Expert: Doug Ingram - 8/13/2005

Question
I am retired and want to make a six figure investment that is safe and which will return 5% or more per year. This investment should lock up the money for the shortest time posible.

Thanks for your help.

Answer
The key here is locking up the money for a short time.
Longer term bonds have price risk but can return 5% right now.  You could buy a 10-year bond and just get paid over the next 10 (or more years).
Stocks are a gamble.

I would look at mutual funds if you want the most liquidity.
Find a no-load fund by reading:
www.morningstar.com

Look down under personal finance for:
Bond and Bond Funds
You can see what the funds are rated and what their returns are now.

My guess is to take a little risk to earn more than money market rates.  Maybe a Mortgage Back fund.