The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday, Dec. 14, edition that even when the stock market thrives, earning 4 to 5 per cent on nearly risk-free cash has its appeal. The Globe's Rob Carrick writes that with returns, however, dropping to about 3 per cent or less in 2024, cash is becoming less attractive. The Bank of Canada's recent rate cuts have benefited borrowers but are challenging for savers seeking decent returns. Last week's 0.5-percentage-point drop has driven investment savings account rates into the high 2-per-cent range. While stocks have performed well recently, concerns about a potential pullback exist. Bonds have been strong too, but there are worries that incoming U.S. president Donald Trump's policies could ignite inflation, hurting bond performance. With this outlook, you can easily talk yourself into staying the course with your cash holdings. However, the future is similarly questionable for cash. Further rate cuts from the BOC are expected next year, and each will lower cash returns further. Mr. Carrick says make a plan to get at least some of your cash into more productive assets. He notes that alternative banks are still offering one-year rates of 4 per cent.