Retirement funds don't have to just sit there.

If the term of the account is three (3) months or less, the penalty is equal to thirty (30) days of dividends.

If the term of the account is less than one (1) year, but longer than three (3) months, the penalty is equal to ninety (90) days of dividends.

If the term of the account is one (1) year or greater, the penalty is the amount equal to one hundred and eighty (180) days dividends.

If the amount withdrawn reduces the principal amount below the stated minimum, we will cancel your Share Certificate and the penalty will apply to the entire balance in the certificate account. The remaining funds will be transferred to your Share Savings account.

The best way to earn the most while always freeing up some of your funds is through Certificate Laddering. Laddering is a strategy that lets you take advantage of higher dividend rates and keep your money more readily accessible.

Say you have $10,000 to invest in Share Certificates. Put $2,500 each into Share Certificates that mature in 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Six months later, your first Share Certificate matures, yielding you $2,500 plus dividends earned. If you need the money, you cash in. If you don't, you reinvest in a new 24 Month Share Certificate at a higher dividend rate.

At 12 months, another Share Certificate matures. Again, if you don't need the money, you reinvest in a new 24 Month Share Certificate.

By the end of 24 months, all your money is earning at the 24 month rate. Yet a Share Certificate matures each 6 months, so you can tap into the cash if you need it. If you prefer to tie up your money for longer time spans, you could invest in one, two, three, and five year Share Certificates.

You can check your balance 24/7 days week by using our automated phone banking, HomeTeller. You can also speak to one of our representatives during normal business hours.

The routing number and transit number for LBS Financial is 322276855.