Ladder your certificates

Get a rung up on the competition

Got a trunkload of cash you can’t risk losing, but still want to earn healthy returns until you need the money?

Worried about swings in the market, but you don't have the time or expertise to monitor your savings every day?

Get yourself a ladder! A ladder of certificates at STCU.

Laddering your certificates is one of the best ways to capitalize on changing rates, with little risk of missing market upturns. Your accounts are federally insured up to $100,000, and your principal investment is never at risk provided you avoid early withdraw penalties.

When you ladder, or stagger, the terms of your STCU certificates, you take advantage of changes in dividend rates over time, yet have access to a portion of your cash on a regular basis.

Here’s the fast way to ladder your certificates:

1. Log into STCU’s NetTeller^® and click on "Actions." Look for "Open a certificate" and follow the instructions to open your certificates from existing funds in your account. (Or stop by STCU branch locations with your check to open your certificates.)
2. Divide your certificate money into equal amounts. Say you have $10,000: Divide it into five investments of $2,000 each.
3. Next, set the certificates to renew at different times. For instance, invest $2,000 to renew in six months, one year, 18 months, 36 months, and five years. That helps your money ride the good favor or rising rates, and opens the door for you to make withdrawal of certain funds without penalty.

Laddering is especially easy at STCU, where our tiered-rate certificates let you choose the amount and term you want. Add to the balance of most certificates at any time, earning greater returns as your balance increases.

Build the first rungs of your "ladder" today!