Investing vs saving – how to find your fit

People tend to fall into one of two categories when it comes to the money they’ve saved. They either opt to pop it in a savings account where they can see it and access it in a jiffy, or they invest it. The latter can sound a tad scary for many of us, which is a shame, as you could be missing out on making your cash work harder for you. To help demystify the world of investments, we’ve put together a quick 101 for you. 

Saving in a savings account means you can access your money whenever you want.  It’s a low-risk option, but that means the return you earn will be lower as well. Investing does have higher risks attached, but the potential for greater returns on your money is higher too. 

When it comes to investing your money there are a range of investment options to consider. For example, there are managed investment schemes KiwiSaver and Investment Funds , physical assets such as property, or financial assets such as shares. It's a good idea to understand the benefits and risks involved before making any big decisions. 

Of course there’s nothing wrong with having a foot in each camp. Putting part of your money into a savings account and investing the rest might be a good way to spread your risk – giving you easy access to the money in your savings on the one hand, with the potential for bigger returns on the other. 

Feeling confident about getting the best out of your savings? Remember, knowledge is your savings superpower. So, wherever you are on your journey, don't be shy about seeking out the free advice of our financial advisers.