March 2026 Blog Newsletter

Captain’s Log

Are CDs Really “Safe” Right Now?

Interest rates are beginning to drop — and CD rates are already falling. In some cases, banks lowered CD yields before the Fed even moved because they anticipated what was coming.

That raises an important question: If inflation is 3% and your CD is earning about the same, what are you actually earning? At best, you’re breaking even. After taxes, you may actually be losing purchasing power.

It helps to think clearly about what a CD truly is. Your money is locked up for a fixed period of time. The interest is fully taxable each year. The return is capped. And over time, it is highly unlikely to outpace inflation in any meaningful way.

Albert Einstein famously called compound interest the eighth wonder of the world. But true compounding requires growth beyond inflation and taxes. If you earn 3%, inflation is 3%, and you pay taxes on that 3%, your purchasing power doesn’t grow.

That’s not compounding. That’s treading water.

So why would someone use a CD? Often, when I see excess cash sitting in CDs or savings accounts, it’s driven by one thing: FEAR — False Expectations Appearing Real. Fear of market volatility. Fear of temporary loss. Fear of uncertainty. Fear of or misunderstanding of
diversification.

But why don’t we fear losing purchasing power?

It’s ironic. By keeping money on the sidelines to avoid short-term volatility, we often guarantee it never has the opportunity to grow beyond inflation. The risk feels invisible because it happens slowly. There’s no headline about it. No dramatic drop on a statement. But over time, the erosion is very real.

To be clear, CDs are capital preservation tools — not long-term wealth builders. They can serve a purpose when money is needed in the near term or when stability is the priority. But they are not designed to build lasting wealth.

At Anchor Wealth, we believe true financial security isn’t just about protecting against market swings. It’s about making sure your money continues working — growing, compounding, and supporting the life you want to live.

Before renewing that CD, pause and ask yourself:

·Is this decision driven by a clear, intentional plan or by short-term emotion?
·Is this money positioned strategically for a near-term need, or is it quietly falling behind?
·Most importantly, how does this move you closer to the purpose and goals you have for your money?

Adam

CEO/Wealth Advisor

Spring Cleaning Your Finances: Decluttering and Organizing for a Stronger Year

Spring is the season of fresh starts. As you clean out closets, organize your garage, and open windows to let in fresh air, don’t forget one area that could benefit just as much from a reset — your finances.

A financial spring cleaning gives you a chance to refocus your strategy, eliminate unnecessary clutter, and make sure your money is working intentionally for your goals, not quietly working against you.

CLICK HERE to finish reading Shane Stuart’s Blog for March

Adam’s Nightstand

I recently read The One Minute Manager by Kenneth H. Blanchard and Spencer Johnson. It’s a simple, quick read — easy to understand and even easier to apply.

What makes this book powerful is not complexity, but clarity. For decades, it has helped companies and individuals increase productivity, improve job satisfaction, and grow personal prosperity. The principles are straightforward, practical, and immediately actionable.

Blanchard and Johnson explain why these simple methods work so well with so many people. The framework gives you a clear understanding of how to apply the concepts in real life — whether you lead a team, run a business, or simply want to improve your own effectiveness.

Sometimes the most impactful ideas aren’t complicated. They’re simple, repeatable disciplines done consistently over time. That’s what makes this book worth reading.

CLICK HERE for additional information.