Emerging Markets Fund?

[In the Money]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjammer22 When you say invest in bonds, do you recommend a bond fund or individual bonds or what? Basically what is the relatively liquid investment that you would recommend that I could easily get out of in 4 years?

ETFs are pretty liquid and a good fit for you since you don't have that much money to invest. They give you some diversification. Since you are interested in EMs, like others suggested VWO is good. However, I agree with what many are saying to keep a good amount in cash in an emergency fund since you are still in college.

[PrivateCitizen]

fjammer22,

Your first fund purchase shouldn't be an EM fund. EM funds are typically not more than 5% to 20% of any portfolio.

I suggest you pick one or two "core" funds first. I also suggest you read the free articles on how to construct diversified mutual fund portfolios on morningstar.com, and where you'll learn about what "core" funds are.

$6k is not that much in the scheme of things, and you'll undoubtedly be ramping that money up over the decades as you continue to work and save, so start with the basics first: select great core mutual funds to anchor your portfolio. Don't feel rushed into buying an EM fund...you've got plenty of time on your side to buy on the dips which always come. EM funds are near all time highs right now so you'd be buying near the top anyway.