Starting your investment journey with Money Market Funds

When you’re ready to grow your money, Money Market Funds, a type of Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF), may be a good starting point. These are designed for investors who want to earn potentially higher returns than regular savings while maintaining a conservative approach to risk. 

This guide explores how Money Market Funds can serve as the foundation of your investment journey, helping you navigate financial uncertainties while taking that important first step beyond conventional banking products.

Demystifying money market funds

What are Money Market Funds?

Money Market Funds are professionally managed collective investment schemes that pool funds from multiple investors to purchase high-quality, short-term debt securities such as government treasury bills, commercial papers, and short-term corporate bonds. Unlike other UITFs that might invest in stocks or longer-term bonds, Money Market Funds focus exclusively on instruments that mature within one year, often just a few months.

The changes in the value of your investment typically show much less volatility than other fund types, making these investments particularly suitable for those seeking stability with modest returns.

The strategic role of money market funds

Is a Money Market Fund the right investment vehicle to begin your investment journey? For individuals seeking to move beyond traditional savings accounts without taking significant risks, Money Market Funds provide an excellent starting point. Their focus on capital preservation combined with liquidity makes them particularly valuable in several financial situations.

Key advantages of money market funds

• Capital preservation focus: Fund managers prioritize safety and stability, making these funds less susceptible to market fluctuations.
• Liquidity: Unlike time deposits with penalties for early withdrawal, most Money Market Funds allow redemption with proceeds available within 24 hours.
• Better yields than savings: While returns are modest compared to equity funds, they typically outperform traditional savings accounts by 1-3% annually.
• Affordable: Investors can start with as little as PHP 10,000, making them accessible to beginning investors.
• Professional fund management: Expert fund managers optimize short-term yields while maintaining safety parameters.
• Low participating fee: Typically, lower management fees than other fund types (usually 0.5-1% annually).

Understanding the limitations

• Inflation risk: During high inflation periods, potential returns may not keep pace with rising prices, potentially eroding purchasing power over time.
• Yield fluctuations: Returns fluctuate based on the performance of underlying investments
• Not covered by PDIC: Unlike bank deposits, Money Market Funds don’t carry government deposit insurance protection.

When money market funds make good sense

Understanding the specific situations where Money Market Funds excel can help you incorporate them effectively in your financial plan.

The emergency fund upgrade

For emergency funds (equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses), Money Market Funds offer an ideal balance of safety, returns, and accessibility—protecting your financial security while earning more than traditional deposit or savings account.

Ideal approach: Keep one month of expenses in a regular savings account and the remainder in a Money Market Fund for better returns while maintaining quick access during emergencies.

The pre-investment staging area

For funds you’re accumulating toward a larger investment (like property down payment or stock market entry), Money Market Funds serve as an efficient “staging area” or “parking facility” that earns returns while you build your investment capital.

Ideal approach: Set up automatic transfers to gradually build your position until you reach your target amount for the larger investment.

The financial buffer zone

During periods of market uncertainty or when you’re between investments, Money Market Funds provide a sanctuary that preserves capital while you evaluate market opportunities.

Money Market Funds can be a temporary parking spot for your money when the market gets bumpy or when you’re shuffling your investments around. Your cash stays ready to move into other investments when things settle down.

Getting started with money market funds

1. Research fund providers: Compare Money Market Funds from different institutions, looking at historical returns, fund size, management fees, and minimum holding periods.
2. Check the portfolio composition: Review what specific instruments the fund invests in—government securities typically offer more safety than corporate debt.
3. Understand the fee structure: Look for funds with management fees under 1% to maximize your returns.
4. Open an account: Complete the client suitability assessment and account opening process, which can typically be done online through platforms like Metrobank Online or Earnest.
5. Start with a comfortable amount: Begin with whatever you can comfortably set aside, even if it’s just the minimum requirement.

Monitoring your money market investment

Unlike volatile investments that may require rigid monitoring, Money Market Funds benefit from  relatively stable price movements. 

• Check performance quarterly rather than daily
• Review your fund’s latest portfolio composition annually
• Compare your returns against the current inflation rate to ensure your purchasing power is protected
• Reassess whether the fund still aligns with your financial goals as your situation evolves

Stay informed about changes in the interest rate environment by following Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas announcements, as these may have potential impact on the Money Market Fund returns.

Successful Money Market Fund investing is about understanding their role as the foundation of your investment pyramid—providing stability and liquidity while you explore higher-return opportunities with other portions of your portfolio.

Go to lifebanking.ph to read more guides about growing your money and securing your future.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Financial decisions should be based on your own research and personal circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.