Investment suggestions needed.

[caliphe]

I'm trying to find out more about annuity programs and how they work. I understand that I have to put money in etc. But I don't understand how long is the wait and other technical issues. Can anyone tell me in detail what is the bottom line to this and the time period of waiting etc. Or better yet what would be a good investment for an amateur investor like me? I would like to get into the stock market but I have no knowledge. Any information would be greatly be appreciated. Or better yet. Could you give me links to great information. The best programs etc.

[Lgbpop]

My advice is go to a financial forum for financial advice. If you're looking for it here, don't invest at all.

[jediburke]

The best investment you could ever make is staking me at the WSOP...


http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/8798/300pxwsop2007132c1c9vl8.jpg


:D

[Steve R Jones]

caliphe - what kind of money are you talking about?
$500 or $5000?

Paying off a high interest credit cards/car loans can yield better results then many investments...

[mobo57]

To partially answer your first question, it depends (I like that answer!). You can find structure annuities offered by investment firms in just about any fashion and flavor you want. Enough money and they can customize it to your liking. On the down side, annuities tend to be on the low side for returns. And there can be tax issues depending on where you live. Generally annuities are used to assure a steady stream of cash flow with little risk of loss of capital. Many insurance companies offer them as to investment houses.
You can even create your own annuity, a process called lattering. What you do is determine how much you want each period and purchase bonds, either zeros or fixed return, that mature over your investment period. Obviously your rate of return will be determined by what you buy.

Your first investment should be a subscription to the WSJ and/or Barrons. Read for several months to get a feel of what is out there.
Stocks and annuities are two completely different things. As a novice investor, I'd suggest looking at stock funds, check out Morningstar to start.

[herosrest]

There are differences to say saving funds in a bank account.
Once you have that difference understood you will know if that form of investment suits you.
Take nothing for granted. If you expect to live long, like very long, annuity may suit.

[werz]

The worlds coming to an end in Dec 2012.
So go for a Term Deposit that pays you a few months before then, so you can spend it. :eek: