There are two decisions I'm going to have to make soon, and while I think I've decided on what to do, during this slow lull period if anyone wants to have a look and weigh in with their thoughts, feel free.
(1) For 30 years all I got were 5yr CDs, no short ones. They all matured in 2023, and because of my age (not working as much, handful of years to retirement), the rates being better for shoter-term ones, and the strong possibility that I'll need the money before the full 5 years, I decided to get all shorter-term ones instead for the first time in my life. Most were 1-3 years, though I did get one 4yr one (all 5%+). Seeing BNO's 5.25% 5yr w/180 EWP, if this was earlier in my life I would've jumped at it. Of course it's good to ladder, but due to cicrumstances, I'll probably be needing the money before 5 years, I just don't know exactly when. So I divided my CDs into short term (1yr) and mid-term (2-4yrs) ones and have no spare CD $ left -- except one old smaller 3% CD that will finally mature in March. I was going to just let it mature, then move it to the 5.75% Add-On for the rest of the year. But I suppose I could close it early and use it to open a 5yr one -- except not only will I have the penalty, but will also lose the interest for Oct and Nov (since it posts quarterly). I could wait until Jan, or when it matures in March and see if there are any 5yr 5% CDs left but something's telling me it's not worth it. For someone used to doing only 5yr CDs for 30 years, not having one feels strange, but I'm at a different point in life now.
(2) I have about 45k of HSA funds, all in HSA CDs paying 4%+. Come January I'll have one final new $5100 in HSA funds to play with, which will be the last time I'll qualify for contributing to an HSA. I could put it in another CD or invest that small amount in the market. I know that over the long term the market's rate of return is good, but as one gets older one doesn't always have the freedom to wait out market swings and I'll probably be needing that money in a handful of years. The market seems awfully high right now and HSA money is precious. If this were your last year to contribute to an HSA and you knew you'd need the money in 3-4 years say, with the market being high like it is, would you risk it in the market or play it safe and put it in another CD for 4%ish? (Though if it's in the market you can get the funds within a couple days, if it's in a CD it's locked until the maturity date).
