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Monday, September 7, 2009

Smart Investments

By James Colton

Many people today are applying for another credit card or loan to survive the unfortunate economic situation we are in today, however there are others who do not need credit - instead, they are looking for good investments. If you have money to spare you might be one of these people, yet putting your extra cash in a savings account does not usually make the most financial sense. However, today, many of the investment options available can be risky; and, because of this, it is no wonder that people are skeptical about where to invest their money. Despite the skepticism in the air, there are actually options available for investing your money that are practically risk free.

One of the most important things to understand when it comes to investing is that there is a difference between a good investment and a risk free investment, because while not all good investments are risk free. Sometimes when you invest in something with risk, there is the possibility of losing money; however, risk free investments do not pose the same risk of monetary loss. While some people like riskier investments, many people choose to invest in securities that are risk free because they are guaranteed a return on their investment. Typically, the most popular risk free investments include government savings bonds, treasury bills, and certificates of deposits (CDs).

These types of investments are not only risk free, but they can also be a smarter investment for many people who are working to save money for the future. If you are looking to invest in new securities, keep in mind that investments are not as liquid as your regular bank accounts (checking and savings). Basically, when you invest money, you cannot necessarily get it back tomorrow if you need to. Although investments are not as liquid, it is nice to know that when you invest in a risk free investment, you can know for sure that the money you invested today will be there tomorrow along with some sort of return.

One of the most popular risk free investments in the ones you get from the government - savings bonds. When you invest in a savings bond, you are basically giving money to the government and accruing interest on it overtime; and, although the bank may not be there in 20 years to give you the return on your investment, the government will be. Although bonds do not promise a high rate of return, there is no risk to losing money when you invest in a bond; therefore, in the long run, it is a wise decision to invest in them.

Treasury bills (commonly called T-Bills) are another form of investment that is relatively risk free and popular in today's economy. T-Bills function very similarly to bonds, except they have a different time period. While your bond investment may take years to mature, your investment in a T-Bill will mature in one year or less; thus, it is a great risk free investment for the short run investment. Also, when it comes to T-Bills, your money is guaranteed at the maturity date, so you can expect some sort of return on your investment.

Many people who do not invest in government securities but are still looking for risk free investments rely on certificates of deposits (CDs). Certificates of Deposits typically have a time period that ranges from one quarter to five years, and, once the CD has matured you receive the principle and the interest. And, although CDs are definitely sound investments and free from risk, they do not have the tax breaks that other investments offer; so, make sure to consider that when you are deciding which security to invest in.

Obviously, not all investments are created alike and this is why many people seek the advice of a financial planner to help them with their investment needs. You might be interested in talking with a finance professional as well, so that you can be best advised on what to do when it comes to investing for the future. Whatever you do decide to do, be careful and cautious and make sure that you do not invest before you are sure - especially when it comes to riskier investments.

Some people get careless when they are investing their money and they put it all in risky investments where a higher rate of return is possible. However, a riskier investment ultimately involves the possible of losing money; and, it is always a great idea to invest money in securities that are sound and risk free to ensure you will get a return. It used to be that the stock market and housing market seemed to always provide some sort of return, however, today that is not always true.

For this reason, you might be better off sticking with the risk free alternatives. Savings Bonds, T-Bills, and CDs are always great investment options. And, when you invest, you can be sure that at least you will not lose any money! - 23217

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