One way to maximize your interest income is with a strategy called CD laddering. Over time, it's an easy way to earn a higher rate without locking up all your money into a single long-term certificate.

For example, instead of opening one 3-year CD for $15,000, you would divide your initial deposit into three equal CD's.

1. Open one CD for $5,000 with a 3-year term
2. Open a second CD for $5,000 with a 2-year term
3. Open a third CD for $5,000 with a 1-year term

When your 1-year CD matures, you would roll that $5,000 into a new 3-year certificate. After three years, all of your certificates will be earning the higher three-year rate of interest at that time and you'll always have access to $5,000 of your money within one year.

How can I access my CD earnings?
Your earnings can be mailed as a check deposited into a Rivermark checking, savings or money market account. Or maximize the return by reinvesting the earnings in your CD.

What if I need my money before the CD matures?
You can withdraw it, but you’ll pay a penalty equal to 90 or 180 days worth of interest, depending on the original term of your CD.

Can I deposit more money into my CD later?
Deposits are only allowed during the opening process or up to 5 days after the maturity date. Additional deposits can be made to our Youth CD, which is available for our members ages 0-17.