Any Ideas For A One Year Investment of $7,500?

I will probably need the money in one year. I am looking for something moderately safe. Are CDs or money market funds the only real options? Thank you.

Depends. If you want to guarantee your return @ around 5% then a CD might be the way to go. If you are willing to take on some risk, there are other ways to go.

It's important to remember that you need to think about AFTER tax REAL returns. If you're in the 25% tax bracket and earn 5% on your money (like in a CD) your after tax return is only 3.75%, now figure in inflation of 2.5% and your REAL return is only 1.25%. Pretty bad.

There are some great mutual funds out there that can offer tax-free returns and also only need to be held for 13 mos. in order to not incur a "load".

The two you listed are probably your best options for that time frame. You can expect to get a 4-6 percent return, depending on which one you choose. Not a bad way to make a safe $4000 if you ask me. You could always do some stock trading, but it's riskier and takes more of your energy. I'd go with the invest it and forget it CD / MM account.

CDs, Moneymarket, Savings accounts and Bonds are safe and low risk. In the stock market it would be a mistake to go in knowing you only have the money for a year.

Cds are the way to go for a short term investment. You can find some paying about 5%. (which is better than most money markets and especially bank interest!)

for the highest rates for MM's, CD's in the nation, check out www.bankrate.com.

If you will probably need the money in one year,than stock investing is too risky,CDs or money market funds are your best bet http://charting-the-market.com/