Short term investment options

If you're looking to make money quickly, then consider short term investments.They allow you to invest your money at high yield interest rates, and also gain access to them sooner rather than later.As a short term investor you have many options.The key to becoming successful at making money from your investment is to find the best short term loan that's right for you.

A short term investment is one that will give you a quick return in a short period of time, on the money you have invested; anywhere between one to ten years.Anything longer than that would be considered a long term investment.Good short term investments will have high interest rates, and will allow you to acquire a substantial amount of money quickly.

Here is a list of pros and cons to different types of short term investment options:

Checking Accounts.Checking accounts are not really meant for savings; they are meant for everyday transactions.For this reason along, most checking accounts will give little or no interest.
Pros
- You can access your money quickly using a check or ATM.
- You can usually access a bank inside a local grocery store.
- Checking accounts are FDIC insured.

Cons
- You will earn little or no interest.
- Many require a minimum balance

Savings Accounts.These use to be the most popular way for people to invest their money for short term purposes.Now with a much faster moving world, and much smarter individuals understand the stock market, it is not.
Pros
- Savings account money is FDIC insured
- Account minimums are usually low
- You can take money out any time you need it.
- Very low risk

Cons
- Interest rates are very low
- Some banks have a minimum requirement.When your account goes under the minimum, you will be charged a fee.

Money Market Accounts.Usually offered by banks as well as credit unions, and most always require a minimum balance.
Pros
- Extremely liquid.Most money market accounts allow easy access through checks, transfers, and ATM withdrawals.
- Money market accounts are FDIC insured

Cons
- Because money market accounts are so liquid, you might have a smaller return than from certificates of deposit.
- Most money market accounts require a minimum balance.
- You are limited in the number of transactions you have each month including written checks.There is a penalty if you go over that number.

Certificates of Deposit.Also known as certificates of deposit.These can be used short term or long term; for short term investments they range anywhere from three months to five years.
Pros
- Certificates of deposit are very safe because they are offered by banks and credit unions.
- Certificates of deposit are also FDIC insured.
- They will also usually pay more than money market accounts.

Cons
- You do not have immediate access to the CD until it matures; depending on how many months or years your CD term is
- If you redeem your CD before its term is up there is always a penalty.

Money Market Funds.These are highly liquid funds such as certificates of deposit.
Pros
- If you need the money right away, you have immediate access to it.
- Returns for money market funds are usually higher than money market accounts.

Cons
- Money market funds are not FDIC insured so they are not very safe.

Government Bills or notes.The U.S. government backs up 100% treasury bills.
Pros
- These types of bills (treasury) are considered the safest types of investments.
- They can be bought commission free.
- You are exempt from state and local taxes.

Cons
- You might get a higher rate of return by using money markets, or CDs
- The security needs to mature or you can't get your money out.
- You may not get back all of your original investment.

As you can see there are a variety of different short term investment options.Just make sure to research all that's out there and use the one that's right for you.