Are Money Market Funds For You?

Money market funds are one of the most populardistinction is whether the dividends earned are
cash management tools. These investments aretaxable or tax-free. The Advantages of Money
also touted as the safest type of mutual fund.Market Funds With this type of investment, you
But before investing in them, you should firstare allowed to write checks that draw from a
know what they are, their benefits, and if theymoney market fund. This allows you to enjoy the
are suitable investments for you. What Moneybenefits of dividend earnings, plus you can easily
Market Funds Are Money market funds areaccess your cash. However, you need to verify
mutual funds that invest in money or financialwith your institution first regarding restrictions and
markets, which, in simple terms, means that youfees. Money market funds are most practical for
borrow or loan money, respectively. A moneyparking cash you need in the short term. These
market fund is similar to your deposit account atneeds may include down payment for a house, a
the bank in that it takes your money and uses itcar or a vacation. Also, since money market
for investment purposes. Then, a portion of thefunds are completely liquid, you can sell your
earnings, which come in the form of dividends,shares in a money fund anytime you want to.
are paid to you. In general, money market fundsWho Invests in Money Market Funds Money
pay out monthly dividends. Money market fundsmarket funds are for investors who want to earn
typically invest in short term investments thatdecent returns from safe investments. These
mature in less than 13 months at the maximum.investments are usually liquid. This means that you
Since money market funds are investment withhave the privilege of drawing out the money
shorter time frame, the risk is significantlywithin a few business days if you need to. Money
reduced. The idea is that lending the money formarket funds also allow you to take advantage
the short term is safer as there is a highof increasing interest rates. This is made possible
probability that the amount will be paid back.by stashing your money in an investment that
Normally, money market funds invest in USadjusts with the movements of the market.
Treasury issues, short-term corporate paper, andVisit the Personal Finances Blog, where you will
certificates of deposit. There are different kindsfind excellent articles on everything from Money
of money market funds based on the type ofMarket Savings Accounts to Money Merge
securities they buy. However, the most significantAccounts.