7 things to always buy in bulk (9 30 25)

Author

Sally McDonald
September 30, 2025

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💵 Calculator of the Week: CD Ladder Calculator
CD ladder calculator

In a time of uncertain interest rates, Clark says a CD ladder can be a great parking spot for your savings. Use our CD ladder calculator to see how your money can grow.

💵 Clark: CD Ladders ‘Very Relevant Again’ For Savers

Federal interest rates have been unpredictable of late.

The Fed’s dual mandate ideally means working on one occasionally squeaky wheel while the other is just fine. But what happens when inflation is creeping back toward 3% (away from the long-stated goal of 2%) while employment data continues to get shakier?

We’ve now started cutting rates. But how much, and how often, will we cut? Will it cause stocks to trade at even higher multiples that creates a bubble? Will it cause inflation to become a greater concern than employment?

“Knowing the crystal ball of what interest rates are going to be two, three, four, five years out … is more unknowable right now than it even normally is,” Clark says. “Too much economic disruption right now in the United States.”

That makes CD ladders a good idea for what Clark calls “parked money.” That’s money you don’t need day-to-day but also need in less than five years (and therefore aren’t investing).

If you have $5,000, split it into $1,000 each in one-, two-, three-, four- and five-year CDs. Then put the $1,000 plus interest that expires each year into a new five-year CD.

Normally, longer-term CDs offer slightly better interest. And if you have a high degree of confidence that interest rates are going down significantly in the future, Clark often recommends locking into those long-term rates.

But right now, long-term rates may be lower due to the likelihood of ongoing rate cuts.

“It’s still a valid strategy,” Clark says.

He recommends buying CDs at discount brokers like Fidelity and Vanguard.

📊 Stat of the Day

💰️ $2.6 billion+: The amount the United States pays in interest on its debt … daily. The current national debt is $37.4 trillion, or nearly $110,000 per person.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
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🎙️ Podcast

With major changes coming to both employer-sponsored and individual plans, Clark walks you through what you need to do during this year's open enrollment. He explains why premiums are going up, the growing trend of employers giving you money to shop for your own plan, and a big warning about fake health insurance plans you may see on the market. Also, Clark revisits the timeless strategy for savers: a CD ladder. With interest rates in flux, he explains why this is the perfect way to "park" money you're not ready to invest, earn more interest, and still have access to funds when you need them.

☎️ 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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