I have a sizeable bank CD that will mature at the end of this month. I'm considering renewing it, but not sure. I have a job waiting for me in Oregon, but the income is not guaranteed. Therefore, I'm also considering turning the CD into something a bit more liquid. Any suggestions? Money Market? Thanks in advance. ABM
ABM, One strategy is to split your funds into two or more piles, and stagger multiple CDs with the same term, so that if you need money quickly, you don't have to wait long for it. So, for example, you could split your money in quarters: put half in a six-month CD, half in a one-year CD, and in three months do the same with the other half. When each of the six-month CDs mature, you renew them for a 12-month term. Since typically longer-term CDs pay a slightly higher rate, you get the benefit of the better return, plus you don't sacrifice as much liquidity. Of course, right now I don't think that a longer term CD pays much more than a short-term one, if at all, but over time it works out. Depending on the size of your savings/checking account, you could possibly make due with just two or three CDs instead of four, but I'm sure you get the idea. Best, --d