Looking at the state of the financial world today, an investor has few options in terms of safe places to deposit money. The stock market is volatile, many people lost thousands from their 401(k)s and real estate is up and down.
Certificates of deposit, however, offer a great short or long-term investment opportunity. You many not be thinking too much about what will happen over the next two years, but putting your money in a 2-year CD will mean you may be able to afford a down payment on a house, a new car or another expense that you can’t afford right now. 
If you’re in search of the best 12-month CD rates available today, you should begin by comparing the rates from local financial institutions near you. Generally, community-oriented banks and credit unions are in a better position to offer more competitive interest rates on deposit accounts. 
Too often people put money into an account and don’t think much of it until there’s a problem. However, if you’re serious about saving money, you should spend a little time looking into deposit account interest rates at banks and credit unions near you. Not only will researching nearby offers turn up great savings and CD rates–usually, better than the national average–a local institution will ensure your financial goals are met. 
1) Say it isn’t so! Short Sales and Foreclosures hurt the value of your home? Recent data suggests that the average foreclosure sells for almost 38 percent below true value. When this happens the value for a home of similar size in that area goes down. As much as we all hate to accept it, having several short sales and foreclosures in your neighborhood does have a negative impact on the value of your home. 
Japan has the third largest economy in the entire world, so it only makes sense that the environmental turmoil that the Japanese are experiencing will have an impact on other economies, including ours. Based on our experience, the disaster in Japan has the potential to have an impact on mortgage rates, specifically, keeping them low, here in the United States. The result of which could add to the consumer’s sense of security when it comes to buying a home. 
Why just put your money in any Massachusetts bank account when you could actually earn money while saving? There are so many options today, you can have your pick of the best bank accounts and rates. While shopping around for the account that best suits your needs, it’s important that you consider a few key factors, including: Interest rates, banking fees and minimum deposit amounts. 
Now that we’re in a new month, it’s a good time to take a look at current interest rates in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Banking Rates has compiled a list of the best interest rates in the city for savings accounts and certificates of deposit. Find out if your accounts measure up or if it’s time to open a new one with a better rate. 
Luckily the record breaking winter season is behind us and we can all look forward to rising temperatures and sunshine as spring settles in. Now is the perfect time to assess the condition of your home, whether your looking to sell or not, and catch up on home improvement projects that will heighten your curb appeal. 
At a recent home buyers’ workshop, the majority of questions I received from the attendees were about concerns over the pitfalls of credit inquiries, the unceasing amount of paperwork required for a mortgage application and why banks are forcing foreclosures without due cause. All are valid concerns, due to recent negative reports in the media. It has caused a bunker mentality in potential home buyers that are looking for financing. 
CD rates in have remained relatively steady over the past month, but there has been some movement. For anyone searching for the best CD rates today, below is a list of the top offers from banks and credit unions in , Massachusetts:
Highest 6-Month CD Rates
- Liberty Bay Credit Union: 2%
- Lexington Ma Credit Union: 2%
- Worcester Fire Dept. Credit Union: 1.76%
Top 12-Month CD Rates
- Lexington Ma Credit Union: 2.5%
- Liberty Bay Credit Union: 2.25%
- Worcester Fire Dept. Credit Union: 2.02%
Best 24-Month CD Rates in
- Liberty Bay Credit Union: 2.55%
- Worcester Fire Dept. Credit Union: 2.53%
- I-C Credit Union: 2.53%
Please note that these rates are accurate as of the publish date but are subject to change at any time in the future.