Brokered CDs via Fidelity/Schwab/Vanguard aggregate FDIC-insured yields nationwide — often 30–100 bp above local banks.
Brokered CDs are bank CDs sold through brokerages (Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, IBKR). Access to hundreds of banks' promotional rates — often 30–100 bp above local rates. FDIC-insured per bank ($250K limit — spread across multiple issuers for larger balances). Advantages: (1) yield search across all US banks, (2) laddering across 3M–5Y with one screen, (3) NEW-issue CDs typically better than secondary. Watch CALLABLE CDs — issuer can call in a falling-rate environment, losing your locked-in rate. Prefer NON-CALLABLE for laddering.
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Systematically open bank accounts with $200–$500 sign-up bonuses; typical churner earns $2K–$10K/yr.
4/8/13/17/26-week Treasury Bills yield 4.5–5.3%, exempt from state/local tax — beats HYSA in high-tax states by 30–70 bp.
Rotate cash across the top 3–5 HYSAs/MMFs every 3–6 months as promo rates change — pickup 30–150 bp/yr.
Buy a long-duration CD when rates are high, break early when rates fall — pay small EWP for large gain vs current rates.
Interactive Brokers margin (5.83%) or Schwab PAL beats HELOC (9%+) for short-term liquidity — no appraisal, funded same-day.
Structure ownership + banks correctly for $1.5M+ FDIC per person — single, joint, POD, revocable trust each get $250K.
Fintech cash accounts pay 4.5–5% via bank sweep networks — some offer $250 signup bonuses stacked on top.
Bring $250K–$1M assets to a big-bank private client tier — get 0.125–0.375% mortgage rate discount + closing credits.