Credit unions that have the best 5-year CD rates in the market
Credit unions that have the best 5-year CD rates in the market

Five-year certificates of deposit (CDs) will most often be the longest term of a CD offered by the banks. The banks will offer the highest possible rates, but this will only be in return for a long-term commitment on the part of the customer. A 5-year CD is popular as it allows the depositors to lock in a large sum of money at a high interest rate for a long period of time. 5-year CDs are preferred by depositors looking to gain a high yield and take advantage of the high interest rates. The interest rates, however, are still making their way to a higher amount after their significant drop due to the recession. Following are some of the institutions offering the best 5-year CD rates.

CommunityWide Federal Credit Union
CommunityWide is one of the oldest credit unions, being established in 1967. The credit union held assets worth $410.9 million as of 31st December 2017. It has a large working team of around 77 full-time employees and hold leases and loans worth $362.6 million. They have 47,332 members that currently hold a massive $281.3 million in shares with the credit union. This credit union has had a good response from their customers and holds a good rating for the safety and soundness. A higher capital shows that the credit union can provide protection to their members in the unwarranted occurrence of a mishap. The institution has a high capital performance with a capitalization ratio of 24 percent.

Mountain America Credit Union
Mountain America is an NCUA-insured credit union that has its inception in 1936 and is currently headquartered in West Jordan, UT. This credit union has a substantial $7.09 billion in assets as of 31st December 2017. They have a commendable group of 1,686 employees that ensure the smooth functioning for this credit union. It is one of the credit unions with the best 5-year CD rates due to its commendable grip on loans and leases worth $6.13 billion. Even if this credit union is higher on assets and loan and leases amount, it ranks behind Communitywide due to its slight drop in the capital. Mountain America has a slightly below average capital score and has a capitalization ration of only 10 percent. It is, however, high on safety and soundness as it holds an amazing asset quality score.

Connexus Credit Union
Another NCUA-insured credit union, Connexus is based in Wausau, WI and was founded back in 1935. As of December 31st, 2017, the credit union had assets worth $1.69 billion. They are one of the top credit unions with the best 5-year CD rates and a strong team of 255 full-time employees. This credit union holds loans and leases worth $1.05 billion. Connexus currently has 305,795 members that account for $1.34 billion in shares. Similar to Mountain America, Connexus does not have a great capital score either. They have a score that allows them to be one of the best as they have an outstanding asset quality score. This commendable asset quality score allows them to be high on safety and soundness. The capitalization ratio is set at 12 percent, which is a lot better than most credit unions and complements the asset quality score well.

United States Senate
Founded in 1935, United States Senate is an NCUA-insured credit union based in Alexandria, VA. They have assets worth $673.8 million as of 31st December 2017. A strong workforce of 106 full-time employees allows them to have a tight grip on loans and leases worth $516.2 million. They come in as a credit union with one of the best 5-year CD rates with around 34,809 members who hold $589.1 million shares with them. Even with comparatively lower assets, they still hold a very high asset quality score that allows them to be a credit union with one of the best 5-year CD rates. The capitalization score of 14 percent is not very far behind either. A strong asset quality score and a good capitalization score allow them to be high on safety and soundness.

  • Athletes need balanced diet and sportswear like New Balance shoes

    Any sport requires you to embrace a balanced and nutritious diet, proper sportswear, and a healthy dose of mindfulness. With the right kind of food and good sportswear like New Balance shoes and similar brands, you can achieve your athletic goals easily.

    Apart from the training you get and sportswear you put on for the game, it is important to keep a good mind and body balance with the help of a balanced diet. This is because nutrition is the other side of the coin when it comes to a fit body and a well-functioning mind. Read on to know more about a balanced diet that athletes must follow.

    Carbohydrates
    Yes, you heard us right. The glycogens that are released when the body absorbs carbohydrates ensures that the muscles have plenty of strength and stamina. This also helps in the constant replenishment of the body, failing which there may be adverse effects in the long run. Therefore, one is supposed to have plenty of carbohydrates so that one can get the right amount of calories while indulging in heavy duty physical exercise.

    Protein
    While many people make the mistake of thinking that protein is required only to bulk up, there are many other benefits of having the right kind of protein. This food group is meant to be taken in a balanced way with carbohydrates, so that the body has plenty of energy and endurance. One can get protein from milk and whey as well as other dairy products and plenty of green and lean vegetables. Meat is also a popular source of protein, although this should not be taken in a large quantity. Casein and calcium are the two elements which are present in protein.

    Fats
    While good fats like mono saturated fats are known to be good for the body, one should remember to avoid fats in general and have it in small doses, if at all. Unsaturated fats like avocados and oil which is not refined will also help in getting the right dose of fat without harming the body. Fat ends up turning into carbohydrates which is not good for the body. Fats and sugar end up giving the body a quick energy rush, but the energy falls just as quickly. Therefore, it is best to have more carbohydrates and proteins for a more constant level of energy. This guarantees better stamina and endurance.

    Fluids
    Dehydration is a reality for many athletes. It is important to keep having fluids so that you can replenish the fluids lost on the field. This will ensure that your energy does not fall and you don’t fall sick.

    Other measures
    Apart from the right kind of diet, it is important to wear the right kind of sportswear and shoes so that injuries may be prevented and comfort can be guaranteed. New Balance shoes, for instance, can be used so that your body gets the necessary push on the field.

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  • How to maintain a septic system

    Septic systems help dispose of household waste, treat the wastewater, and help prevent the contamination of surrounding land, groundwater and surface water. Proper maintenance of the septic system helps prevent these health hazards.

    Understanding septic systems
    Your septic system consists of many different parts that control the flow of wastes.

    Septic tanks
    All the waste water from your house flows into the septic tank. Solids sink to the bottom where bacteria breaks them down and converts the solids into gases and sludge. Lighter substances float up to the surface, forming a layer of scum on top.

    The outlet
    A T-shaped outlet regulates the outflow and prevents scum and sludge from flowing out of the tank.

    The drain field
    This is the area where pumped out wastewater is safely disposed. A network of pipes is laid out on a section of land with gravel-filled trenches. The water flows through the pipes, through the gravel, and then enters the ground.

    How to go about maintenance
    Proper septic system maintenance not only benefit individual households, but they prevent land and water contamination too.

    Inspection
    You should preferably have a maintenance contract with a septic system maintenance provider. Every year, you should call a professional to inspect the tank, sludge and scum levels. If the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the T-shaped outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of this outlet, the inspector will alert you about the need to pump the tank.

    Besides this, if you notice any seepage, detect foul smells, have blocked drainages, hear gurgling sounds in the drain pipes and so on, call your septic system maintenance provider to carry out an inspection.

    Pump the tank
    Every three years, you need to pump the tank as this will keep the septic system in good working order.

    Good practices to help maintain the health of your septic system
    All the wastewater you generate, from your bathroom, toilets, your kitchen, and every other area that has a drain outlet, flows into the septic tank. This tank has a limited capacity. To prevent overflows, control your water usage. A typical household of three is said to generate around 300 gallons of wastewater each day.

    • If you have an old flush system in your toilet, switch to a new system that uses lesser water.
    • Use water regulators like faucet aerators and flow regulators in showers to restrict water usage.
    • Use your washing machine only when you have enough clothes for a full load.
    • Never flush down solids like diapers or napkins, cigarette butts, oils, paints, chemicals, egg or nut shells, etc. down the toilet.
    • Restrict the usage of chemical drain cleaners.
    • Don’t use your drain outlets to dispose of substances like solvents, paints, floor cleaners, etc. These can destroy the good bacteria that reside in the septic system and also contaminate the surface and groundwater.
    • Do not cover your drain field with concrete or plastic. They restrict the flow of air and cut off the oxygen needed by the bacteria to break down waste. Grass is the ideal cover for a drain field.
    • Divert water that flows from the roof, patios, paved walkways, etc. away from the drain field.
    • Never use the drain field as a parking area for vehicles.

    Adopting these good practices, scheduling periodic inspections, and pumping the septic tank can all work together to keep your septic system functioning well.

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  • Samsung Galaxy Note 5 – to replace or not to replace?

    Although the hype and hoopla around the sleek cell phone Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is understandable, do not write off Samsung Galaxy Note 5 yet. The nifty phone has a whole plethora of features that makes it quite unmatchable. So, the big question is, if you already own a Galaxy Note 5, should you go in for the Galaxy Note 7 or not? Well, truth be told, the answer is a yes and a no.

    This article tells you why:

    Design: Galaxy Note 5 scores over the Note 7 in this arena. In an effort to give Note 7 the edge-like aesthetics has ended up making it look fragile, and with all those shapes and curves, the user will have to practice immense caution at all times. The Note 5 scores better in this, with enhanced grip and a resting area, and is, in fact, slightly slimmer than Note 7.

    Practicality: While the Note 5 doesn’t exactly feature an edge-to-edge display, it offers more screen-to-body ratio. Note 7, on the other hand, has accommodated additional features on the device such as sensors and fantastic iris scanning feature. On the whole, the Note 5 along with its nifty S-Pen gives the phone more edge, when it comes to phone use.

    Screen: The screen and resolutions of both phones are the same, although the Note 7 scores more on features such as the ability to manually change into Full-HD and HD screen resolutions.

    Battery: Galaxy Note 7 has a bigger battery (3500 mAh) as against the Note 5’s (3000mAh), and so is expected to last longer. However, Galaxy Note 5’s battery is no slouch either, giving close to 15 hours of battery life in moderate to heavy usage.

    Extras: In this matter, the Note 7 has the double advantage of having dust and water resistance capabilities and a microSD card-cum-dual SIM slot (both can’t be used at the same time, however). Although, the Note 5’s dual SIM variant doesn’t support microSD card, it can support two SIM cards at the same time. So, it’s really a matter of user preference.

    Variants: While the Note 7 offers a single 64GB model, Note 5 offers three variants 128GB, 64GB and 32GB.

    All in all, while Note 7’s stylus has also introduced a few natty features, but, they aren’t something that you’d want to change your Note 5 for.

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  • Top 5 reasons for the increasing popularity of Miele vacuum cleaners

    Miele vacuum cleaners are among the top vacuum cleaners available in the market. Several reasons are working together to increase their popularity. In addition to an extensive selection, these vacuum cleaning devices flaunt state-of-the-art technology to remove and collect dust easily. Here are some reasons that help vacuum cleaners from Miele enjoy immense popularity:

    Perfect for any type of cleaning
    Miele vacuum cleaners are designed to tackle different types of cleaning requirements. These devices are apt to operate on many surfaces, ranging from wooden to spaces with floor tiling. Whether you require a thorough vacuum cleaning or a quick dusting, vacuum cleaners from Miele can swiftly accomplish all types of vacuum cleaning tasks.

    Powerful features
    Vacuum cleaners from Miele flaunt a number of hi-tech features. For instance, they come with the patented Miele AirClean System. This technology assures removal of 99% dust particles. Additionally, some vacuum cleaners from Miele come with a FiberTeQ Combination floor tool, which is a powerful electric power brush to remove obstinate debris from hard-to-reach corners and spaces. Whilst some models provide a single built-in technology, others come with more than one feature.

    Wide selection
    Miele offers a number of dedicated vacuum cleaner series to match different vacuum cleaning needs and requirements. Among a specific series, you can pick from vacuum cleaners that vary in size, shape, style, technology, features, etc. As there are so many options to choose from, the brand has gained positive attention from people around the globe.

    Tool caddy
    Every vacuum cleaner from Miele comes with a handy tool caddy. The accessory is designed to help users keep additional things required for a perfect vacuum cleaning experience. In most of the Miele vacuum cleaners, the tool caddy can be found near the top of the device.

    Power adjustment options
    Miele vacuum cleaners come with power options to save energy whenever possible. You can easily adjust its power as per your requirements while cutting on electricity bills.

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  • Understanding Botox for treating chronic migraine

    Botox is a trade name used for the procedure of injecting Botulinum toxin (BTX) into the skin to inhibit the movement of the muscles that prevents wrinkles. Getting a Botox job is commonly done for cosmetic reasons, however, there is one more reason to used Botox, and that is to treat migraine. Those who have been diagnosed with migraine and get frequent migraine attacks can consider getting a Botox treatment done.

    In 2010, Botox was approved for treating chronic migraines by FDA. A person has a chronic migraine when there is a history of the condition in the family and the headaches last almost 15 days. Botox works only on chronic migraine and you should not get a Botox treatment if you get headaches for fewer days and if you suffer from other types of headaches.

    Botox treatment shots result in cutting down the number of days people get headaches because of migraine. Most people who get Botox for migraine report ‘no-headache’ days every month post their treatment. As the rounds of Botox treatments for migraine increases, the headache decreases as well. Upon getting five rounds of Botox treatment, there is a 70% reduction in a headache.

    How Botox works
    Doctors believe that a chronic migraine can be treated by Botox as the treatment blocks the neurotransmitters that send pain signals from the brain. Botox acts as a barrier or a blockage in the pathway of neurotransmitters before they reach the nerve endings around the neck and head.

    Botox treatment
    People who suffer from a chronic migraine can undergo Botox for the treatment. There are several shots of Botox given around the head and the neck area once after every 12 weeks. This helps in a tremendous decrease or total prevention of migraine headaches.

    There is a total of 30 to 40 shots for this treatment. Shots are given on both sides of the head equally. If there is a strong migraine pain in one specific part of the head, more shots of Botox can be given there.

    Side effects of Botox
    People who undergo Botox treatments for their chronic migraine condition may feel neck pain and headache. Other side effects include an allergic reaction; however, the occurrence of an allergic reaction is rare. The signs of the allergic reaction include shortness of breath, hives, or swelling in parts of lower legs. Though Botox does not spread to other parts of the body, there is a slight possibility of that happening, and in case that happens, it can prove deadly.

    Before undergoing a Botox treatment for chronic migraine, it is important to know everything on the same to prevent health issues and side effects.

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  • What are high efficiency detergents

    Every time you walk down the detergent aisle, you might have noticed almost every detergent packing has symbol that are letters H and E separated by a red dot in a white circle swirl. The symbol actually stands for High Efficiency detergent.

    Let us take a look at that these high efficiency detergents actually are and when should one use them.

    Efficient stain removers
    If you come across a Detergent pack that has HE labeled on it. It means that high efficiency detergent is to be used in high efficiency washing machines which could be front load or top load. High efficiency washing machines use much less water.

    High efficiency detergents are low-sudsing and quick dispersing agents that work well even in low water volume washing machines. High efficiency detergents are developed to hold soil in suspension even in low water volume so that they don’t redeposit on the clean clothes.

    Need for high efficiency detergent
    Most of the people across the country have grew up using standard washing machines. These washing machines were less efficient compared to the ones that are manufactured today. They would easily pull more than 35 gallons of water in a single cycle. There was a notion which meant more bubbles (froth) meant more efficient washing. Thus, more water was needed to rinse away all the suds.

    Newer standard top load washers used 25 gallons of water to handle the soil and detergent residue. High efficiency washing machines usually use up to 15 gallons which is marginally lower than the one their primitive models. Since these washers used less water to rinse away stains, there was a need of a high efficiency detergent that would produce very less residue.

    Using ordinary detergent in a high efficiency washer will create excess suds that will affect the tumbling action of the washer, cause the washers to leak, and cause damage to the circuitry of the system. This could further lead to voiding manufacturer’s warranty.

    Using traditional detergents in high efficiency washing machines can also lead to the growth of mold and a specific odor that can last in the washer for a very long time. The residue made of suds and soil is a breeding ground for mold.

    If you have bought a high efficiency washer, make sure to read the washer’s care guide if it requires high efficiency detergent. When using a single unit detergent pack, make sure that they are placed in an empty washer drum before adding the dirty laundry into the washer.

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  • Quick and easy appetizers for kid’s parties

    Planning a party for your fussy little ones, can be quite confusing. With their birthdays around the corner, the anxiety to plan for a lavish party menu can at times give you sleepless nights! What’s worse is when you are short on time. Whether you are running against time or merely lack the inclination or imagination to plan for a grand event, make sure your party menu doesn’t suffer! Feeding kids at parties can get tricky as they become hyperactive and excited with all the fun and games. To feed them you must prepare appetizers that are fun and attractive looking. Here are some super easy and quick party appetizers that all our little fussy eaters would enjoy!

    The most easy and popular appetizer among kids is popcorn! You could caramelize the popcorn or make tubs of chocolate laced popcorn. Making these is extremely simple and they get made super quick. All you need is some freshly made popcorn, home-made chocolate and caramel syrup and a spatula to whip ordinary looking dull popcorn to the sought after caramelized ones!

    Another easy-to- make appetizer is fresh fruit, peanut butter and jam on a stick. You can use peanut butter and blueberry jam on bread and skewer it with some berries, bananas or grapes. Kids would enjoy eating these colorful and tasty sticks!

    Talking of sticks, there are quite a few things that you can put onto them! Make mini one-bite pizzas with cheese, vegetable or non-veg toppings and put a stick up the base. You would love to see them disappear within no time! Alternatively, for those with a sweet tooth, make mini pancake pops. Another easy and quick bite could be goat cheese and sausage croissant sticks! Make tiny croissants with cheese and sausage filling and see your little ones relish them with their friends!

    Mini Tarts with different kinds of toppings also makes for a super quick appetizer. You can add cheese, olives, mushrooms, bell peppers or even a thick egg filling on top. You could do the same with or tarts or even puffs. Playing around these ingredients would help you work up a delectable dish. See how all your guests savor this starter!

    You could also do wonders with fruits. Fruit appetizers are a fun and healthy way to feed kids fresh fruits. What’s more is that the kids would fall in love with them. You could mix and match green and red grapes and coat them with milk and dark chocolates. You can also use strawberries, blueberries and cranberries to fully or partially coat them with chocolate paste. You would be surprised how this hassle-free dish would outdo the main course that you spent hours preparing. Fruit appetizer would surely have an overwhelming number of takers!

    The key to have a successful kids party is to have fresh and innovative appetizers and main course on the menu! You can easily innovate appetizers and serve them in an all new way. Serving old wine in a new bottle is precisely the trick! You could add healthy ingredients in the appetizers and camouflage them in petite sizes and attractive coatings!

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  • Boat covers – Why must you possess some

    Yes, owning a boat is a good investment and a lifestyle. Many happy occasions can be spent with the same. A boat is a place where special moments are celebrated along with family and loved ones. It is no doubt, owning boats is an enjoyable and a fulfilling experience. However, it must be maintained properly and a lot of money and time has to be spent.

    The first step that’s involved is installing boat covers that are an invaluable purchase. The primary goal of boat covers is protecting it from birds, dust, extreme weathers and dirt accumulation. When a boat is left uncovered, it starts deteriorating and wear and tear is caused due to nature i..e. storms, hail, the wind, and rain. In comparison with the uncovered boat, covered boats are always beneficial. In short, the life increases by 50 percent.

    What kind of cover must be used?
    When we talk of boat covers, you will find many covers. Boat enthusiasts always keep collecting them. The kind of boat cover you need depends on the type of boat that you own. Also, it depends on weather conditions too. When the right boat cover is chosen, it will not only cover the boat but will also cover accessories properly. A particular shape must be accommodated for instance a center console or may be height rails. Owing to this, custom made boat covers are chosen for protecting boat as well as equipment. If you have a standard boat, select the lid from a good manufacturer.

    Several fabrics are suitable for these boat covers. The best one is wavering polyester that is mixed with non-waver polyester. Another popular material is canvas. It is known for its durability and also for its superior manufacturing. When the fabric is rugged, better quality results are offered. When boats are not attended for long, more sturdy covers might be required. Select good boat covers from a reputable provider as they will not only provide good quality but also ensure durability. Don’t compromise on the protection as the boat is a precious thing and must be handled with care.

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