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Short-term Interest Rates

Why Cash is Not Trash

December 1, 2021January 27, 2020

This article is original content written by Manchester, CT Financial Advisor Thomas Scanlon, CFP®, CPA

Harvesting Interest Gain

 

 

 

The rates of return on cash (checking, savings, and money market) are very close to zero. This begs the question, “Why have any cash in the portfolio?” Some commentators have even suggested that “Cash is Trash.” I disagree.

 

Cash Reserve Fund

 

The first thing investors should do is fund their cash reserve fund. This fund can be accessed when an emergency arises. This emergency could be unexpected medical expenses or perhaps you lose your job. The popular media maintains that investors should have at least six months of living expenses. Our experience is that most investors have three months or less in their cash reserve fund. Although your cash reserve fund is an asset and part of your net-worth it’s not considered part of your investment portfolio as you are not investing it.

Depending on an investor’s timeline and objectives, a typical portfolio may have 5%-10% allocated to cash. This provides a buffer to the portfolio. Additionally this cash is liquid if funds were needed and provided dry powder if a buying opportunity presents itself. Before the Great Recession of 2008-2009 you might be able to get 3%-4% return on your cash. (1) Today it is essentially zero.

Continue Reading: Why Cash is Not Trash

Categories Financial Planning Tags Asset Allocation, Buying Opportunities, Cash, Cash Reserve Fund, Checking Account, DJIA, Dow Jones Indusstrial Average, Fed, Federal Reserve, Great Recession 208-2009, Interest Rates, Investment Objectives, Investment Portfolio, Investment Timeline, Investors, Medical Expenses, Money Market Account, Net-worth, Portfolio, Reuters, Savings Account, Short-term Interest Rates, Stock Market, Stock Market Correction

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