more if you break open a five-year CD early. Be absolutely certain you understand the penalty before you make your investment. The best rate today on jumbo CDs is 4.94% for a 6-month term. As with non-jumbo, various term lengths are available. The average APY for the 6-month CD is currently 1.81%. Most jumbo CDs require a minimum deposit of $100,000—and some even require $250,000. However, there's no universally agreed-upon definition regarding what qualifies as a "jumbo" CD. Some banks and credit unions slap the label "jumbo" on CDs you can open with $50,000, $25,000 or even less. Related: CD Interest Rates Forecast: How Good Will They Get? CD rates are rarely the same between any two banks, so you should comparison shop when looking for a new account. You may decide to stick with your current bank because it's convenient or join a new bank to take advantage of higher rates. To find the right CD, look at the specific term you're interested in with a few different banks. Traditional, brick-and-mortar banks tend to offer lower CD rates, in general, than online banks without any branches. For example: Other top CD rates by banks include: You "purchase" a CD from a financial institution by opening an account with a lump-sum deposit, which is your principal. Many CDs and share certificates (accounts similar to bank CDs but offered by credit unions) have minimum deposits you must meet, which typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Once you deposit your principal, the clock starts on your timed investment, and you begin earning interest. The bank or credit union will provide you with regular statements showing how much you're earning. You may accrue interest daily, monthly or quarterly. Try not to tap your CD before the term ends. Early withdrawal penalties can be so severe that they negate your interest and then start eating into your principal. If you want the best interest rate on your savings, CDs are usually your best bet, outpacing even the best high-yield savings accounts and best money market accounts . You will have to do without the money for as long as the term lasts; otherwise you'll owe an early withdrawal penalty. Even still, you may not be that impressed since potential investments, such as stocks, tend to outperform CDs over the long haul. Why settle? The issue is that stocks, and even bonds, are much more volatile than CDs. Stocks crashed nearly 20% in 2022, while bonds dropped 13%. Imagine a fifth of your savings going "poof" over the course of a year. Not a happy thought, is it? CDs and stocks perform different roles in your overall financial plan. CDs are a depot for a portion of your savings you don't need immediately, while stocks provide solid long-term returns. You don't want to risk cash you're depending on. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. provides you with up to $250,000 in coverage in the event the bank issuing your CD ever fails. For share certificates purchased from federal credit unions and most state-chartered credit unions, the National Credit Union Administration insures your money up to the same limit. CD rates generally fluctuate the most following the Federal Reserve's decisions to raise, lower or maintain the federal funds rate. The federal funds rate is the rate at which banks lend money to each other overnight. The Fed makes decisions about the funds rate eight times per year when the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets. Related: CD Interest Rates Forecast: How Good Will They Get? Curinos determines the average rates for certificates of deposit (CDs) by focusing on specific CDs and excluding others. Certain types, such as promotional offers, relationship-based rates, private, youth, senior, student/minor, affinity, bump-up, no-penalty, callable, variable, step-up, auto transfer, club, gifts, grandfathered, internet-only and IRA CDs are not considered in the calculation. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) You build a CD ladder by saving your money in multiple CDs with cascading term lengths. For instance, you might buy a one-year CD, a two-year CD, a three-year CD, a four-year CD and a five-year CD. As each of the shorter-term CDs matures, you replace it with a new five-year CD. Follow this plan and you'll have one better-yielding five-year CD maturing each year. If you're ever having a bad year, you could take some of the cash from the expiring CD and use it to pay bills instead of pouring it all into a fresh CD. Comparison shop to track down the best CD rates . Banks and credit unions compete by offering alluring yields to land your business, so shopping around is a must before you purchase any bank CD or credit union share certificate. CDs usually come with zero fees, meaning your money won't be nibbled at by the monthly maintenance fees that are typical with many savings, checking and money market accounts. You will likely be charged an early withdrawal penalty if you end your CD term early. Make sure you won't need access to your cash in the meantime.