If you are in doubt between invest or save, you have certainly come to the right place!
If you've ever had that late-Sunday chat about money with family or friends, someone has probably told you: "I prefer to leave my money in savings, it's safer".
Or who knows, “Invest? Ah, I don't meddle with that, it seems too complicated”.
Oh! And we cannot forget the famous phrase: "I'm saving to buy what I want".
But are we making the best choice when deciding between investing and saving?
If you want to know more about it, keep reading this article we prepared for you!
What is saving?
Saving is the act of saving money, saving it for some specific purpose or simply to create a reserve. It's the famous "save for rainy days".
If you've ever put money in the piggy bank, waited anxiously for change just to keep that little coin or resorted to a spreadsheet to track spending, then you know what we're talking about.
Saving is essential for anyone who wants to have a healthy financial life, as it creates a safety margin for unforeseen events, makes dreams come true and, of course, gives that pleasant feeling of security.
What is investing?
Investing is the act of allocating money with the expectation of obtaining some future return.
It's taking that money saved and saying: "Go there, dear coin, and bring you more little friends".
Jokes aside, when we invest, we try to make our money grow over time, whether through interest, dividends, asset appreciation, among others.
The purpose of the investment? Multiply capital. And, yes, investing has its risks. But before turning up your nose, remember: life is full of risks!
Even savings, which are considered super safe, have their risks (like inflation eroding real value).
Why take a risk and not just leave it in savings?
Investing is an art and a science at the same time. And just like any art or science, it has its own nuances and characteristics.
Dedicating time to understanding the universe of investments can open doors to returns that, when compared to savings, would seem pure fantasy.
Have you ever heard of the concept of Financial Tripod? Basically, he teaches us that an investment can never perfectly combine liquidity, risk and profitability. Typically, it combines two of these elements. It's like a balancing game!
Consider savings: it's like a comfortable mattress where your money rests. It allows you to withdraw your money whenever you want (high liquidity), it offers security (low risk), but on the other hand, its yields are low.
Now, venture into the vast ocean of investments, and you will see options that ask for patience (low liquidity), but promise encouraging returns (high profitability).
Dreaming of a peaceful future and perhaps a comfortable retirement? So look beyond the immediate horizon.
In fact, investing, when well studied and aligned with your profile, can be the treasure map you were looking for!
Invest or save? What's the best option for you?
So, we come to the key point: invest or save? The answer might seem a little quirky, but… how about both?
Saving is the first step. Without savings, there is nothing to invest. But once you have an emergency reserve formed and good financial control, it's time to think about making that money work for you.
The idea is simple: save to create a fund and, when you feel safe, start investing part of it. It's not a question of "or", but of "and". Save and invest.
How many reais can you invest per month?
Setting goals is like plotting a route on a map before starting a journey. When you clearly establish a value to be saved or invested, you not only determine the destination, but you can also visualize the path to be taken to reach it.
Many financial gurus preach a golden rule: pay yourself first. Translated, this means that, before settling any debt or expense of the month, you must reserve a predetermined amount for yourself, as a kind of self-reward for the work done.
Imagine that you decide to save R$ 400.00 every month. That amount becomes your number one priority.
It's like a fixed account, which you can't escape - but unlike ordinary accounts, this is a positive debt for your future!
But, living isn't just about saving, right? We all have dreams and desires, from traveling the world to simply acquiring an object of desire or taking up a new activity or hobby.
And here comes the magic of financial balance. It is perfectly possible, and healthy, to set aside part of your money for these moments of leisure and personal satisfaction.
So what would be the ideal recipe for effective financial management?
- Emergency fund is the foundation: First of all, establish an emergency fund. It works like a financial airbag, ready to cushion unexpected falls.
- Save consistently: Try to save religiously between half and one salary per month. This gives you a clear perspective on your progress and helps you stay focused.
- Dedicate a fund to your dreams: Life is not just made of obligations. Create a special background for your wishes and leisure.
