When you invest, it simply means that you are putting your funds in products, in this case short-term savings vehicles, which will allow you to reap high financial rewards.
Here is a list of the more common short term savings products you should consider investing in.
Savings account: If you are getting your feet wet for the first time in investing, you should consider this, as it is the most popular banking product people use. The interest rates of a traditional savings account vary between 2.0% to 4.0. This is better than keeping them at home. Investing in a savings account is relatively risk free, as these products are protected by the federal deposit insurance. Generally, the government protects the money you have on deposit to a limit of $100,000. Some questions youll need to ask: What is the interest rate on your savings? Can the bank change the rate after youve opened the account? Will you pay a flat monthly fee? What if the balance drops? Is the ATM service free? Are the fees reduced or waived if you directly deposit your paycheck or government payments?
Money market funds: Money market funds are a specialized type of mutual fund that invests in extremely short-term bonds. Its shares are designed to be worth $1 at all times. Its a better product for investing in than the traditional savings account, with regards to the interest rate it will give you. But has a lower rate than certificates of deposit. However, the virtue of investing in the money market fund is that, while the interest rates may be lower, you can withdraw your funds when you see fit.
Certificate of deposit (CD): When you purchase a certificate of deposit, you are lending the bank use of your money, for a specific amount of time. In investing your funds, youre guaranteed annual interest payments. Investing in CD is relatively low risk, for it is FDIC insured for up to $100,000. If you are investing $200,000.00 buy two CDs. Before investing your money, shop around for the best bank interest rates. Consider the fact that by purchasing CDs, you are investing funds that will stay locked up for a specific period of time. Can you afford to have these funds locked up? For if you withdraw the funds before this matures, youll pay steep penalties. If you are conservative about investing, this is a good place to start.
Financial experts recommend investing your funds into these short term savings vehicles, if you are looking to earn some interest in minimal risk products.
Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Debt-Relief-Solutions.com. He provides more debt relief, consolidation and financial planning advice that you can research in your pajamas on his website.