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I have around 100k in cash that I would like to put to work.
Property I've heard breaks even after 3 years, so this is not an option.
I do not know enough about the stock market to want to gamble there.
What would you suggest I look at for high returns (high risk is fine), as I want to put the money to work before immigration.
Thanks.
Never invest money you need in the short term.
As already suggested, park your money in CDs.
Books such as "The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Investing in Mutual Funds" claim that money market funds and CDs are the most prudent things to invest in if you need the money within 5 years. More specifically:
Are you going to South Africa or from? (Looking on your profile for this info.)
If you're going to South Africa, you could do worse than to buy five or six one-ounce krugerrands. Maybe wait until next year to buy a few; you may get a slightly better deal.
Not only is it gold, it's minted by that country, so it's easier to liquidate should you need to. Plus, they go for a smaller premium in the US than some other forms of gold.
As for the rest of the $100k, I don't know ... either park it in CD ladders or put it in something that benefits if the economy gets worse.
(Cheery, ain't I? ;) )
If you ever need the money in three years, imagine that today is 2006 and you need the money in 2009. Keep it in savings accounts, money-markets, or CDs maturing at the right time.
Investing $100k into physical gold (bars or coins) is the most prudent option; given the state of economic turmoil worldwide.
Take a look at the long term charts; they're pretty self explanatory. Gold has an upward trend for 100+ years. http://www.goldbuyguide.com/price/
A more high risk/high reward investment would be to buy $100k of physical silver. Silver has a similar track record and inherent benefits of gold. Yet, with a combination of factors that could make it even more bull than gold (ie- better liquidity, industrial demand).
Beyond that, you may want to look at other commodities such as oil and agriculture.
The point is, this is troubled times for worldwide economies. Times like this you want to invest in REAL things like commodities or companies that are actually producing essential materials.
