Saving versus Investing
The terms ‘saving’ and ‘investing’ are often used interchangeably but they are actually very different.
Saving is putting money aside for some short-term goals or as a back-up in case of an emergency. While relatively safe, savings are generally placed in a basic savings account earning relatively low rates of interest. The return on your savings may be outweighed by inflation, tax and account charges.
Investing, on the other hand, is putting your money to work strategically for the longer term, to build wealth and increase your financial security over time. Reinvesting dividends utilises the magic of compounding interest, making your money work even harder.
There are many factors that will determine the nature of the investments that are suitable for you. These include: - Your objectives – what do you want to achieve?
- Your timeframe – how long do you have to invest?
- Your risk tolerance – how comfortable are you with fluctuations in the value of your investment?
All investments carry a level of associated risk. Generally, those investments with higher rates of return over the long term have a greater level of risk over the short term. Similarly, those investments with lower risk usually have a lower long-term return. | |
Diversification is a strategy that spreads the ‘risk’ across a variety of different asset classes. Minimising the overall risk helps build the value of your portfolio.
There are many types of investments available to help you build your wealth:
- Cash
- Fixed interest
- Property
- Australian shares
- International shares
Financial advice is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. A successful financial plan is one that has been tailored specifically for you. Everyone’s situation is different and a Bridges financial planner can help identify appropriate strategies and investments just for you.
Bridges Financial Services Pty Limited (Bridges). ABN 60 003 474 977. ASX participant. AFSL No. 240837. This is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation and needs. Before making an investment decision based on this information, you should assess your own circumstances or consult a financial planner. In referring members to Bridges, Queenslanders Credit Union does not accept liability or responsibility of any act or omission or advice provided by Bridges or its authorised representatives. Part of the IOOF group.