By using a CD ladder strategy, you can balance the trade-off between earning a higher return and having access to your money. Do not let the fear of not having ready access to your money keep you from taking advantage of one of the best, low-risk investment options available. However, limited liquidity is a drawback people cite against using CDs as an investment strategy. A certificate of deposit (CD), a deposit account where the credit union or bank holds a fixed amount of money for a fixed period, is one of the safest ways to save and grow your money.