Exploring The Alternatives For CD Buyers
July 30, 2021 at 4:58 p.m.
By Mike Bergen-
People choose certificates of deposit for many reasons. They are convenient and easy to buy, available at just about every bank or credit union. CDs are generally simple and predictable, earning a fixed interest rate and maturing at fixed date in the future. They are available for various terms, and often have very low account minimums. They usually carry FDIC insurance (or NCUA in the case of credit unions) up to $250,000. (Source: FDIC, NCUA)
Here’s the bottom line: There are no perfect alternatives for CD buyers. Investments that are actually similar to CDs have similar interest rates. Things like Treasury bills, municipal bonds, corporate bonds and fixed annuities share many of the characteristics of CDs, such as fixed maturity dates and fixed interest rates. If an investment purports to be similar to CD, but carries a considerably higher interest rate, that’s a red flag. With fixed income investing, obtaining higher rates often means accepting lower quality or longer maturities, which may be contrary to the objective of a CD buyer.
Often, the first step CD buyers make in response to low rates is to increase the terms of their CDs. People who typically buy 1-year CDs might buy a 2-year CD if it pays a little better rate. Extending the maturity means that the money is tied up for a longer period of time, which may not be optimal.
If you have only invested in CDs throughout your life, be careful when making your initial foray into other investments. There will always be a tradeoff. If FDIC insurance is the most important thing to you, you may have to accept lower rates in to maintain that coverage. If generating income is the most important thing, you may have to forgo FDIC insurance.
While there are no perfect alternatives, municipal and corporate bonds may be appropriate. While bonds share some characteristics with CDs, such as a fixed interest rate and fixed maturity date, there are important differences as well. Bonds do not carry FDIC insurance, and interest and principal payments are based on the ability of the issuer to make those payments. Well-funded issuers will often be able to pay lower interest rates, while lower-rated borrowers may pay higher rates.
As with any investment, it is usually a good idea to do some research and obtain an understanding of the pros and cons before you commit to it. It may also be beneficial to obtain a second opinion by discussing it with someone you trust such as an attorney, a CPA or a financial advisor. If something seems too good to be true, it often is.
To hear the podcast of the Smart Money Management radio show on this topic, or others, go to our website at alderferbergen.com.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
Municipal bonds are subject to availability and change in price. They are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise. Interest income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Municipal bonds are federally tax-free but other state and local taxes may apply. If sold prior to maturity, capital gains tax could apply.
Fixed annuities are long-term investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 are subject to a 10% IRS penalty tax and surrender charges may apply.
CDs are FDIC insured to specific limits and offer a fixed rate of return if held to maturity. Annuities are not FDIC insured. Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 are subject to 10% IRS penalty tax. Surrender charges apply.
Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.
People choose certificates of deposit for many reasons. They are convenient and easy to buy, available at just about every bank or credit union. CDs are generally simple and predictable, earning a fixed interest rate and maturing at fixed date in the future. They are available for various terms, and often have very low account minimums. They usually carry FDIC insurance (or NCUA in the case of credit unions) up to $250,000. (Source: FDIC, NCUA)
Here’s the bottom line: There are no perfect alternatives for CD buyers. Investments that are actually similar to CDs have similar interest rates. Things like Treasury bills, municipal bonds, corporate bonds and fixed annuities share many of the characteristics of CDs, such as fixed maturity dates and fixed interest rates. If an investment purports to be similar to CD, but carries a considerably higher interest rate, that’s a red flag. With fixed income investing, obtaining higher rates often means accepting lower quality or longer maturities, which may be contrary to the objective of a CD buyer.
Often, the first step CD buyers make in response to low rates is to increase the terms of their CDs. People who typically buy 1-year CDs might buy a 2-year CD if it pays a little better rate. Extending the maturity means that the money is tied up for a longer period of time, which may not be optimal.
If you have only invested in CDs throughout your life, be careful when making your initial foray into other investments. There will always be a tradeoff. If FDIC insurance is the most important thing to you, you may have to accept lower rates in to maintain that coverage. If generating income is the most important thing, you may have to forgo FDIC insurance.
While there are no perfect alternatives, municipal and corporate bonds may be appropriate. While bonds share some characteristics with CDs, such as a fixed interest rate and fixed maturity date, there are important differences as well. Bonds do not carry FDIC insurance, and interest and principal payments are based on the ability of the issuer to make those payments. Well-funded issuers will often be able to pay lower interest rates, while lower-rated borrowers may pay higher rates.
As with any investment, it is usually a good idea to do some research and obtain an understanding of the pros and cons before you commit to it. It may also be beneficial to obtain a second opinion by discussing it with someone you trust such as an attorney, a CPA or a financial advisor. If something seems too good to be true, it often is.
To hear the podcast of the Smart Money Management radio show on this topic, or others, go to our website at alderferbergen.com.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
Municipal bonds are subject to availability and change in price. They are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise. Interest income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Municipal bonds are federally tax-free but other state and local taxes may apply. If sold prior to maturity, capital gains tax could apply.
Fixed annuities are long-term investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 are subject to a 10% IRS penalty tax and surrender charges may apply.
CDs are FDIC insured to specific limits and offer a fixed rate of return if held to maturity. Annuities are not FDIC insured. Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 are subject to 10% IRS penalty tax. Surrender charges apply.
Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.
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