Discover Bank offers a CD, known for low-risk, that's even less risky

In a sign of the times -- acknowledging both the recession and the importance of saving money for that rainy day -- Discover Bank is allowing penalty-free withdrawals from 12-month certificates of deposits for new and renewing account holders who lose their jobs.

If you open or a renew a 12-month CD between July 1 and December 31 of this year, with a minimum $2,500 balance, you can do it knowing that if you lose your job, you'll be allowed to make a partial withdrawal or close the account with the full return of your principal and any interest -- with no penalties. Seriously, this really is a good thing.