Cash, what to do with it? (best, travel, college, commercial)

[travelmate38]

Dollar is low and expected to go lower. Savings interest at best is 2.75%. If you had $175,000 in cash sitting in the bank, what would you do with it?

No stock market for me. Been there, done that, got in March of 2000, tech stocks, everyone was doing it, right? Got out May of 2000 30% poorer, my first and last time, NUFF said on that.

I want a safe sustainable return, best I can get in this climate. House and all debts are paid-off in full. I'm hoping there is some safe way to get at least 5%? Any ideas?

[LittleDolphin]

Well, while certainly not a passive investment,buying rental properties in college towns usually proves an increasing investment (with good management).

[norm]

Here is a web site that gives you CD & money market rates: CD Rates | Compare High Yield Certificate of Deposit Best Highest Certificates Laddering CD Rate Ladder

[StealthRabbit]

Look to Vanguard - Ginny Mae or some other "income" funds

I am also considering buying some desirable commercial props, (something I can always resale if necessary) then selling them and carrying the paper

[Kootr]

I suggest putting it in a couple of CDs for 6-12 months at a time.

[HappyTexan]

Originally Posted by travelmate38

Dollar is low and expected to go lower. Savings interest at best is 2.75%. If you had $175,000 in cash sitting in the bank, what would you do with it?

No stock market for me. Been there, done that, got in March of 2000, tech stocks, everyone was doing it, right? Got out May of 2000 30% poorer, my first and last time, NUFF said on that.

I want a safe sustainable return, best I can get in this climate. House and all debts are paid-off in full. I'm hoping there is some safe way to get at least 5%? Any ideas?

Well first of all I'd get 2 banks because FDIC only insures to $100K.
Don't know of anything safe at 5% though..MM's and CD's are in the 2-3 % range.

[EmptyNest4]

The best investment for us was a CD through Countrywide. They had the best rates, are FDIC insured and we didn't go over the $100K limit per person. Today's rate was 3.90% APY for a 12 mos. CD. Might check them out. Countrywide.com
Good luck to you!

[Bideshi]

Originally Posted by travelmate38

If you had $175,000 in cash sitting in the bank, what would you do with it?

I would put it in physical gold and store it where the US government can't get at it.

[wit-nit]

I'd put it in ING and/or maybe some 12 month CD's and see what happens after the elections around the 1st quarter of 2009.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by janb

Look to Vanguard - Ginny Mae or some other "income" funds

I am also considering buying some desirable commercial props, (something I can always resale if necessary) then selling them and carrying the paper

My VFW post has money in a Vanguard fund, they are losing their shirts.

12% loss last month alone.