[grania]

I need some guidance on managing my mother’s 401k to protect what she has and hopefully grow it to help support her through her illness.

I'd keep it in FDIC bank CDs, no more than $100,000 each bank. And I'd keep her out of it as long as possible, until interest rates go up. But I'm overly cautious.

You really want to protect her and you? Move her in with you.

[CitizenUSA]

The rates on $100,000 CDs are abysmal.

[olrtex]

“I’d keep it in FDIC bank CDs, no more than $100,000 each bank. And I’d keep her out of it as long as possible, until interest rates go up. But I’m overly cautious.”

The insurance limit is $250,000, but I tend to agree with the insured-accounts advice. I would keep the CDs very short (no more than a year) and look at credit unions for a slightly-oh so slightly-greater yield. Obama as president adds too much risk to stocks to make them attractive (they may do great, but the risk is just too high). Commodoties are for professionals only. 1% yields are near criminal (in essence, the government is imposing a 100% tax on savers by holding rates down), but plus 1% beats a loss.