It is decision time. I never did invest in those funds, but should i?

[john kane]

despite doing a lot of research into funds, i never ended out buying them. I even switch the $20K from my savings to my debit card so i could deposit on to the fund account.

3 reasons why i haven't

a) i was put off by the response i got when i mentioned for us UK'ers my options involve paying a 1.5% upfront fee and a 1% annual management fee.

b) iii.co.uk have been terrible. ive had to set up three accounts, been sent countless different temporary passwords some which have never arrived.

c) i have been, and still am, unsure as to how soon ill want to use the money for deposit on property. it could be 5 months, it could be 1 year, it could be 2 or 3 years.


is it wiser for me to move the money back into my savings account for the long term (not just till i make this decision)? I guess for me there is just something i find interesting about putting it in funds.

also i am attracted to the idea of every time i win another $1K i transfer it straight into one of my funds. this just seems awesome i think. not quite so much fun when it goes into a savings account.

having said that though if it dropped and cost me a few Ks it would suck putting in another $1k every few days when i think 'wait, it'll just end out only worth $700 the way this is heading'.

i dunno, i would like to, but i guess i am looking for you guys' advice as you have been very knowledgeable thus far.

many thanks for your time.

FWIW. i now have net total $49K.

currently:
$10K in one emerging market fund
$12K in gambling shares
$24K on my debit card (about to move back to savings).
$6K in savings ISA
$3.5K staking of a poker player
$12K on 2 poker sites
$7K owed to me by friends
$1K on pokes poker (bye bye probably)
-$25K student loan


that adds up to $50.5K by i only have $49K

anyways, any replies very much appreciated.

[Xcalibur]

What's the interest rate on those student loan?

[john kane]

about 3% from memory. it's definitely less than savings account.