Bond funds are the worst. If you have to have bonds, purchasing a basket of individual bonds is the best course of action. Just remember, the face value of the bond can go down and be less than what you paid for it. The interest payment will continue to be made. But, you just lost your principal.

Bonds funds exacerbate this problem. You lose the value of the bond and the interest payment continues downward at the same time.

While I understand that you are looking for something to do with your cash, you need understand that there is always risk, there is no guarantee of safety either.

Don't be lazy about it. Take the time to educate yourself about investments. Nobody loves your money more than you do. (Except maybe ALPA)