Safe investing is really just a matter of following some common sense guidelines when it comes to that risk. Some of the best known and most successful investors of all time such as Ben Graham, Warren Buffett and Peter Lynch are all known for looking for straight forward opportunities to put their money into. If you think it will never happen to you don't be too sure. Think of something as simple as an accident, it doesn't even have to be your fault, and you get hospitalized for a couple of months. Do you think while you're laid there in your hospital bed it's just possible that making the payment for your credit card bill might get forgotten? Most people look at banks when they decide to invest in CDs and hence their search for high CD rates is confined to the banking institutions. However, you need to remember that the banks are not the only providers of CDs. Credit unions are also very good sources and you must definitely consider them. Consolidations loans are the same as any other loan when it comes to making a decision whether or not they are right for you. It sounds great the way the banks and loan companies promote bill consolidation loans doesn't it? Just one small monthly repayment covers all your outstanding debts. Well in some cases that is very true but every case is different and you have to do you own checking to make sure you will be better off. Ok the minuses include horrendously high rates of interest but on the other side of the coin they can be invaluable in emergencies. Just don't use them as long term loans because they were never designed for that kind of borrowing. If you are finding that you have outstanding balances of two, three or more credit cards you will probably be well advised to look into taking out a debt consolidation loan. It's usually a better idea to start by saving regular monthly amounts as it gets you into the rhythm of saving and pretty soon you will find that you don't really notice the amounts going out each month. Whatever type of investment you decide on ensure that it suits your personality in terms of risk.