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We have 1 million dollars from the sale of a farm, which we want to use to pay down land debt. But we can't make a payment until the anniversary date of July 5. Right now it is in an interest bearing checking account earning 1.7 %.

6 Answers6

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If you need that money for a payment 3 1/2 months away, then you need to be extremely risk averse. Maybe even to the point that you may want to spread that $1mil to several banks to stay under the FDIC limits of $250k/account. You will not get great return, but you will be sure to have it when you want it such a short time away.

R. Hamilton
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In addition to R.Hamilton's answer (upvoted), I would add that there is some not insignificant risk at the moment of financial crisis #2 due to the demand and supply shocks, (covid 19 + oil market drops ), overstretched corporate borrowing, and central banks having run out of ammo trying to keep 2007 on ice.

I think it would be very wise to split the money into separate banks for insurance coverage. Maybe look into short term term-deposits.

EDIT: Update. Since the time of posting this answer I would change the opening "not insignificant risk" to "highly probable", if not actually declaring that we are now in fin.crisis#2, opening rounds.

Frank
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Unless you want take a more significant risk, that's probably anout the best you can do.

Investing it into the market - bonds or ETFs or even shares - would give you a chance to earn a lot on it, but also to lose a lot on it. With a short time horizon like this, you would not be able to recover losses. If you had ten years, the recommendation would be to buy some ETFs and make 4-10% in average. For not even four months - take the 1.7%.

Aganju
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Possibly, invest the funds long-term and re-finance the land debt from a position of better credit standing.

Also, close to 50% of the funds in a brokerage account can be taken out of the account on margin and institutional margin rates can be found. Then an interest-only loan can be developed such that simply future performance of the investment possibly pays off the loan. I called that situation an interest-only loan because the percentage of margin deposit must be maintained while the minimum financial drain is the margin interest.

S Spring
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Of course, I would always consult a fiduciary investment advisor. I would imagine my investment advisor would recommend investing the money long-term in a diversified allocation portfolio, possible refinance the land debt (when interest rates drop lower, hopefully soon) and service the land debt from the growth/income from the invested money.

Arluin
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I had $1M for 3½ months, I would put ~$900k in four 3-month CDs (if you can find them) and use ~$100k as the underwriting for a payday advance company. Getting in contact with the right people will take some work though. This could give $10-15k in gains, even considering the current economic climate.

Others might not like my idea, but you asked for opinions. As always, if you have a financial advisor, use him; if you don't; get (a good) one.

MarkMYoung
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