Investment and savings are usually used interchangeably because of their similar end goal. They are useful tools for financial security in future. The two are however completely different financial actions. Savings will involve laying away part of your disposable income for use in future. This can be carried out at home or through one of many different savings accounts. Savings usually cover unexpected emergencies and large expenses such as college education expenses.
On the other hand, investment refers to money that has been committed to a risky opportunity for future appreciation of value or generation of income. The investment will require a capital, cash or savings outlay on an asset that will result in financial growth. Investment can range from jewelry, bonds, stocks, real estate and other similar ventures. Any item that has the potential to grow in value may be considered an investment. The two main types of investment are variable income and fixed-income investments. Variable income investment ventures will have fluctuating interest rates, as opposed to the fixed alternative rates.
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Savings and Investing your funds
There are usually different intentions for the funds under both savings and investments. Savings are usually set aside to target minimal financial goals. They are usually set with a single target in mind, which may be carried out over a short period of time. This is usually between a few months and five years. The targets include financing education and buying personal effects. The short term and flexible nature of savings make them ideal for short term financial goals. On the other hand, investments are designed for long term financial goals. Investments involve a long term project with typically substantial outlays. Some investments include buying a home and starting up a business.
Limited Access
Investments offer limited access to withdrawal when compared to savings. Savings will be useful in case of financial emergencies, especially when they are in money form. You control your savings account, which means that you can withdraw part or the entire amount on demand. Investments are more limited in terms of access. Even the most flexible types of investments will require some time before all of your money is accessible to you. There are a few types of investment, such as mutual funds, which allow complete access to your funds at all times.
Higher Risk
Investments will attract higher risk than savings. If you save your money with a bank, the risk of losing it is almost nonexistent. Even if you save your money at home, you will not face significant risk if you take measures to protect your savings. In the bank, your savings could even gain interest. Investments will attract risk even if they offer potential rewards. Each type of investment will attract a unique type of risk.
Longer Returns
Investments have a better long term potential for returns. Combining interests and savings for their complementary characteristics could help you secure your finances. Savings will offer cover for you in the short term. As well as provide some stability while investments could help you gain return, secure your long term financial future and reducing your debt footprint will also help.