Now that rates are 2 sizes smaller, what's a Who to do?

— -- Those nasty old Grinches cut rates in a wink,

They cut rates so low that CD yields stink.

When WhoBank's bankers pay interest, you see

The interest they pay wouldn't feed a Who-flea.

—From How the Grinch Injected Liquidity Into the Monetary System

The Federal Reserve has been lowering short-term interest rates to prop up the economy, and that's a good thing — unless you're a saver. When the Fed cuts interest rates, usually your bank eventually does, too.

Fortunately, you can still find decent yields. You have to look a bit harder for them, though, and you have to take a bit more risk.

The Fed has pushed down its key fed funds rate to 4.25%, from 5.25% in June. Lower rates make loans cheaper, which makes it easier for companies to borrow and expand. And by making more money available to lend, the Fed is trying to encourage reluctant lenders to make new loans.

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But when the Fed cuts rates, banks cut the rates they pay on CDs and money market accounts. The average one-year bank CD now yields 3.5%, down from 3.8% in March, according to Bankrate.com.

Yields on money market mutual funds also fall when the Fed cuts rates. The average money fund now yields 4.08%, down from 4.76% in August.

If you count on investment income for part of your living expenses, you'll have to tighten your already-tight belt. A $100,000 CD at 3.54% will give you $295 a month in income, which might be enough if you live in a cave atop Mount Crumpit. If you don't, you'll want to look for investments that generate more income.

Normally, you can receive higher rates by investing in a longer-term CD. But these aren't normal times. The average five-year CD yields 3.76%. On a $100,000 investment, a 3.76% yield would earn you an additional $18 a month, or about enough for a can of Who-hash.

Also, you don't want to lock in a lousy 3.76% for the next five years. Rates are more likely to rise than fall in the coming years, because of the very real threat of inflation. Inflation, at 4.3% in November, will gobble up all your interest if prices continue to rise at their current clip.