INVESTMENTS

[Arden]

What do you invest in?

Interest rates have been low for so many years now that the banks and credit unions don't pay much more than lip service on our balances.

I can remember getting 8% interest on my checking account in the late 1970s. Granted, interest rates were terribly high then for auto and homebuyers. 10 years ago I got 6+% on a 2 year CD. Now we're down to less than 1% on checking and savings that even pay interest, and have to sock away money in a CD for 5 years to get almost 5%.

Anyway, for those that are able, what do you invest in today? I thought about adding a poll, but too many people pass them by if you don't give the right choices.

Do you invest in:

Stock Market
Bonds
Securities
Certificates of Deposit (CD's)
IRA's (Individual retirement accounts)
Real Estate (other than your primary residence)
Antiques
Your own business
Other

Please don't advise on Pork Belly futures

 

[Cathleen]

Hi Arden...


I have a great broker - lol Doesn't everyone??? Actually he is really quite good, I'm lucky to have him as he usually doesn't take smaller accounts like mine! He is one of "those" that get sign on bonuses of $1M+ just to move from brokerage house to brokerage house. He has done great for me.

Yes it all crashed out in the last 18 months but I have seen a terrific upswing. The market is moving better and I think it will continue. Anyway it is the place for me to make the most of my money.

I have a Roth IRA - did that switch about 6 or 7 years ago. That is mostly mutual funds. So that I don't touch and actually don't add to it either.

I do have a regular account that is diversified with stocks, bonds and mutual funds. I keep some liquid for emergencies.

I use to have a few CDs too but it isn't worth tying the cash up for little return.

This has just reminded me to call for some cash tomorrow!!