Beyond stocks, ETFs, index funds etc
 

Any suggestions for a safe reasonable return aside from stocks or stock related vehicles? Something to cover inflation plus a bit of a return. The goal is protect principle, stay ahead of inflation and make a reasonable return.
Thanks and much appreciated!!

No.

The qualifier 'safe' makes the request a tough one.

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No is a great answer. Even though I'm in stocks and bonds, I know that "the market" is a casino on steroids, and my investment returns are at the mercy of computer algorithms that buy and sell based on esoteric data, generally not the result of actual economic pressures. Don't invest what you can't afford to lose.

Just review the stock index for the last 20 or 30 years!

Good answer. Back in the day bonds were supposed to yield a premium over inflation, but not anymore. Artificially low interest rates manipulated by the Federal Reserve, coupled with our HUGE deficit, have created a very dangerous bubble. You know something is terribly wrong when good economic news causes the market to go down and vice versa. Things are going to get ugly when forces beyond the FED's control cause interest rates to spike. The markets will crash and the cost of servicing our debt will skyrocket. Very risky market right now, we are keeping most of our savings in cash and gold. It doesen't earn anything, but it's safe.

Villages CDD bonds could be a decent investment. Current CDD 12 - Fenney/Southern Oaks yield 3.875% tax free. We know what's behind them (The Villages) is pretty stable. You can sell them if you need to liquidate...but are then subject to price fluctuations over par value.

I've held various CDD and Utility bonds for at least 9 years. I sure miss those that yielded 7%!!! But, even at 3.875, it's not a bad yield, especially if the tax-free aspect is important to you.

Contact Edie Nasello at FMS Bonds for more info. 800-741-1103 ext 2251