What is the best way for me to invest money for short term profits?

Question

I have a 403b but I would like a somewhat safe way to invest money and get a return before retirement.Should I do stocks, bonds, CD's? Where is the best place to obtain these?

Answer 1

If you don't have the time or inclination to monitor your stocks carefully, go with mutual funds and the rest. It's important to diversify, especially in this economy. I'd recommend that you keep a significant percentage in cash (Schwab for example will give you ~4% on cash). Kiplinger is a trusted source and often has issues that pertain to specific kinds of investment, such as safe investing before retirement.

Answer 2

Short term profits and safe are usually mutually exclusive terms.  If you are looking for short term profits the kinds of investments you need to make usually entail some degree of risk, especially in today's volatile market.  If you are looking for safe investments with some degree of return, then the question I have for you is what is your time horizion before retirement?  If you are not planning on retiring for 30+ years, then investing almost all stocks may be the best way to go.  if you are looking at retiring in 5 years or so, you'll want to protect your assets with a healthy dose of bond income.

Answer 3

CD's work the best.

it doesnt have to be a large ammount of money but it CAN be a large ammount of money they end in a couple months to a year and you get very good  interest

Answer 4

Options , bear call spreads ...

Answer 5

Inflation is bound to rise for next 2 to 3 years due to high oil prices.

CDs and savings account rates lag inflation, so you lose value.

Buy TIPS or

a ETF which tracks TIPS - symbol is TIP or

Vanguard Inflation protected securities fund - VIPSX

These options will protect the value of your money and underlying is US government bonds, so you have safety.