Chapter 1: Building liquid savingsWhy pay penalties to use your own money? Keep some liquid and even earn interest at the same time.Develop a savings planHow interest rates are determinedSavings accountsMoney market accountsMoney market fundsRising-rate CDs: flexibility, with a priceAre liquid CDs your cup of tea?Chapter 2: Certificates of depositGet paid to let someone else use your money! CDs offer a fixed rate of return for a specific amount of time.Lock up your money; get higher interestWhat type of CD is best?Certificate of deposit investing strategiesEarly withdrawal penaltiesCompare CDs with other investment optionsBank CDs versus brokered CDsWhy choose alternative CDs?Foreign-currency CDs: tempting and riskyZero-coupon CDs risky in the short termChapter 3: Investing in bondsBewildered by bonds? Troubled by Treasuries? We've got you covered -- from savings bonds and beyond!U. S. Treasury securitiesThe I-bondSeries EE Patriot BondTIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities)Corporate bondsChapter 4: Fixed-income investingThey're not sexy, but diversifying your portfolio can be: annuities, permanent insurance and bank loan funds.Permanent insurance: Whole, universal, variableAnnuitiesBank loan fundsChapter 5: Savings with tax breaksUncle Sam wants you -- to save money. And he'll give you a break on your taxes in a tax-advantaged account.IRAsEducation-savings plansPenalty-free IRA withdrawals401(k)sChapter 6: Banking institutionsBanks, thrifts and credit unions -- here's some information on how to decide where to park your cash.Types of banking institutionsWhom to complain to, and howHow the FDIC protects your moneyChapter 7: Bankrate's resourcesLooking for the safest banks and best rates? Bankrate gives you the tools to make a wise choice.Researching savings rates on Bankrate.comCriteria used in Bankrate.com surveysHow safe is your bank?Chapter 8: Investing in metalsThere are many ways to invest in precious metals. Before buying, determine the best method for you.The lowdown on buying selling silverHow to invest in precious metalsGold rush: Investors play it safeThe pros and cons of investing in gold advertisementRelated Links:IRA, CD, money market: How to choose?Infographic: How to invest in a Roth IRA12 essential investing tips for 2012Related Articles:Choose an adviserCreate a CD ladderTips for a CD ladder
