how do i invest my money safely?
344339
The first poster is correct. Bonds (or Treasury Bills, T-Bills) are the safest investment. They are considered risk free, and they're currently paying in the high 4-5% range.\n\nHowever, you can get a better return for just a slight increase in risk... you don't need to be entirely conservative.
676195
There is no such businsess which can assure you a profit without any risks.  You may put your money in a time deposit account in a bank and get a 100% risk free return on your money.  However, the  rate of return will be much less than a business.
302032
The best way to learn about the stock market is to open up a 401(k) account at work and pick some mutual funds to invest in. At least then, you will lower your taxes and you can start to get the feel for your money fluctuating in value.\n\nYou should not invest one dime in the stock market outside of your 401(k) plan until after you establish an emergency fund. This fund should be in cash (CD'S, money market, savings account etc etc) where you can get to it. You should have at least 3 months worth of living expenses in it.\n\nAfter you do this, you can invest all you want in the stock market....but you have to remember...the stock market is like a casino........dont be greedy.......make some money and get out........financial experts lie to you......the longer you are in the market (casino) the greater your risk is. Your risk doesnt decrease by time horizon.......your risk actually increases the longer your money is in the casino....opps...i mean market.
117877
"Safe" is a relative term.  However, insured bonds, government backed bonds, and CD's (only up to $100,000) are generally agreed upon as investments you will not loose any money in.\n\nYou will, however, be loosing out on the returns that you might be getting if you invested in a wider array of securities, such as stocks and stock mutual funds.
334081
dont place all your money into one type of bond, split your money up into stocks and bonds... put your money as a medium type, not agressive, if the stock market crashes, then all your money goes...it also depends wheither your investing in a 401 k or something else, different savings plans offer all different kinds of options
517192
Buy a diversified series of mutual funds. Individual stocks are just way too risky in most cases, especially for novice investors, even if they look like a sure thing.  How are Enron and Worldcom doing right now?\n\nMake sure you hit all the assets classes, like Large cap stocks, small/mid cap stocks, international stocks, emerging markets stocks, government debt, corporate debt, hi-yield debt, foreign debt, emerging markets debt, real estate, commodities, and precious metals. That's 12 categories right there, so let's say you get started with with $1200, you're talking about $100 each. \n\nThen sit back and rebalance each year, back to your original percentages. This is called asset allocation. The thinking being, what's BEEN hot is more than likely not going to STAY hot. All markets, after all, are cyclical.  This is why people who invest their 401(k) by just putting in whatever's had the most recent best numbers never get anywhere--they're investig in something that DID will and IS probably NOT doing well.\n\nThis sort of portfolio should average 8-12% per year, so just split the difference and say 10%. Will it do 10% EVERY year? Of course not. I'd be surprised if it ever did EXACTLY 10%. That's an annual average. With that average, your money should double roughly every 7 years. \nSo, in 7 years you should have about $2,000\nin 14 years you should have about $4,000\nin 21 years you should have about $8,000\nin 28 years you should have about $16,000\nin 35 years you should have about $32,000\nin 42 years you should have about $64,000\nin 49 years you should have about $128,000\nin 56 years you should have about $256,000\nin 63 years you should have about $512,000\nin 70 years you should have about $1,024,000!\n\nOf course, if you keep adding money in, say $100 a month, you'll become a millionaire MUCH sooner. The key is discipline, and sticking in when markets are up OR down. Don't try to time the market--you'll NEVER get it right.\n\nHere's a handy formula:\n\n$100/month x 12% retutn x 20 years = $100,000.  \n\nSo if you invest $300 a month, you can expect to have $300,000 or so in 20 years, depending on what return you get.  And remember, even if you stop there, that money itself will double again in 7-10 years, depending.  Then double again.  Then double again.  You get the idea.\n\nIn short, you can make a HELL of a lot of money, with a small output on your part, if you do it right, and are patient.\n\nOh, and if you qualify, and do this all in a Roth IRA? Then every penny will be 100% TAX-FREE. That's a deal that's too good to pass up. That's why I tell all my under-30 clients--if you make under $90,000, and therefore qualify to do a Roth, you'd be a fool not to. Just having the power of youth (and therefore time) on your side is such an advantage, to squander it would be such a waste!\n\nHope this helps!\n--J.\n\nP.S. The previous answerer's advice about contacting Edward Jones is gold.  I would go to their website at www.edwardjones.com, enter your zip code, and find the closest office to you.  Chances are there's one within 10 miles.  They have 10,000 office in the US, UK, and Canada.  And they will take care of you right if you decide you don't want to go it alone.
204968
Break it up into two strategies - aggressive and safe.\n\nFor aggressive, invest in a mutual fund of stocks after talking to a stock broker(s).\n\nFor safe, invest in either bonds or an Orange Savings Account CD.\n\nThis all assumes you are an adult and not over 50. If you are over 50, put it all into something safe if this is your only networth source.\n\nIf this is the best answer, please rate it the best answer. Thanks!
57973
Put it in Mutual funds, if you want a bit of risk...  Otherwise, forget stocks and go with GIC's or bonds...
977479
Although some might have a 'get rich quick' scheme, the best way is to be patient.  Invest like you could lose your money, keep part of it 'safe' and put at risk what you can afford to lose.
1116570
Look, before you do anything foolish with the money, get yourself an education in investing. You're going to have no idea if the advice people give you is any good unless you understand how money works. Personally, I recommend "The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need" by Andrew Tobias. It's an easy read and it will give you a firm foundation so that whenever you're presented with a financial choice or recommendation, you'll make an informed decision. No one's ever going to care as much about your money as you are, so you'd better learn how to handle it and make it grow. Good luck.\n\nOh, and have a look at Vanguard, T Rowe Price and Fidelity for your mutual funds.  Each of them has a large variety of funds which will fit your age and risk tolerance.\n\nAlso come over to getrichslowly.org .  A bunch of us money geeks congregate there to discuss everything from saving to investing.  Feel free to wander around and ask questions.  No get rich quick schemes there.  Just diligent and disciplined saving and investing.
199313
Talk to your bank about investing in a mutual fund. Ask for high growth and moderate risk. The reason I suggest this is because it is obvious you know little or nothing of investing, this is what I would buy. You wont see the kind of returns on any other unmanaged investment.\n\nBest Wishes
1059867
The quicker you want your money to grow, the more risk you have of losing it. \n\nThree reasonable choices\n1) Open a savings account\n2) Buy a 1 year CD\n3) Read and learn about the Stock Market and then start Investing in what you know such as Coke, McDonalds, or Microsoft.
877531
The most secure investment that will bring a HUGE return over the years, and is a "sure" thing, is education. Invest in yourself. It is corny, but true. With the money, learn investments. I did years ago and have benefitted from it many times over, knowing what to look for in stocks, bonds, munis and mutuals.\nIf you want to do it on the cheap, there is a little book you can buy for less than $10 in a used book store. It will point you in the right direction. It is my "bible" on investing:\nThe Richest Man In Babylon" by George Clason.\nhttp://www.profitadvisors.com/richest.shtml\n...jj
311039
This is a vague question.  What do you mean when you say what is the best.  If you mean safest, most have insurance guarding you on your investments if the financial service and/or trust company were to go bankrupt.  If you mean, honest, depends on what you are looking for.  Are you interested in one of these places to manage your money?  Manage your trust account?  \n\nIf you can be more specific, I will help you. \n\nGood luck!
1180578
he best way for you to invest depends on a lot of things.\n\nFirst, if you don't have an emergency fund worth 3-6 months of expenses, establish one first, maybe in a money market fund so you can get at it in an emergency. It won't pay back much, but it's better than having to borrow money in an emergency and getting into debt because your money is locked up. Nor do you want to sell your investments during a temporary downturn to pay for something like a new roof. Then you'll have lost that money permanently.\n\nNext, if you haven't done the 401(k) thing and the IRA thing, do it. Tax-free or taxed deferred savings are good.\n\nFinally, if you've already done all those things and still have money left to invest, there's still more stuff to think about. Long term, stocks will grow faster than anything else, but can be very risky short term. They're a terrific investment if you're young and have a long time line. If you're older, you have to think more about safer investments, because you don't have as much time to recover from a downturn in the market.\n\nAnyway, there is no "best" way to invest a sum of money. What's best depends on a lot of different circumstances. If you really want a good investment, go buy a book on investing so you can decide what makes sense for you. Sure, you could give your money to a financial advisor but how do you know he's not just in it for the fees and commissions he charges you? How do you know his advice is any good? You need at least a foundation so you can make an informed decision. Personally, I like "The Only Investing Guide You'll Ever Need" by Andrew Tobias. It'll give you the basics. Good luck.
169481
Safe but low profit - Bank CD\nRisky but potentially high profit - Stocks\n\nIf you're into selling stuff, buy something in bulk and sell it on ebay.\n\nDo not join any "get rich quick" schemes....you will probably lose all of your money.
1155635
Stay away from stocks or mutual funds for now. Put your money in a bank account. Most savings accounts are paying 2%-3% interest--- not a lot. But you need to have the money available to you in case of an emergency.