No such thing, right? But assuming reasonable times ahead, no major fluctuations in the stock market, currency markets, whatever, where's the best place to put some $$$. We're sitting in a money market account right now at 4.4%. I'm thinking even something like a government bond will garner higher rate. What do you think?

[www.fatwallet.com]

Check there.

Almost any online savings account will do better than that APY. I've been getting 5.01% since last September on my straight savings account with EmigrantDirect, and there are some that are higher. Some CDs are doing much better, too, depending on the amount you have that can be tied up and for how long.

bankrate.com is a good place to check out interest rates for savings accounts and CDs.

I haven't been following government bond rates lately, so maybe someone will be able to educate both of us about those.

Mattress.

[www.slate.com]

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Seacrest
Mattress.

[www.slate.com]

Interesting article, but I don't think Americans are overspending because they comprehend the tax code. They're overspending because they're idiots. The fact that their idiocy is working FOR them in this instance is mere coincidence.

With today's rates on MMAs and online savings accounts, it is possible to achieve a real return, but to keep your head above water at all times will result in some rate chasing.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/01/2007 01:44PM by DharmaDog.

>>Mattress.

Can I borrow your mattress? Mine has never provided a return.

Investing in 90 day (or 180 days if you prefer) Treasury bills is about as safe as it gets, buy three successive bills monthly in a row, that way every 30 days you have the option of reinvesting or gaining access to your funds quickly. Learned this from my father years ago. Also has advantage of being exempt from State income taxes which can be a factor depending on your State and income level. Takes a bit of effort to get familiar with their web site and set up your account but once you are set up it is all managed effortlessly with a few clicks of the mouse each month. [www.savingsbonds.gov]

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tortoise
Investing in 90 day (or 180 days if you prefer) Treasury bills is about as safe as it gets, buy three successive bills monthly in a row, that way every 30 days you have the option of reinvesting or gaining access to your funds quickly. Learned this from my father years ago. Also has advantage of being exempt from State income taxes which can be a factor depending on your State and income level. Takes a bit of effort to get familiar with their web site and set up your account but once you are set up it is all managed effortlessly with a few clicks of the mouse each month. [www.savingsbonds.gov]

"laddering"

Yes it is Laddering but I did not figure the term would mean much to a new investor.

I've been getting better rates with 7 month CDs at my credit union lately. These are pretty much teaser rates, but as long as they keep offering them, I'll keep rolling into them. Messes with the laddering schedule, of course, but since the goal is better rates, it works for me.

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DharmaDog

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Seacrest
Mattress.

[www.slate.com]

Interesting article, but I don't think Americans are overspending because they comprehend the tax code. They're overspending because they're idiots. The fact that their idiocy is working FOR them in this instance is mere coincidence.

I agree completely.
And the article only explains why saving as a means of building wealth is a bad idea.
But Americans are not just not saving, they're paying out (in some cases) 20-30% or more in interest to buy depreciating assets (or just to get by).

Blackjack Fund. Earns 100% in three hours. Or -100%. Depends on the night.

Our local credit union is offering 7-month CDs at 7% interest APR.

If you want utterly safe with only a relatively short period of no-access-to-funds, I think this is your best bet.

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chas_m




[crawlingfromtheusa.blogspot.com] <-- Moving to Canada blog