Today’s Sponsor
Happy Sunday! Here’s what we’re covering in today’s Clark Smart Investing newsletter:
5 places you can get 4.5% or more on your savings right now
How to retire and not touch the principal
Custodial accounts for kids: which type fits your family?
Q&A with Wes Moss: What are the advantages of investing in individual bonds versus bond funds?
💵 5 Places You Can Get 4.5% or More on Your Savings Right Now
Rates on safe places to keep your cash have been climbing. In September, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate to a range of 3.75% to 4%, its first increase since 2023, and Fed officials expect to raise it again before the end of the year. That has pushed CD and Treasury yields higher, and several account types now pay 4.5% or more.
Don't leave free money on the table! If you have cash sitting idle, these 5 low-risk options are paying 4.5% or more right now. Find out where to move your money before rates change…
📚 Recommended Reading
Terrified of outliving your nest egg in retirement? You’re not alone! The good news: You might not actually need to sell off your investments to cover your monthly bills. Here is how to calculate your "income gap" and live entirely off dividends and interest. Read more.
Want to give your kids a financial head start, but aren't sure where to begin? The best account depends on your goals — and your child's age! Here is a guide to help you choose the right fit for your family. Read more.
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Save enough early, let compound growth do the work, and you may eventually stop contributing to retirement. That’s the idea behind Coast FI. But the strategy depends heavily on assumptions about future returns, inflation, and your financial needs. Here’s what to consider before taking your foot off the savings pedal.
💬 Ask an Advisor
✅ Poll: What’s Your Take?
Every week, we'll ask a new question to get your take on the latest financial trends and topics.
What rate would it take for you to lock your money up in a 1- or 2-year CD?
Last Week’s Poll Results
We asked: “How much stock exposure do you plan to keep in retirement?” Here’s how you answered:
0% (Cash and guaranteed income only) - (6%)
20%–40% (Very conservative) - (20%)
50%+ (Growth is necessary to beat inflation) - (71%)
Haven't thought that far ahead yet - (3%)
💸 Money Tip of the Week
Shop your internet service: Log into your current internet account and look at your base monthly bill. If you haven’t re-shopped or asked for a discount lately, you’re probably paying too much. Call your provider’s loyalty or retention line and ask: "Are there any promotional discounts available to lower my bill, or can you match [Competitor’s] rate?" If they won't budge, check cheaper options like fixed wireless internet services from Mint, Total Wireless, etc. to see if you can switch in under 20 minutes.
☎ Need Money Help?
The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.
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This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. Any company names shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production/writing and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors, such as market or other conditions. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions.
