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Money Matters: a look into limited partnerships

Greg Heberlein is KPLU's Money Matters commentator.
KPLU photo
Greg Heberlein is KPLU's Money Matters commentator.

You may be noticing more ads tempting investors to enter into limited partnerships. The scheme is looking pretty attractive in the down economy. But KPLU's Money Matters commentator Greg Heberlein says they come with risks.

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-936547.mp3

Greg says when investors compare the potential returns of limited partnerships investment (or 'master' limited partnerships) with more traditional savings and bond investments, they can look like a quicker way to make money.  

Most commonly, the investments are in real estate, but he says you'll also find them in the areas of natural resources, and companies such as storage facilities. 

Limited partnerships offer to return of 5% to 7%. Greg says to be careful, as the reason 7% returns are offered is because the risk is higher. He says it's important to do your homework on the investment.

Have you had success with limited partnerships? Many have. Or perhaps you feel you've been burnt. What's your advice?

Dave Meyer has been anchoring KNKX news shows since 1987. He grew up along the shores of Hood Canal near Belfair and graduated from Washington State University with degrees in communications and psychology.
Greg Heberlein spent 32 years at The Seattle Times. In 12 years in the Sports Department, he was the only reporter to cover every game in the Seattle SuperSonics' championship season. Towards the end of his 20 years in the Business Department, an award was established to honor the Northwest's top business columnist. He won in each of the first three years and shortly after, wisely took early retirement.