Is your money safe in a money market?
Both money market accounts and money market funds are relatively safe, low-risk investments, but MMAs are insured up to $250,000 per depositor by the FDIC and money market funds aren't. Banks use money from MMAs to invest in stable, short-term securities with minimal risk that are liquid.
You cannot lose the balance of a money market account, although penalty fees may be charged for not meeting balance and withdrawal requirements.
Indirectly losing money, however, is a downside of money market accounts. Indirect loss can occur if the interest rates tied to the account fall, thus diminishing the initial return value of your account.
Money market funds can protect your assets during a recession, but only as a temporary fix and not for long-term growth. In times of economic uncertainty, money market funds offer liquidity for cash reserves that can help you build your portfolio.
Money market accounts are considered safe, low-risk investments. They earn interest and allow for easy access to your money. Your balance is also FDIC-insured, so it's unlikely that you'll lose money. However, fees and interest rate changes could deplete your returns.
Money market funds invest in short-term debt securities. As a result, money market funds can be a good option for investors looking for a low-risk investment that offers relatively easy access to their money.
You can withdraw money from your money market account whenever you'd like. However, your bank may place limits on how many withdrawals you can make in a single statement period. Additional withdrawals typically incur a fee.
However, this only happens very rarely, but because money market funds are not FDIC-insured, meaning that money market funds can lose money.
Is Your Money Ever Stuck in a Money Market Account? A common misconception is that money in an MMA can be stuck for a set time. However, the beauty of MMAs lies in their liquidity. Unlike certain investments with lock-in periods, MMAs offer flexibility.
Money market accounts offer flexibility with check-writing and debit cards, savings accounts are more accessible and have lower fees, and CDs offer higher interest rates but with a commitment to keep your money locked away for a set period of time.
How much money should you keep in a money market account?
Some money market accounts come with minimum account balances to be able to earn the higher rate of interest. Six to 12 months of living expenses are typically recommended for the amount of money that should be kept in cash in these types of accounts for unforeseen emergencies and life events.
If you're saving for something you'll need the money for in less than three to five years, saving in a money market fund may make sense for you. Money market funds are ideal for short-term saving because they invest in highly liquid securities with the objective of capital preservation and income.
The short answer is no. Banks cannot take your money without your permission, at least not legally. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures deposits up to $250,000 per account holder, per bank. If the bank fails, you will return your money to the insured limit.
The Bottom Line. Both money market accounts and money market funds are relatively safe, low-risk investments, but MMAs are insured up to $250,000 per depositor by the FDIC and money market funds aren't.
Since money market accounts are insured by the FDIC or the NCUA, you cannot lose the money you contribute to the account—even in the event of a bank failure. You can, however, be subject to fees and penalties that reduce your earnings.
On Sept. 16, 2008, the Reserve Primary Fund broke the buck when its net asset value (NAV) fell below $1 per share. It was one of the first times in the history of investing that a retail money market fund had failed to maintain a $1 per share NAV. The implications sent shockwaves through the industry.
While money market funds aren't ideal for long-term investing due to their low returns and lack of capital appreciation, they offer a stable, secure investment option for individuals looking to invest for the short term.
Taxable money market funds, also known as prime money market funds, usually offer higher yields than tax-exempt funds, but any income is subject to taxes. Prime funds invest in corporate and bank debt issued by U.S. and international entities.
Money Market Funds
Ultra-conservative investors and unsophisticated investors often stash their cash in money market funds. While these funds provide a high degree of safety, they should only be used for short-term investment. There's no need to avoid equity funds when the economy is slowing.
Money market funds are traditionally super safe investments and pay out a higher return than what you might get from a regular bank account. But after recent bank failures and debates over the debt ceiling, this huge part of the financial system could be on shaky ground.
What's the catch with a money market account?
Key takeaways
Money market accounts are a type of deposit account that earns interest. Rates are often higher than traditional savings accounts. Money market accounts typically limit your withdrawals per month and have a higher minimum balance requirement than traditional savings accounts.
Money market funds are usually considered to be safe investments, but it's important to remember that these investments are intended for the short term. With maturities of 13 months or less, the funds stay liquid and allow you better access to your money than longer-term investments.
CDs and money market accounts are equally safe. They are both insured accounts and will not lose value.
They may come with the ability to pay bills, write checks and make debit card purchases. Disadvantages of money market accounts may include hefty minimum balance requirements and monthly fees — and you might be able to find better yields with other deposit accounts.
Are CDs safe if the market crashes? Putting your money in a CD doesn't involve putting your money in the stock market. Instead, it's in a financial institution, like a bank or credit union. So, in the event of a market crash, your CD account will not be impacted or lose value.
