With rates near 5%, a tax refund could start earning more the moment it hits your account.Credit: Xavier Lorenzo / Getty Images Key Takeaways High-yield savings, money market, and brokerage cash accounts pay 3%–5% right now, letting you grow your refund without any risk. CDs offer guaranteed APYs up to 4.50% and let you lock in today’s high rates if you won’t need the money for a while. Splitting your refund between a flexible account and a CD can help you earn more while keeping access to some of yo ...

That rule extends to the final home game of the season, which is scheduled for March 7, 2026. If the Wildcats win that matchup, the 4.25% bonus rate will remain in place for an additional 30 days—after which it reverts to 3.90% for the rest of the CD's term. This creative CD is available nationwide. All that's required is Ardent Credit Union membership, which can be obtained by working for or retiring from a partner company, being related to or sharing a household with an eligible member, or agreeing to a f ...

Core Insights - Ardent Credit Union has introduced a unique "Slam Dunk CD" that ties its interest rate to the performance of the Villanova men's basketball team, offering a 7-month term with an annual percentage yield (APY) that can rise to 4.25% if the team wins its home games [1][2]. Product Details - The "Slam Dunk CD" has a base rate of 3.90% which increases to 4.25% upon a home game victory by the Villanova team [2]. - The promotional rate remains valid until the final home game on March 7, 2026, with a potential extension of the bonus rate for 30 days if the team wins that game [3]. - Membership in Ardent Credit Union is required to access this CD, which can be obtained through various means, including employment with partner companies or a free membership in the American Consumer Council [4]. Market Position - The CD is likely to attract Villanova fans but may not appeal to the broader market due to its specific conditions and limited competitive rates [5][7]. - Compared to other CDs, the base rate of 3.90% is not particularly competitive, and the maximum average return of 4.00% is contingent on the team's performance [8][9]. - The early withdrawal penalty for the Slam Dunk CD is more severe than many other options, which may deter potential investors [10]. Target Audience - The product may primarily appeal to die-hard Villanova fans or loyal customers of Ardent Credit Union, as the credit union's other offerings have lower rates [11]. - The requirement for funding the CD with "new money" and the timing of the promotion may limit its attractiveness as the college basketball season progresses [11][12].

Core Insights - An 18-month CD is highlighted as a competitive option for earning returns on savings without long-term commitment, offering higher interest rates than typical savings accounts while providing more flexibility than longer-term CDs [1] Best 18-Month CDs - Ally Bank offers the top-rated 18-month CD with a 3.6% APY and no minimum opening deposit requirement, with daily compounding interest [3] - Synchrony Bank provides a competitive 3.8% APY with no minimum opening deposit, but has a penalty of 180 days' simple interest for early withdrawals [4] - Marcus by Goldman Sachs features a 4% APY with a minimum deposit of $500, and early withdrawal incurs a penalty of 180 days' interest [5] - Limelight Bank's CD offers a 3.85% APY with a minimum deposit of $1,000, with daily compounding and quarterly credited interest [10] - Live Oak Bank has a 3.7% APY but requires the highest minimum deposit of $2,500, with a 90-day simple interest penalty for early withdrawals [11] - America First Credit Union provides a 3.95% APY with a $500 minimum deposit, and dividends are compounded and credited monthly [12] - Bank5Connect offers a 3.5% APY with a $500 minimum deposit, with a six-month interest penalty for early withdrawals [13] - Bask Bank features a 3.75% APY with a $1,000 minimum deposit, and early withdrawal incurs a penalty of 180 days' interest [15] - TAB Bank has a 3.87% APY with a $1,000 minimum deposit and daily compounding interest [20] - Bread Savings offers a 3.75% APY with a higher minimum deposit of $1,500, with daily compounding and monthly credited interest [22] Methodology for Best 18-Month CDs - The evaluation of the best 18-month CDs was based on over 300 data points, focusing on metrics such as annual percentage yield (APY), minimum opening deposit, and compounding frequency [24][25] - Accounts with higher APYs received more points, while those with lower or no minimum deposit requirements ranked more favorably [26]

Core Insights - The article discusses the benefits of 6-month certificates of deposit (CDs) as a flexible savings option that offers better yields compared to traditional savings accounts [1] Group 1: Best 6-Month CDs - Ally Bank offers a 6-month CD with an APY of 3.9%, no monthly maintenance fees, and no minimum opening deposit requirement [3] - Synchrony Bank provides a 6-month CD with an APY of 3.75%, also with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements [4] - America First Credit Union has a 6-month CD with a 4% APY, requiring a minimum deposit of $500 to open [5] - Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers a 6-month CD with a competitive APY of 4.05%, requiring a minimum deposit of $500 [10] - Bread Savings features a 6-month CD with an APY of 4.05%, but has a higher minimum opening deposit of $1,500 [11] - Bank5Connect's 6-month CD has an APY of 3.2% with a minimum deposit of $500 [12] - Bask Bank offers a 6-month CD with a 3.85% APY and a minimum deposit of $1,000 [13] - EverBank provides a 6-month CD with a 3.8% APY, requiring a minimum deposit of $1,000 [20] - Quontic Bank's 6-month CD has an APY of 3.75% with a minimum deposit of $500 [21] - Limelight Bank offers a 6-month CD with the highest rate of 4% and a minimum deposit of $1,000 [22] Group 2: Benefits and Considerations - 6-month CDs typically offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, allowing for faster savings growth [23] - The interest rate on a 6-month CD is guaranteed for the entire term, providing stability even if market rates fall [23] - The average rate for a 6-month CD is currently 1.58%, with some banks offering rates as high as 4%, which can significantly increase interest earnings [28][30] - The highest-paying 6-month CDs currently available are from Bread Savings and Marcus by Goldman Sachs, both offering 4.05% APY [30] Group 3: Methodology - The evaluation of the best 6-month CDs was based on over 300 data points, including annual percentage yield (APY), minimum opening deposit, and compounding frequency [31] - Accounts with higher APYs received more points, while those with lower or no minimum deposit requirements ranked more favorably [32] - Compounding frequency and customer service contact methods were also key metrics in the evaluation process [32]

Core Insights - The article discusses the financial situation of Americans aged 55-64, highlighting their savings patterns and investment strategies as they approach retirement [4][6][7]. Group 1: Savings and Investment Patterns - A significant portion of individuals aged 55-64 have savings in various accounts, with over half holding retirement accounts [2][4]. - The median balance for bank accounts among this age group is reported at $8,000, which is higher than younger peers but lower than older individuals [3][6]. - The Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances indicates that median savings balances increase with age, ranging from $5,400 for those under 35 to $13,400 for those aged 65-74 [4]. Group 2: Financial Flexibility and Retirement Planning - Individuals in their 50s and 60s may experience increased financial flexibility due to fewer obligations, allowing them to focus on retirement savings [5][6]. - Financial experts recommend that even small monthly contributions to retirement accounts can significantly enhance savings over time, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment strategies [6][9]. - It is suggested that individuals discuss their retirement plans with partners to align their visions and expectations [12]. Group 3: Savings Strategies - Utilizing high-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) is recommended to maximize short-term savings, especially in a high-interest rate environment [12][13]. - High-yield savings accounts currently offer annual percentage yields (APY) between 4.00% and 5.00%, making them suitable for emergency funds [13]. - CDs provide fixed rates for a set period, with top-paying options offering yields as high as 4.40%, which can be beneficial for those who do not need immediate access to their funds [14][15].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) early to secure higher yields before potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [2][3][6]. RMD Timing and Strategy - Individuals subject to RMDs must withdraw by December 31 to avoid penalties, and while many wait until December, acting sooner may be beneficial [2][3]. - With anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, delaying RMD withdrawals could result in missed opportunities to lock in current high yields, particularly in certificates of deposit (CDs) [3][9]. Investment Options for RMD Funds - Taking RMDs early allows individuals to invest in high-yield CDs, which currently offer returns in the low- to mid-4% range, providing a safe and predictable return [8][10]. - For those seeking flexibility, high-yield savings accounts and money market accounts are also viable options, with some accounts offering rates up to 5.00% [12][13]. Market Conditions and Predictions - The probability of a Federal Reserve rate cut is approximately 45% in December and around two-thirds by late January, which could lead to declining CD yields [9]. - The article suggests that locking in current CD rates is prudent, as there is no guarantee that these rates will remain available until the RMD deadline [10].