Topic: How To Invest

Dear Pat: My 79-year-old neighbour has inherited $250,000 and has asked me to invest the money on her behalf. She is in good health, has pensions that cover her routine expenses, and two financially independent children who will inherit her estate. My thoughts are to invest half the money in about 10 high-quality stocks, as per your long-standing investment advice (essentially on behalf of her children), and leave the other half more liquid to cover contingencies, such as the possible need for in-home care. My two questions are: 1) is this a reasonable approach, and if so 2) what is a good choice for the liquid portion?

Article Excerpt

Your neighbour should spread the stock portion of her holdings out across most, if not all, of the five economic sectors. Choose from our Buys and Best Buys in The Successful Investor and Wall Street Stock Forecaster. Holding 50% in liquid assets sounds about right, if these are the only liquid assets she has. The best way to protect cash is to keep it in cash equivalents, such as T-bills or other short-term government obligations, or in guaranteed investment certificates (GICs). High-yield savings accounts, such as those offered by President’s Choice or ING Direct, are good choices, as well. ..