CHAPTER 5

Cash Alternatives: Yield Higher Returns for Idle Cash

DIG DEEPER

A Bit More About ICS and CDARS

ICS and CDARS. This link will help you if you want to know more about what the Insured Cash Sweep (ICS) and Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) are and how they work.

Non-Insured Cash Alternatives

The investments listed below not federally insured, have limitations that can restrict liquidity, and carry more risk. Unless you are comfortable with these factors, be thoughtful about how much of your cash you place in these investments.

Calvert Investment Note®. The Community Investment Note is a product of Calvert Impact Capital. The Note’s funds are used to finance affordable housing, community development, small business, and other sustainability goals. You can invest online for as little as $20. Find current rates, terms, and impact metrics through the link.

RSF Social Investment Fund. This offering from RSF Social Finance advance social enterprises invested in food, agriculture, education, and the environment. The Fund has a $1,000 minimum, 90-day term and has historically paid interest rates of 0.5% to 1.25%.

CNote. CNote offers investors a way to diversify across multiple CDFIs with one investment. The company offers several products with different interest rates and lock-ups. You can get started for as little as $5. Be sure to verify how and when you can access the money you invest.

Worthy Bonds. Worthy Bonds are a product of Worthy Peer Capital, a financial services company that launched in 2016 to provide a new type of investment vehicle. Worthy Bonds are sold in $10 increments and pay 5% interest annually. An investor can purchase up to $100,000 of Worthy Bonds. Note that these bonds are not insured, so be sure to evaluate the risks before investing.

CHAPTER 5

Cash Alternatives:
Yield Higher Returns for Idle Cash

DIG DEEPER

A Bit More About ICS and CDARS

ICS and CDARS. This link will help you if you want to know more about what the Insured Cash Sweep (ICS) and Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) are and how they work.

Non-Insured Cash Alternatives

The investments listed below not federally insured, have limitations that can restrict liquidity, and carry more risk. Unless you are comfortable with these factors, be thoughtful about how much of your cash you place in these investments.

Calvert Investment Note®. The Community Investment Note is a product of Calvert Impact Capital. The Note’s funds are used to finance affordable housing, community development, small business, and other sustainability goals. You can invest online for as little as $20. Find current rates, terms, and impact metrics through the link.

RSF Social Investment Fund. This offering from RSF Social Finance advance social enterprises invested in food, agriculture, education, and the environment. The Fund has a $1,000 minimum, 90-day term and has historically paid interest rates of 0.5% to 1.25%.

CNote. CNote offers investors a way to diversify across multiple CDFIs with one investment. The company offers several products with different interest rates and lock-ups. You can get started for as little as $5. Be sure to verify how and when you can access the money you invest.

Worthy Bonds. Worthy Bonds are a product of Worthy Peer Capital, a financial services company that launched in 2016 to provide a new type of investment vehicle. Worthy Bonds are sold in $10 increments and pay 5% interest annually. An investor can purchase up to $100,000 of Worthy Bonds. Note that these bonds are not insured, so be sure to evaluate the risks before investing.