CD Ladder Calculator
Spread your money across CD terms
Total at full maturity
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all rungs combined
Amount per rung
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split equally
Inflation-adjusted total
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in today's money (approx., using rung count as years)
Simplified: splits the total equally across rungs with terms of 1 year up through the number of rungs you set, applying the same average APY to every rung -- in practice, longer-term CDs often (but not always) carry a different rate than shorter ones, so treat the average-rate assumption as a simplification, and check actual rates per term at your bank.
Frequently asked questions
Is a fixed deposit still worth it compared to other options?
It depends on your goal -- fixed deposits offer safety and a guaranteed return, which suits short-term goals or emergency funds, but their returns often barely keep pace with inflation after tax. For long-term goals, market-linked options have historically outperformed fixed deposits, at the cost of guaranteed safety.Read more: CD Ladder Calculator: Steady Returns Without Locking Up Everything
What's the difference between simple and compound interest?
Simple interest is calculated only on the original principal for the entire period. Compound interest is calculated on the principal plus any interest already earned, so the amount it's calculated on grows over time. Compounding produces a meaningfully larger result the longer the money is invested.Read more: Locking In Today’s Rates Without Locking Up All Your Money
How much emergency fund should I keep?
A common guideline is 3-6 months of essential expenses in an easily accessible account, though this varies by job stability, dependents, and other safety nets available to you. It should be liquid and low-risk, not invested for growth, since the point is availability when you need it, not returns.Read more: Tax Deferral Strategies in the US: The Ones You Can Use and the Ones You Can’t Afford
Are savings account returns taxable?
Generally, yes -- interest earned is typically taxable as regular income, though some jurisdictions offer a small exemption threshold on savings interest specifically. Check the current rule where you file, since this is one of the more frequently adjusted thresholds.Read more: High-Yield Savings Calculator: What Switching Banks Is Actually Worth
Estimates only, not financial advice. See our Disclaimer.
