How to get the most out of time deposits

For a long time, there was virtually no interest on savings, but now you can save at the best rates. Fixed-term deposit offers again up to 3.3% per year (for a three-year investment). But what if interest rates rise even further? Then you'll be annoyed afterwards that you've already fixed everything now.

That's what the interest ladder is for: the money is divided between several fixed-term deposit accounts with different terms. This allows you to benefit from high interest rates, but you never have to tie up all your money for a long time and can access part of it regularly.

And this is how it works:

1. Determine the total amount you want to invest. E.G. €30,000.
2. Divide the total amount according to how many steps you want to have in your interest staircase. For example, three steps with €10,000 each.
3. Invest each amount in a separate fixed-term deposit account with a different term: €10,000 in an account with a one-year term, €10,000 in an account with a two-year term and €10,000 in an account with a three-year term. Choose the terms so that an account matures every year and some of the money is freed up again.

And so it goes on: when the first account matures after one year, you look at the current interest rate offers and invest the money again in the best possible way - for three years. If you keep doing this, a sum will fall due every year. In this way, you benefit from the best current fixed-term deposit interest rates every year and still access a large part of your money every year.

You can find the best fixed-term deposit offers every week here in the newsletter and also daily in our guide.