learningcenter.statefarm.com/finances-1/investing/money-market-deposit-account-vs-money-market-mutual-fund/ bb3 Sep 10, 2014

By Staff Writer

There is a lot of confusion around money market deposit accounts and money market mutual funds. Many individuals mistakenly believe that a money market deposit account is a mutual fund or equity account. Money market deposit accounts and money market mutual funds are both considered cash alternatives, but read on and you’ll discover there are some important differences.

Money market deposit accounts offer the benefits of both a savings and checking account. The customer earns interest while still being able to write checks and withdrawal or transfer funds. They sometimes offer higher interest rates than a regular savings account, but the primary difference from checking accounts is that money market deposit accounts are limited to six transfers or withdrawals per month when transfer or withdrawal is made to another account of the same depositor at the same bank, or when they are made to a third party, by means of a preauthorized transfer or automatic transfers; telephone (including fax); or with the bank’s home or internet banking service (such as bill pay). Transfers to a third party are also limited to six per statement cycle if made by check, draft, or debit card (point–of-sale).

Accounts that exceed these limitations may be subject to a fee and/or closed. (Savings accounts have transaction limits, as well. Checking accounts do not have transaction limits) Money market deposit accounts are protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) when opened at a bank that is a member of the FDIC.

• Money market mutual funds seek to preserve the amount invested by maintaining a net asset value (NAV) of $1 per share. They may also produce a small, but not guaranteed, return for the investor. Portfolios are comprised of short-term (less than one year) securities representing high-quality, liquid debt and monetary instruments. Examples include short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by U. S. Corporations or state and municipal governments, high-grade commercial paper, and U.S. Treasury securities. Money market mutual funds are not FDIC insured.

Money Market Funds are not appropriate for individuals that are seeking an investment that is likely to significantly outpace inflation, investing for retirement or other long term goals and/or, investing for growth or maximum current income.

In summary, a Money Market Deposit Account or Money Market Mutual Fund may be a good fit for you if you are seeking an investment for the cash portion of an asset allocation program, are looking for an investment with a lower degree of risk during uncertain economic times or periods of stock market volatility, and/or consider yourself a saver rather than an investor.

Securities issued by State Farm VP Management Corp. For more information, call 1-800-447-4930.

Securities, insurance and annuity products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal.

Asset allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss.

An investment in the Money Market Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.

Net Asset Value (NAV) is calculated by adding all of the assets of a Fund, subtracting the Fund’s liabilities, then dividing by the number of outstanding shares.

Neither State Farm nor its agents provide tax, legal, or investment advice.

Source for concepts included in this article: Back Room Technician, courtesy of Advisys, Inc.

AP2014/09/1540

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