Despite the Federal Reserve's anticipated stability in interest rates in the immediate future, the certificate of deposit (CD) landscape has recently witnessed a noteworthy expansion of competitive offerings. Three new products have emerged, providing annual percentage yields (APYs) of at least 4.50%, signaling a robust environment for savers. This development comes as the leading CD rate nationally remains a strong 4.60% APY, available through Genisys Credit Union for a 19-month duration, a return guaranteed well into 2027. Such elevated rates present a valuable window for individuals to secure advantageous returns on their savings, especially considering the potential for future rate adjustments by the central bank.
\nOn July 24, 2025, two financial institutions introduced three new certificate of deposit options that have immediately qualified for the highest national CD rate rankings. DR Bank unveiled a 6-month certificate yielding 4.51% APY, while Vibrant Credit Union entered the market with 4.50% rates for both 6-month and 13-month terms. These additions bolster the already strong market, where Genisys Credit Union maintains its top position with a 4.60% APY for a 19-month CD. Another notable contender, NASA Federal Credit Union, offers a compelling 4.59% for a shorter 9-month period. Beyond these leaders, an additional thirteen CDs are providing APYs of 4.50% or more, including PenAir Credit Union’s 4.50% rates for 14-month and 21-month terms, the latter extending rate security until spring 2027.
\nFor investors considering longer-term savings, multiyear certificates of deposit offer attractive stability, albeit with slightly reduced APYs compared to their shorter-term counterparts. These options, ranging from three to five years, are particularly appealing in a climate where future interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve are a possibility, potentially commencing in late 2025 or extending into 2026. For example, Lafayette Federal Credit Union provides a 4.28% APY for 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year CDs. Furthermore, NASA Federal Credit Union offers a 4.40% APY for a 49-month term. Opting for a four or five-year CD now could effectively lock in current high rates until 2029 or even 2030, safeguarding returns against anticipated future reductions.
\nCurrent CD rates, while having receded from their historical peaks of 6% observed in October 2023, still represent remarkably high returns in a broader historical context. For instance, in early 2022, prior to the Federal Reserve's aggressive measures to combat inflation, top CD rates hovered merely between 0.50% and 1.70%. This stark comparison underscores the current advantageous position for savers. Furthermore, jumbo CDs, which typically demand higher minimum deposits, presently offer superior rates in specific terms, notably for 3-year and 5-year durations. Hughes Federal Credit Union's 3-year jumbo CD yields 4.34%, surpassing the standard rate of 4.28%, while GTE Financial and Lafayette Federal Credit Union both offer 4.33% on 5-year jumbo CDs, exceeding the standard 4.28% for that term. This highlights the importance for depositors to explore both standard and jumbo CD options to maximize their earnings.
\nThe Federal Reserve's past actions and future projections significantly influence the landscape of deposit rates. After implementing a full percentage point reduction in the federal funds rate last autumn, the central bank has maintained a steady course throughout 2025. This pause in rate adjustments follows a period of aggressive hikes in 2022 and 2023, aimed at controlling inflation. These changes directly affect the interest rates offered by banks and credit unions on products like CDs and savings accounts. Looking ahead, the potential for further rate cuts in late 2025 or 2026 makes the current high CD rates particularly attractive. Therefore, securing a competitive rate now offers a strategic advantage, allowing savers to lock in favorable returns before any potential downward shifts in the interest rate environment.
A groundbreaking legislative measure, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), has ushered in a new era for American families, notably through its 'Baby Bonus' provision, known informally as 'Trump Accounts.' This initiative aims to provide a robust financial foundation for children born between 2025 and 2028. While promising a unique opportunity for early investment and long-term growth, the program also comes with specific guidelines and potential tax considerations that parents and guardians should be aware of to maximize its benefits.
\nFederal 'Baby Bonus' Program Launched for Newborns
\nOn a significant summer day, July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was officially signed into law, introducing a highly anticipated provision aimed at enhancing the financial future of American children. This particular aspect of the legislation, popularly referred to as 'Trump Accounts' or the 'Baby Bonus Program,' has generated considerable interest among new parents and those planning to expand their families. According to statements from the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means, this 'pro-family policy' is designed to grant millions of American children a strong financial beginning, irrespective of their background.
\nThe core mechanism of these accounts is straightforward: eligible American children born between 2025 and 2028 will receive an initial deposit of $1,000 from the federal government. This initial sum is intended to be a seed investment. Parents and even employers are permitted to make additional contributions to these accounts, subject to annual limits. For families, the yearly contribution cap is set at $5,000, a figure that will be adjusted annually to account for inflation. Employers can contribute up to $2,500 per year for an employee's child without increasing the employee's taxable income. The funds within these accounts are strategically invested in a low-fee stock fund that mirrors broader market indexes, allowing for tax-deferred growth until the child reaches adulthood.
\nAs Joshua Mangoubi, a CFA and founder of Considerate Capital Wealth Management, explains, these funds are designed to reside in a singular, cost-effective U.S. stock index fund, accumulating wealth over time. Upon a child's 18th birthday, the 'Trump Account' seamlessly transitions into a traditional individual retirement account (IRA), continuing its growth trajectory until the individual reaches retirement age. At this point, the funds can be accessed for specific approved purposes, such as higher education, the purchase of a first home, or to cover expenses related to childbirth. However, it's crucial for beneficiaries to understand that unapproved withdrawals before the age of 59½ may incur a 10% penalty, in addition to being subject to income tax on any gains.
\nOpening an account is designed to be user-friendly. Parents can establish a 'Trump Account' for their newborn at any bank or financial institution. Should parents not initiate this process, the U.S. government will automatically do so, provided the child is listed as a dependent on a tax return and possesses a Social Security number, confirming American citizenship. The initial $1,000 government contribution is deposited once the account is officially set up. Evan Morgan, a CPA and tax principal at Kaufman Rossin, points out that the IRS is expected to release a list of qualifying index funds, further refining how the account money can be invested. While this program is currently in a pilot phase, adjustments to its mechanics may occur as it progresses toward its full implementation, with a target live date of mid-2026 for system accessibility.
\nWhile the 'Baby Bonus' aims to be a universal benefit, discussions surrounding its potential impacts have highlighted both advantages and disadvantages. Critics, such as the Urban Institute, suggest that the program's full potential may be less accessible to low-income families, who might struggle to make the additional $5,000 annual contributions. This could inadvertently widen the financial gap between different socioeconomic groups. Nevertheless, proponents emphasize that the initial $1,000 federal contribution provides a crucial, otherwise unavailable, financial starting point for every qualifying child, benefiting from 18 years of compound interest growth. Furthermore, the tax implications warrant careful consideration. Unlike some other savings vehicles, contributions to 'Trump Accounts' are not tax-deductible, and all earnings are fully taxable based on the child's income tax bracket upon withdrawal. As Mangoubi cautions, strict adherence to the approved uses for funds is essential to avoid potential penalties. There are also ongoing discussions regarding how parental contributions might interact with annual gift tax exclusions, a detail yet to be fully clarified by tax authorities.
\nFrom a societal perspective, this bold initiative underscores a growing governmental interest in fostering long-term financial stability for its youngest citizens. It represents a proactive step towards equipping future generations with a tangible asset from birth, potentially reducing future dependency and promoting economic mobility. However, the success and equitable impact of the 'Baby Bonus' will heavily depend on how effectively the remaining ambiguities—particularly those concerning tax implications and accessibility for all income levels—are addressed during its rollout. It challenges both policymakers and families to actively engage with the program, adapt to its evolving guidelines, and creatively leverage its benefits to truly build a more secure financial future for every American child. The ongoing evolution of this program will serve as a crucial test case for government-backed universal savings initiatives.
As traditional pension plans diminish, many individuals are seeking alternative strategies to secure their retirement income. While commercial annuities offer a solution, their often-complex structures, high fees, and limited flexibility can be deterrents. This article proposes an innovative approach: building a do-it-yourself (DIY) annuity. By strategically combining various income-generating investments such as high-quality bonds, U.S. Treasuries, and dividend-paying stocks, individuals can emulate the benefits of a traditional annuity while maintaining greater control over their assets and potentially achieving superior returns. This self-directed path aims to empower retirees to maximize their financial well-being by circumventing the hidden costs and rigidities of conventional annuity products.
\nUnlocking Higher Returns: The DIY Annuity Revolution
\nIn the evolving landscape of retirement planning, where high interest rates are fueling a surge in demand for guaranteed income, a groundbreaking trend is emerging. In 2024, as the sale of annuities reached an astounding $432.4 billion, reflecting a growing need for financial security, savvy investors are discovering a more lucrative and flexible alternative: the DIY annuity. This innovative approach allows individuals to construct their own income-generating portfolios, potentially outperforming traditional annuity products by mitigating their inherent high fees and restrictive terms. Devin Carroll, a prominent financial advisor and owner of the Carroll Advisory Group, advocates for this self-managed strategy, emphasizing the control and cost-efficiency it offers to retirees.
\nThe journey to building a personalized annuity begins with understanding the diverse spectrum of income-generating investments available. Instead of relying on the typical 4% to 8% annual returns of commercial annuities, which are often eroded by surrender charges, commission fees, and annual administrative costs, individuals can curate a diversified portfolio tailored to their specific risk tolerance and income needs. For those seeking stability akin to a fixed annuity, a combination of high-quality bonds and U.S. Treasuries, which typically pay distributions semiannually, provides a predictable income stream. As of June 2025, instruments like 10-year U.S. Treasuries offer a 4.25% yield, while investment-grade bonds provide 3.55%.
\nFor investors comfortable with a calculated degree of risk in exchange for potentially higher returns, U.S. corporate bonds, with an effective interest rate of approximately 5.3%, present an attractive option. In contrast, 12-month Certificates of Deposit (CDs), while offering the lowest risk, yield less than 2%, with interest typically paid at maturity. Furthermore, dividend-paying funds, such as the iShares Select Dividend ETF, boast yields around 3.69% and can be integrated into a DIY annuity, provided investors choose funds with minimal management fees to maximize their net returns.
\nThe allure of a DIY annuity lies in its transparency and autonomy. Unlike the opaque structures of indexed annuities, which often involve complex participation rates, cap rates, and underlying index compositions, a self-built portfolio ensures full oversight of assets and expenses. This direct control minimizes the "big bites" taken out of returns by various charges, a common concern highlighted by financial experts regarding commercial products.
\nHowever, this empowered approach demands a commitment to time, diligent planning, and a fundamental understanding of investment principles. While a DIY annuity eliminates the guaranteed income floor offered by traditional annuities, it compensates with unparalleled flexibility in asset allocation and the potential for significantly higher net returns. The ability to save thousands of dollars in fees, coupled with the satisfaction of self-managing one's financial future, makes the DIY annuity an increasingly compelling choice for the discerning retiree.
\nFrom a journalist's perspective, the rise of the DIY annuity signals a significant shift in retirement planning, reflecting a growing desire among individuals to take charge of their financial destiny. This movement is not merely about optimizing returns; it's about reclaiming agency in a financial world often dominated by complex products and hidden costs. The emphasis on education and informed decision-making embedded in the DIY annuity concept resonates deeply, fostering a more financially literate and empowered populace. It underscores the importance of understanding one's investments thoroughly, rather than blindly entrusting them to third parties. As interest rates continue to fluctuate, and traditional pensions become a relic of the past, the DIY annuity stands as a testament to individual ingenuity and financial resilience, offering a beacon of hope for a secure and prosperous retirement.