If thinking about investing in the stock market gives you major anxiety, you're not alone. Before completely writing off anything having to do with investing, make sure you're aware of all of your options. Investopedia surveyed 1,405 affluent millennials and discovered that 40 percent of respondents agreed that investing in the stock market was "risky" and almost a quarter claimed that it was overwhelming. This is unsurprising with the investing horror stories detailing the hundreds or even thousands of dollars naive investors lost, but that doesn't have to be your story.
Various investment options are low-risk or even zero-risk, but when you take on less risk you'll probably have lower returns. As long as you're willing to offset your investment growth on the premise of safeguarding your initial investment, then you have several options at your disposal.
Shutterstock
Certificates Of Deposits
If you're feeling a bit apprehensive about investing in stocks and bonds, but yearn to make more money than holding your money in a standard savings account, then purchasing a certificate of deposit (CD) can be a great investment to start with. Certificate of Deposits are products provided by credit unions and banks that pay customers not to use a lump-sum deposit for an agreed-upon period. In return, these institutions offer an interest rate premium.
Before rushing to purchase a CD at just any bank, brokerage firm, or credit union, you should know that all certificates of deposits are not the same. Shop around a bit to find the financial institutions that offer the highest interest rate premiums, so you can have higher gains on the same lump-sum of money you were going to invest in CDs anyways.
Treasury Notes, Bills, & Bonds
Without a doubt, Treasury notes, bills, and bonds are some of the safest investments because they're guaranteed by the U.S. government. Yes, that's right. Uncle Sam guarantees to pay back your principal with interest on top. Cha-ching! The Treasury Department auctions all notes, bonds, and bills with a fixed-interest rate, which is an interest rate with a set amount of interest on a line of credit or loan. While there is a high demand, bidders will pay more than the face value to receive the fixed rate, and vice versa when demand is low. When an investor holds treasury security until term, they'll receive the face value back, as well as the interest paid by the issuer over the life of the bond.
Treasurys have the lowest interest rates of all fixed securities. These securities are risk-free, but low-risk brings lower interest rates, decreasing your potential for larger returns on your investment.
What exactly is the difference between all three Treasurys? They differ because of lengths of maturity, essentially the Treasury notes are distributed for terms of two, three, five, seven, and ten years. Treasury bonds are only issued for terms that are less than a year, while Treasury bonds have the longest length of maturity with a term issuance of 30 years!
High-Yield Savings Account
A high-yield savings account is for the woman who is saving for a rainy day, so she needs to have quick access to her emergency fund. Unlike other savings account options, high-yield savings accounts allow up to six withdrawals without incurring any penalty fees! The lack of long-term commitment is a great plus for any low-risk investor who fears losing access to their savings when they need it the most.
According to CNBC, the top five high-yield savings accounts' annual percentage yield (APY), or rate of return, is at minimum 10 times more than the 0.04% national average APY offered for traditional savings accounts. A simple switch from a traditional savings account to a high-yield savings account would offer a higher rate of return, while still providing zero risks.
Money Market Accounts
Money Market Accounts (MMA) are similar to traditional savings accounts and high-yield savings accounts because they're a type of deposit account that earns interest. Banks and credit unions issue money market accounts that are federally insured up to $250,000 per depositor, so there's no need to worry about losing your funds.
MMAs typically require a higher minimum balance, but sometimes offer higher interest rates than the traditional or high-yield savings accounts depending on the issuer. The major difference between Money Market Accounts and other savings accounts is the ability to use a debit card or check to make purchases.
Also, keep in mind many issuers charge fees if you max out their withdrawal limit for the month.
Now that you have the proper knowledge about low-risk investment opportunities, you're equipped to figure out which low-risk investment is right for your specific needs. Investing doesn't have to involve a roller coaster of emotions like many think, as long as you make strategic investments to control the amount of risk you're willing to take on.
Are you a member of our insiders squad? Join us in the xoTribe Members Community today!
Featured image by Shutterstock
- The Tea On Forex - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness ... ›
- The Future Of Real Estate Investing Is Female - xoNecole: Women's ... ›
- Forex, Robinhood, Sou-Sou - What You Need To Know - xoNecole ... ›
- Best Investment Apps 2021 - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love ... ›
- 7 Best High-Yield Saving Accounts - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
RELATED
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
I live in Atlanta and I have discovered a variety of free fitness activities that can help you burn calories, get in touch with your inner child, and maybe even make a new friend.
These activities range from roller-skating to Pilates to dancing. Check out a few of these places below:
Pro-Stock-Studio/ Getty Images
Thompson Hotel
Located in Atlanta’s posh Buckhead district, Thompson hotel offers complimentary yoga classes on Saturday and free Pilates classes on Sundays. Both classes are on the hotel’s rooftop, so you’ll get a good sweat while taking in the gorgeous views.
Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta Beltline is a 22-mile path throughout the city that traverses trails, parks, and many neighborhoods. It recently announced its line-up of free fitness classes in different locations on the beltline. These classes encompass a diverse range of activities like tennis, roller-skating, Zumba, HIIT, and many more.
FGTrade/ Getty Images
Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is also offering free fitness activities through its Wellness Wednesday program. Every Wednesday, you can explore various fitness class like dance, self-defense, bootcamp and more.
The Battery
The Battery, home of The Atlanta Braves stadium offers free yoga on Mondays as part of its Wellness Series.
Atlanta isn’t the only city that offers a range of free fitness classes. Make sure to check out your city’s social media pages or search TikTok or Google, and type in “free fitness classes in insert city.” Alternatively, join different Facebook groups that highlight events throughout the city.
Check these out and have fun.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by JulPo/ Getty Images