In about two weeks we will find out whether the HIX distribution will be maintained for another 3 months. I've been happy with 12 percent annual payout in my IRA, even though a chunk of my principal may disappear. No worse a gamble than anything else in the market right now. Money in the bank pays practically nothing. Savings bonds would be negative if the floor wasn't set at zero percent. But someday inflation has got to hit, and who knows how the Fed will react.