Post-bust short-term investment tips, anyone?

[Dan]

You know, it would ahve been so much easier in 1997 or 1998.

Anyhow, yesterday I got a big healthy check, containing my down payment and equity on the old house in Florida.

I plan on buying a house here in the KC area in October or November. In the meantime, I have to put that check someplace safe. (Granted, a few thou will probably be going to Jennifer Covertibles for some new living room furniture, but the rest will be banked.)

I'm not content to let a healthy pile of dough earn 1% interest in some money market account. I was thinking about 75% bank/25% blue chip old school stocks (Ford, GE, etc), but I'd like to know what you think. So ... any advice that doesn't involve tech stocks, Indian gaming, Powerball or personal loans to dear, dear friends?

 

[giff57]

or personal loans to dear, dear friends?

Crap!

 

[el Guapo]

Just an idea

I have a plan where all you have to do is fly steady at low altitude. Get some practice on the simulator. I'll do the take off and landings. Can you work a flare gun and run a radar detector? You'll need to start going to the tanning both now. I'll tell you where to meet in a PM. Pack real light - we will either be gone 3 days or 30 years. Either way we are set for life! Whoo hoo.

 

[Cardinal]

I just stuck a big chunk of money into a money market at 1%. Though I plan to buy before you, maybe in April to June, I would still recommend the conservative approach. Even the old blue chips are subject to a lot of volatility right now, especially with the potential of a war in Iraq and civil unrest in Venezuela. If gas shot up to $2.50-$3.00 per gallon, what would happen to gas-hungry car and SUV sales? Retail stocks are definitely a bad buy right now, and of course, you already commented on tech stocks. Some mid-cap manufacturers have potential, but you would have to do your homework to pick them. Ironically, I did alright with a commodities (usually risky) mutual fund last year.

 

[Jen]

GO to treasury direct.gov (dept of public debt) where you can buy and sell treasury bills and bonds. Create an online account and direct deposit from your bank.

 

[Tranplanner]

Invest in Clonaid!

 

[statler]

Hey I got an email about this guy from Nigeria who needs to dump a bunch of money real quick. No really. It sounds like a great deal I just don't have the upfront money.