What does Dave Ramsey say about CDs?

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Dave Ramsey views Certificates of Deposit (CDs) as "glorified savings accounts." While he acknowledges they are safe and federally insured, he warns they are terrible long-term investments because their returns rarely beat inflation. He only recommends them as short-term parking spots for money you need within five years.

Does Dave Ramsey recommend CDs?

CDs are never a good idea for your investments.

But even those rates are barely enough to keep up with inflation, which makes things more expensive over time (no wonder Dave Ramsey likes to call CDs “certificates of depreciation”). That's not a winning strategy for long-term investing, people!

How safe are CDs right now?

CDs are extremely safe. When purchased through FDIC-insured banks or NCUA-insured credit unions, both your principal and earned interest are federally protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, and per ownership category.

Why are CDs not a good investment?

Certificates of deposit (CDs) are often considered poor investments for wealth accumulation due to low returns, high inflation risk, and limited liquidity. While safe, they generally offer lower returns compared to stocks or bonds. They lock up funds, often resulting in heavy penalties for early withdrawal.

Is it smart to put $100,000 in a CD?

Putting $100k in a CD is an excellent, risk-free move if you don't need the cash for 6 months to 5 years and want guaranteed returns. However, locking it all away could mean missing out on higher stock market growth. Your best approach depends on your goals and timeline:

I Have $20,000 in a CD, What Should I Do With It?

24 related questions found

What is a better investment than a CD?

Alternatives to CDs that often provide higher returns or better liquidity include high-yield savings accounts, dividend-paying stocks, bond funds, and Treasury bills. While CDs offer safety and fixed rates, these alternatives can provide better growth or easier access to cash. Choosing the right option depends on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and need for liquidity.

How much money do I need to invest to make $3,000 a month?

To generate $3,000 per month in passive income ($36,000 annually), you will need to invest between $𝟑𝟔𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 and $𝟗𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎. The exact amount depends heavily on your investment strategy, risk tolerance, and the expected rate of return:

What is the smartest thing to invest in right now?

The "smartest" investment depends entirely on your timeline, but for most people, it's a diversified, low-cost S&P 500 Index Fund (e.g., Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)). It provides instant exposure to top companies while historically outpacing inflation, removing the guesswork of picking individual stocks.

Are CDs coming back in 2026?

Compact discs are quietly making their way back into homes, not just as nostalgia, but as a response to something deeper. From the rise of the Compact Disc player to increasing demand for CD players for sale, CDs have returned to Christmas shopping lists as Gen Z embraces what many are calling a retro renaissance.

Are CDs safe if the market crashes?

Yes, Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are highly safe during market crashes. Because they are not tied to the stock market, their principal value remains intact. Your money is also federally insured up to $250,000 per depositor.

Are CD rates expected to go up in 2026?

No, CD rates are not expected to go up significantly. Financial experts predict rates will continue to trend modestly lower throughout the year.

What is the $3000 bank rule?

The "$3000 bank rule" refers to federal anti-money laundering (AML) and record-keeping regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). Under this rule, financial institutions must record and verify specific customer information for any cash purchase of monetary instruments (like money orders, cashier's checks, or traveler's checks) between $3,000 and $10,000.

How many Americans don't have $1000 in their bank account?

Between 40% and 43% of Americans do not have enough cash in savings to cover a $1,000 unexpected emergency. When breaking down exact liquid savings, surveys indicate that roughly one-quarter to one-third of U.S. adults have less than $1,000 in total savings.

What are the 4 funds Dave Ramsey recommends?

Dave Ramsey recommends dividing your investments equally (25% each) across four different types of growth stock mutual funds:

How many Americans have $1,000,000 in retirement savings?

Only about 3.2% to 4.7% of Americans reach the $1 million mark in dedicated retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. This represents roughly 497,000 "401(k) millionaires" and a similar count of high-balance IRA holders, which often overlap.

Why did Elon Musk say "don't worry about saving for retirement"?

Elon Musk stated that saving for retirement will be irrelevant in 10 to 20 years because he believes rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics will create a future of extreme abundance. He predicts that AI will produce so many goods and services that basic needs will be met without the need for personal savings.

What not to do when your CD matures?

When your CD matures, do not let it automatically roll over without checking the new rate, and do not park the funds in a standard savings account. Failing to act locks your money into a potentially lower yield, while standard accounts offer a fraction of the interest you could be earning.

What has replaced CDs?

Compact Discs (CDs) were primarily replaced by digital downloads (MP3s) and all-you-can-consume music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Instead of carrying physical discs or loading a portable player, the modern equivalent is streaming directly to smartphones, tablets, or smart speakers over cellular data or Wi-Fi.

Does Walmart still carry CDs in store?

Yes, Walmart sells music CDs in-store. However, the physical selection has shrunk significantly in recent years. Most locations typically stock a smaller selection of new releases, popular hits, and classic albums in the electronics or entertainment aisle.

Where can I put $10,000 to make the most money?

How to invest $10,000: Six options

  • Get employer matching with your 401(k) ...
  • Consider an IRA or Roth IRA. ...
  • Diversify your investment with index funds. ...
  • High-yield savings account. ...
  • Consider Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) ...
  • Large dividend-paying companies or ETFs.

What creates 90% of millionaires?

The famous statistic that real estate creates or builds wealth for 90% of millionaires is a widely cited principle, though comprehensive financial surveys (like the Ramsey Solutions Everyday Millionaires study) also show that consistent investing and entrepreneurship are the core engines of wealth.

How much money do I need to invest to make $3,000 a month?

To generate $3,000 per month in passive income ($36,000 annually), you will need to invest between $𝟑𝟔𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 and $𝟗𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎. The exact amount depends heavily on your investment strategy, risk tolerance, and the expected rate of return:

Can you live off interest of $1 million dollars?

Once you have $1 million in assets, you can look seriously at living entirely off the returns of a portfolio. After all, the S&P 500 alone averages 10% returns per year. Setting aside taxes and down-year investment portfolio management, a $1 million index fund could provide $100,000 annually.

What if I invested $1000 in Coca-Cola 30 years ago?

A $1,000 investment in Coca-Cola (KO) 30 years ago would have grown to around $9,030 today.

How to turn $10,000 into $100,000 quickly?

Turning $10,000 into $100,000 quickly (a 10x return) requires high-risk, active strategies such as options trading, e-commerce, small business acquisition, or crypto investments. These methods require significant skill, market knowledge, and hands-on effort to achieve results in under 12–24 months, rather than relying on slow, traditional investing.