Even Money Market Funds Are Risky

As one safe haven after another disappears—from money market funds to stock investments—financial advisers are telling consumers to take a more active role in their planning, reports the New York Times. But first, do your homework and understand what you’re investing in, experts say.

Here’s a primer:

• Money market mutual funds invest in (supposedly) low-risk securities. Experts say funds with bigger, more diverse companies are safer than those with small money management firms;
• Money market deposit accounts are FDIC insured (up to $100,000) interest-bearing bank accounts with lower risk;
• Treasuries offer low yield but are among the safest investments;
• Generally, the higher the yield the higher the risk.

(More money management stories.)