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Why Savvy Savers Use CD Ladders
A simple strategy to earn more interest without losing flexibility.
Hey there,
If you’ve been looking for a smart way to grow your savings without locking up all your money for years, a CD ladder might be the perfect solution.
Here’s the idea:
Instead of putting all your money into one long-term CD, you split it into several smaller CDs with different maturity dates (for example: 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year). As each CD matures, you can either take the cash or reinvest it into a new 5-year CD at the top of the ladder. This way, you get regular access to your money while still earning higher interest rates on longer-term CDs.
Why it matters:
Flexibility: You won’t have to tie up all your cash at once, and matured CDs give you options every year.
Higher returns: Longer-term CDs usually pay better rates, so your ladder helps you capture that.
Protection from rate changes: If interest rates rise, you’ll be reinvesting regularly at higher rates. If they fall, like they could very soon, you’ll still have some money locked in at higher rates.
🚀 Lock in a Competitive 4.25% APY with Synchrony’s 15-Month CD
Looking for a safe way to grow your savings while rates are still strong? Synchrony’s 15-month Certificate of Deposit (CD) is offering a standout 4.25% APY, well above the national average.
Here’s why this CD is worth considering:
Guaranteed growth – Your rate is locked in for the full 15-month term, so your money grows without surprises.
Peace of mind – FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank.
Low commitment, high reward – A shorter term than many CDs but still a strong yield.
Flexible banking – Manage your CD entirely online with Synchrony’s easy-to-use platform.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to put your cash to work, this could be it.
How to Build a CD Ladder
Building a CD ladder is easier than it sounds. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Decide how much to invest. Pick an amount of savings you want to set aside.
Choose your ladder length. A common setup is 5 CDs: 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year.
Divide your money evenly. If you’re investing $10,000, put $2,000 into each CD.
Reinvest as CDs mature. When your 1-year CD matures, roll it into a new 5-year CD. Next year, your 2-year CD matures, do the same. Over time, all your CDs will be earning higher 5-year rates, but you’ll still have one maturing each year.
💡 Example: Right now, Synchrony Bank is offering a 15-month CD at 4.25% APY. That could be a strong short-term option to include in a ladder, especially if you want a little more yield than a standard 1-year CD while keeping near-term access to your money.
The bottom line?
A CD ladder balances safety, flexibility, and growth. It’s a simple way to put your savings to work without taking on extra risk.
👉 Thinking about building one? Start small. Even three CDs can give you the benefits.
Until next time,
-Sean Bryant
Founder, One Smart Dollar
Publisher of The Banking Edge
P.S. Have a friend who’s saving for a home, vacation, or future expenses? Forward this email—they’ll thank you later.
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