When it comes to investing, nothing is 100% safe. That s why it s called investing, as opposed to saving which is basically parking your money in an account so it ll keep its value.
Investing means you re putting money into something a financial asset of some sort in the hopes of getting a return. Where there s the chance of a gain, there s always going to be the chance of a loss, too. Risk and reward are two sides of the same investing coin.
That said, not all investments are created equal, risk-wise. Some investments come with extraordinarily low odds that you ll lose your money.
“It’s all about the music. It’s not about me running my mouth,” said composer, jazz pianist and former radio personality Ramsey Lewis. The celebrated musician, who has recorded more than
Shadow act
There may be a pandemic happening, but there are still plenty of outdoor activities on offer as part of Woodstock Groundhog Days, which celebrates the beloved 1993 film comedy Groundhog Day. Events are this weekend through Tuesday in the vicinity of the Woodstock Opera House, 121 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock. All events are free, except for $30-$40 for teams playing the outdoor bags tournament. (815) 334-2620 or woodstockgroundhog.org. Introduction at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29; bags tournament at noon Saturday, Jan. 30; memorabilia library display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 1-2; and prognostication at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images
With variable annuities, you invest a sum that s returned with interest in periodic payments.
Unlike traditional annuities, variable annuities earn and pay a fluctuating rate, based on investments you select.
Variable annuities can offer bigger returns, but their fees are high and they re subject to investment risks.
An annuity is a little like a self-funded pension: You pay an insurance company a lump sum now and, in exchange, the insurance company pays you back later, in steady installments with interest.
How much interest do they pay? That depends on the type of annuity. If it s a variable annuity, the interest rates are, well, variable: The size of your payouts is tied to the performance of the stock market, the bond market, or whatever sort of investments you picked to put your original lump sum in.
Special Programs for January 11 thru January 15
Short List with host Bob Naujoks
Monday – Friday at 8:35 AM and Saturdays at 7 AM
The Short List: “The Hits”
The Short List continues its look at jazz tunes that became popular hits. This week, host Bob Naujoks visits songs that scored high on the pop charts and have become party of Great American Songbook. Tune in to hear songs and stories from
Al Hirt’s “Java,” Al Hibbler’s “Unchained Melody,” Ray Charles’s “Busted,” Ramsey Lewis’s “The ‘In’ Crowd,” and Bobby Darin’s “Beyond the Sea.”