Interest rates on 504 loans are pegged to an increment above current market rate for five-year and 10-year U.S. Treasury issues. Maturities of either 10 or 20 years are available. The 504 loan program is ideal for businesses in need of "brick and mortar" financing such as equipment or building acquisition.

MicroLoan, a 7(m) Loan Program: The MicroLoan Program provides very small loans to start-up or growing small businesses. Under this program, SBA makes funds available to nonprofit community based lenders who act as intermediaries. These lenders in turn make loans to eligible borrowers in amounts up to a maximum of $35,000. The average loan size is about $10,500. Applications are submitted to local intermediary and all credit decisions are made on local level.

In addition, each intermediary is required to provide business based training and technical assistance to its borrowers. Individuals and small businesses applying for microloan financing may be required to fulfill training and/or planning requirements before a loan application is considered.

This type of SBA loan is ideal for small businesses that need extra money for working capital or purchase of inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery or equipment. However, loan funds may not be used for purchase of real estate or to pay existing debts.

If you qualify for and receive an SBA loan, you can look forward to several benefits. SBA loans typically have longer maturities than comparable bank loans. Because you will be paying loan back over a longer period of time, down payments and interest rates are usually lower which means you're monthly payment will also be significantly lower than it would be under terms of a conventional loan.

The reason that I like money market funds is that they will make a return comparative to other accessible investments, most have check writing capabilities, and your investment is safe from downturns in stock market.

There are other options such as interest bearing checking accounts, savings accounts and possibly other savings vehicles in various banks, investment institutions and credit unions. Choose investment that is available to you and fits criteria.

One thing to be aware of when choosing a money market or any investment option is expenses. Expenses will vary widely among investment firms. Ideally you want to find an account that lets you invest in money market with no up front or back end fees and minimal yearly expenses. Since a money market does not appreciate quickly it would take a long time to make up for high expenses.

An up front fee is a percentage of your money that you have to pay when you initially invest it. For example if you invest $1,000 and fee is 5%, they will take $50.00 out of your account and you will only end up with $950 invested.

With a back end fee they take a percentage when you withdraw your money.

All investment firms will charge an annual expense on your invested money. Just pay attention and choose one that has a low expense. Be careful, since some will lure you in with a low initial expense that will be raised after a specified number of months. Look at track record going back a few years to make sure that expense ratio has stayed consistent.

Make sure that you have an emergency savings account so that paying unexpected expenses does not chase you back in debt; it is a vital step in living without debt.