small investments?

[id10t]

Anyone have a recommendation on small investments for 10-15 years?

My 2 kids (2 and 5) have just over $1k each in a savings account from gifts, etc. Their college is pretty much a done deal, but I'd like something I can put that money (and future cash gifts) into so they'd have some $$ to do something with when they are out of high school - down payment on a first car, nice vacation, etc.

So, I'd like something I can start with $1k and add a couple hundred per year to.

Ideas?

[gatotom]

by the likes of all your responses to your question, there just might not be alot out there that anybody has much faith in.

All I can say is diversify and if you have no gold or silver, that would be a good one. Last time I checked there not mining that much anymore, the world still uses alot of silver for industry and if the rate of inflation continues, which it has too, it seems like a no brainer to have some in the portfolio.

[Rich76_911s]

My only thought is a savings bond??? Not a great return but where else are you going to put 1K? Go find a 2K Porsche for them to rebuild 20 years of entertainment, hard work ethic, and reward. Or you could think about buying a couple shares of the pph (drug etf for them). Baby boomers will be comming of age then and maybe some of the drug companies will be making buckets of money by then. Everyone hates them right now, but for a 20 year outlook they might be the best bargain in the market right now? And buying the etf limits your one stock risk. Microsoft trading where it is might not be a bad option either. They have some big products comming out in the next 17 months. I don't know how it would work opening a trading account with 1 or 2K though?

[turbo6bar]

Emigrant Direct or ING Direct savings account.

[tabs]

Go buy some Exxon, Chevron or Microsoft stock....The oil stocks pay quartely dividends like clockwork which you can put on reinvest mode....in 20 years you will have a nice little nest egg...

[mikester]

Whole life insurance at 20 years; Granted you'll have to continue paying the premiums for the next 20 but once it matures it will pay for itself and they can withdraw from it as they need almost like a trust fund. It doesn't have to be a lot - maybe $100k or $250 but they will have it their entire lives as long as you maintain it for the first 20 years my son's is less than $600 a year.

[Dixie]

I suggest something that offers:

• No fees
• No commissions
• No operating expenses
• No recurring expenses
• Easy to liquidate
• Requires no market timing schemes
• Offers a nice balance between risk and reward
• Provides inherent diversification

What is it? By an ETF. It's a stock share that mirrors an index of the market. An example is Vanguard's Total Stock Market Viper (VTI). You can buy it from any broker. A discount brokerage such as Scottrade would get you the most bang for the buck.

There are lots of ETFs available. Do a Web search on "ETF" and "Stocks". I think you'll like what you find.

(Normal disclaimers apply: No affiliations to any product or service exist or implied. Your mileage may vary. Contents may settle during shipping.)

[Craig 930 RS]

Fidelity Magellan mutual fund, hands down.
Nice returns every single year, top rated.

Has funded my 930 quite well.............

[1973911s]

I have a few bucks I have saved for my 2 year old, and am going to buy her into some growth funds. They are no load, and only $7 to buy?

Michael