Is there any point in putting money into a 1 year CD paying 5.25% semiannually when i can get 4.4% on?

a money market fund? the money market fund would pay monthly. the cd would pay semiannually. this is for an amount of $20,000

HSBC is paying 5.05% on their money market account...no min balance, no fees. The money is totally liquid. They alaso run promos for higher interest rates. Right now any new money will make 6% through April.
I have had 0 problems with mine, link your current savings/checkinbg to it and deposit withdrawal is very simple and fast.

You have to compare APR (which you might already be doing.)

In that case, if you can go without the money for 12 months, you're better off with the higher rate.

no point at all.. open up an ING account www.ingdirect.com they pay 4.5% no minimum, no fees, and no penalties for early withdrawl... its just a regular savings account with a really good rate.

the apr for the CD = 5.3189063% wh is > 4.4%, so go for it

If there is a good chance you might have to access the funds during the year, I'd suggest an online savings account with a bank like Emigrant (or others) that are currently paying 5%.

In case of emergency you have access within just days by online transfer to your checking account. The interest is paid monthly, you are earning a good rate of return and there is no penalty for withdrawals.

The % rates quoted by banks or on an annual basis (APR).

The bank CD is paying a higher APR, but it is a bit less liquid than the money market.

You've just got to ask yourself is it worth tying up your money for 12 months to earn the higher rate? You might want to do both (50/50).

2 items, both can be good or bad.

1. CD locks up money. Penalty for early withdrawal. If you need the discipline, this might help you not spend it. Or the other hand, you could have a legitimate emergency spending need.

2. CD locks in interest rate. Money market interest rates change every week. If rates go down, you will look like a genius for choosing CD. If rates go up, you will be kicking yourself.