Q My 84-year-old mother just bought something called the ICON 12 fund. She's not exactly sure what it is but was told that she will be getting 9.7 percent interest, and that her money will be tied up for 10 years.

They wanted her to reinvest the income but she opted to take it out since it would be unavailable for 10 years. I tried to find some information on the Internet and the only thing I found out was that it is considered a high-risk investment.

It doesn't sound appropriate for her. Can you tell me anything about the fund? It's too late now, but maybe she'll be more cautious next time. She invested $10,000 and has a net worth of about $400,000.

GAIL

A If I were you, I'd look into getting your mother's money back; it's worth a try. The company, Icon Capital, is in the equipment leasing and structured finance business, and her investment is in the Icon Leasing 12 Fund.

First, I don't like it when anyone invests in something they don't understand, and the leasing business is complicated. Second, it's a higher-risk investment than most 84-year-olds should be taking. Luckily, your mother didn't put much money at risk.

The prospectus makes it very clear that this is a sensible investment only for those who can tie up money for 10 years: "Our shares are an illiquid asset," one with no public market, "and we do not expect one to develop."

That time puts your mother at 94. Is that OK with her?

It's an expensive investment. The prospectus says: "17.57 percent of the gross offering proceeds of the offering will pay fees and expenses related to our organization and the offering." That's a high percentage for your mom to pay.

Chris Farrell is economics editor for American Public Media's weekly "Marketplace Money" program on public radio. He lives in St. Paul. Send questions to: cfarrell@mpr.org, or to kaching@startribune.com, and put "Your Money" in the subject line.