01/10/2026
What should you do with money when you know you’ll need it someday, but you don’t know exactly when?
This is a common situation — a bonus, business surplus, inheritance, sale proceeds or money kept aside for a future family expense.
The first step is to think about when you may need the money, even if the date is uncertain.
If you may need it within the next one to three years, taking too much market risk can create a problem at the wrong time.
For money that may be needed in three to seven years, you can look at a mix of investments based on your risk tolerance and the importance of the goal.
Money that you genuinely don’t expect to need for seven years or more can have a longer-term investment approach, depending on your financial goals and ability to handle market fluctuations.
You don’t have to put all your money into one product.
Start with the time horizon. Then choose the investment.
If you have a large amount sitting idle today, have you divided it according to when you may actually need it?