Jay from Texas is curious about whether short-term or long-term CDs are better for financial planning. The highest rates are currently in the six to twelve-month range, averaging around 5.3%. Those with brokerage accounts can shop nationwide for the best rates. The suggested strategy is to use a laddered approach—this involves diversifying investments over various terms such as six months, one year, eighteen months, and two years. As the yield curve stabilizes and rate cuts occur, CD rates are expected to decrease. Therefore, having staggered maturities allows you to reinvest at potentially higher rates as each term ends, ensuring continuous liquidity and optimized returns.