Key insights
- An individual is seeking advice on deploying excess cash in a volatile market. Concerns about market downturns are causing hesitation to invest more in equities. Alternative strategies like starting a side business and real estate investment are being considered, but high property taxes and closing costs are a deterrent. The desire for faster returns than a 401k offers is also expressed. This reflects broader investor sentiment of caution and a search for alternative income streams, potentially diverting capital from traditional equity markets.
I (F30) currently make 120k in a HCOL (Jersey City, NYC metro area)
- 60k invested in the markets (stocks, bonds, etf) * 10k crypto * 34k in a CD at 4% for this year (matured 3/2027) * 55k in HYSA at 3.5% * 28k 401k (only started contributing less than 3 years ago as my previous employer was a small local firm and did not have a 401k program) * $15k in checking that just kind of accumulates before i remember to transfer it lol
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Expenses
- $2,100 rent (splitting a 2br with my sister so it could be worse) * $350 utilities/groceries split too * $1,500-2,500/month on the credit card, restaurants, gym, shopping, travel etc. I can bring this number down.
No debt, no student loans, nothing.
---------- Currently trying to switch jobs for the $160k+ range which seems to be my current market rate at competitor firms (yes, I know)
I know I have more than I ever should parked in cash and I should only have the equivalent of 6 month worth of expenses. The thing is the market has just been so all over the place lately and it makes me nervous to move a big chunk of my safety net there and watch it drop. I know that's probably not the right way to think about it but here we are.
Some of you will tell me to put more on the 401k but i was looking to have this money work faster for me instead of something I can only reach in 30 years and will be locked until then.
Looked into buying a property and have the cash as down payment but the area that I live is just way overpriced and I don't think I'd be in this properly long enough to justify high NJ taxes and closing costs, etc. After some research, I think I'm better off renting for now... tell me if I'm wrong please, open to different opinions.
I'd LOVEE to start a side business or something online that I can build while keeping my full-time job. Not looking to throw all my savings into it, but I want to start generating income beyond my W2 (I find corporate work extremely unfulfilling.) Still figuring out what the right vehicle is. Any recommendations/opportunities I should look into?
How would you use the 100k cash for best returns?