Money market funds are one of the most popular cash management tools. These investments are also touted as the safest type of mutual fund. But before investing in them, you should first know what they are, their benefits, and if they are suitable investments for you.
What Money Market Funds Are
Money market funds are mutual funds that invest in money or financial markets, which, in simple terms, means that you borrow or loan money, respectively. A money market fund is similar to your deposit account at the bank in that it takes your money and uses it for investment purposes. Then, a portion of the earnings, which come in the form of dividends, are paid to you. In general, money market funds pay out monthly dividends.
Money market funds typically invest in short term investments that mature in less than 13 months at the maximum. Since money market funds are investment with shorter time frame, the risk is significantly reduced. The idea is that lending the money for the short term is safer as there is a high probability that the amount will be paid back. Normally, money market funds invest in US Treasury issues, short-term corporate paper, and certificates...