I have $5000 that i dont need for the next 3-5 years. im in the military and just got back from deployment and the extra money i dont need right now . What is the best place to put it, to make the most profit on it ?

You should be 100% in equities. Most people begin with an S&P 500 Index mutual fund such as Vanguard's 500 Index Fund (ticker VFINX). Some prefer total market funds such as Vanguard's VTI.

From there you can make other choices as you gain experience.

Medic,

Being military, and I understand you have recently returned from deployment, but next time you go out, think about the savings deposit program. Your personnel office could give you the details. You can deposit up to $10K and get a guaranteed return of 10%.
As far as what to currently do with the 5K, I agree with Paul, get into equities, time is on your side. There are some solid Dow stocks that pay good dividends that are fairly safe investments, as far as capital preservation goes. I would look at stocks like MCD, COH, AFL, KO and the like.
Welcome back and glad you made it home safely. Thank you for your service.

Foolishly,
Phil

<<<I have $5000 that i dont need for the next 3-5 years. im in the military and just got back from deployment and the extra money i dont need right now . What is the best place to put it, to make the most profit on it ?>>>

I suggest using $200(?) for a one year Stock Advisor subscription - (read their money back guarantee). Your subscription allows access to ALL archived issues. Tom and David have a proven track record of beating the SP500 for several years, so in my opinion why even try to pick stocks on your own?

Then divide the remaining money equally to buy 5 stocks from the latest issue. Memorize the Rule of 72, and also remember that $1000 compound doubled just 10 times results in a million dollars (1000 to 2000 to 4000, etc.)

The rule of 72 is a formula that tells you how long your money will take to double. Several of Tom and David's stock picks increase at an average pace greater than 25%/year, So 72 divided by 25 = 2.9 years for your money to double.

Some of their stock picks have even doubled in less than 1 year!! (but don't expect it to... just be satisfied with 20-25% growth . Remember, the bank pays less than 1% per year, meaning your money would take 72 years for only one double! I don't suggest leaving your money in a savings account.)

If you start with $4000, and get lucky with picks that average over 20% per year, and you continue to add to your account each month, you may be a millionaire by the time you retire from the military!

I believe that Tom and David will soon rank among the greatest investors of all time, along with Lynch and Buffett!

Hit the home page button and start your (no risk, money back guarantee) subscription! Stock Advisor and patience will make you a millionaire.

Fool on
crikescrikes

thanks for all the advice

I agree with the 100% in equities advice. However, rather than funds of any kind, I almost always recommend buying shares of individual companies that you like and admire if you can buy them at reasonable prices.

What do you like to buy and use computers, electronics products like cell phones, sport equipment, coffee at Starbucks. Tooth paste shaving needs <consider Proctor & Gamble(PG)> for example. -- A sometimes useful Valuation Tool is here: http://www.ValuePro.net. If you do buy individual stocks do not ever pay more that that "Model's" Intrinsic Value

But first read investment books before you invest in individual stocks. My recommendations: "One Up on Wall Street" by Peter Lynch, Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham, "Real Money" by James J. Cramer, "Security Analysis", 1934 edition by Graham, Dodd & Cottle. "A Random Walk Down Wall Street" by Burton Malkeil, "Portfolio Theory and Capital Markets" by William F. Sharpe, and many others.

Kahuna, CFA
Investment Professional
1974 - Present

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