<prompt> Human: question for the pf gurus: im wondering if anyone has used a vanguard or any institutions near term target retirement fund to get better yield on short-term savings. for example, say you have a sum of money that you know youll need in about 2 years. what if you parked it in a 2015 target retirement fund and then withdrew it when you needed the money at that time? how big are the swings on target retirement funds that are close to coming to maturity so to speak? btw, i say vanguard because even their target retirement funds have an ER of around .15...  <response>: If you are willing to accept the risks of exposing your money to market swings, a target date fund isnt a terrible idea. However, money you know you will need in the short term should only be in a savings account, CD, or perhaps a government bond.Also depending on the goal there may be better options than a taxable brokerage account with Vanguard 529 plan, HSA. 