A good choice. I've staggered them- that is, instead of putting the entire amount into CD's all at once, I did it one at a time each month, smaller amounts and in shorter 6 month terms. This is so 1 instrument matures each month (after the intial 6 month period). If I don't need the money at that time, I reinvest into another. Come the next month, same thing. If an emergency arises, I do not have to wait long for to use at least part of the money without penalty.