Between investing in one’s future and investing in their lifestyle, it’s certainly more fun to live large than invest your money and sit around with the hope of returns in the future.
Indeed, investing in the future is not an easy path to follow. However, if you want to have a safety net for the future, investments are the way to go.
Setting aside some money for savings is also good but you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Besides, who doesn’t want to be able to take good care of yourself and loved ones and enjoy a debt-free life?
Figuring out how to invest money can be a real challenge. But here’s a list of some smart ways you can use to start investing in your future.
Stock market
Despite its seeming volatility, the stock market is one of the best places to put your money. The key is that it only works when you’re thinking and investing for the long-term.
In the short term, the market will go up and down. You may even lose money for a time. Historically though, when you consider the market over spans of a decade or longer, the market tends to go up at a rate of about 10%.
Buying a stock means that you’re buying a small portion of one or more companies whose shares you bought into. When the company earns profits, you may be paid some of those profits in the form of dividends.
The prices of the shares you own also have the potential to grow over time as the value of the company grows over time. So selling your shares in the future can help you earn a second profit.
Savings account
Putting your money into a savings account to allow it to grow and collect interest is a less risky way to invest money.
While it’s important to note that less risk also means smaller returns, your savings account is a safe place where you can pile money you may need in the near future.
Make it a point to allocate a certain portion of your salary to your savings.
Create a budget and make a list of what you typically spend on a monthly basis. If your income is just enough for your expenses, take a look at your list and see if there are things you can remove or cut down to make room for savings.
Business
A lot of people don’t try starting a business for a variety of reasons. Some because they already earn a significant income from their employment. Some because they feel like they don’t have enough capital. Others because they are afraid to take risks.
Building a successful business can be difficult. After all, there are no shortcuts and no easy path to success. But you can always start with baby steps and start with a little capital. Entering the world of entrepreneurship doesn’t have to mean investing all the money you have.
Also, don’t worry that it might take too much of your time. You can start small and use it to help you earn some money on the side.
After all, it’s good to have passive income so you won’t always have to worry about losing or switching jobs.
Emergency fund
Life is unpredictable. No matter how much we may not want to think about it, unwanted circumstances happen. This is where an emergency fund comes in.
Contrary to what most people think, savings and emergency funds should be treated separately.
The money you put into your savings account should only be used according to how it is planned to be used. For example, if you started saving to invest in a property, then try to avoid touching that money except for that purpose.
Your emergency fund is a separate account you can tap when financial difficulties happen.
It’s wise to have money set aside for when hard situations happen like your car breaks down or you fall ill.
Putting your money into investments may not be at the top of your priority list, especially when you have other financial goals to achieve. But if you want to achieve ultimate financial independence, now is the best time to think about the long-term.
Start by building your savings with Calcite Credit Union. Feel free to give us a call for more information.
