To make an investment, is to put money into an investment with the hope of receiving a return/profit in the near future. Simply put, to make an investment means that you are buying an asset with the purpose of increasing the value of that asset over some period of time or an appreciating value of that asset over some period of time. Many people make investments for the purpose of increasing their net worth, which, when they reach a certain amount, can be used as a nest egg for their later years. It can also be used to pay off debts or invest in businesses.
Investing is very important to those who need it most. Those who are still in the early stages of life, children for example, cannot actively make an investment plan because their earnings are still too small and so they rely on their parents to provide them with financial support until they are capable of making an investment decision on their own. This way, children are provided with financial security even as they learn to work for themselves. Those who have retired after holding down a job are able to make investments with both the job’s salary and the proceeds from the sale of their employer’s business to supplement their retiring income.
There are two main types of investments: long term and short term. A long term investor focuses on the rise and fall of an asset’s value, with the ultimate aim of securing a rate of return higher than what their initial investment took them to earn. For example, if an investor buys a property and then sells it within a few years for a higher price, they will make a profit. Short term investors buy an asset and let it appreciate in value over time-the original cost is lost during this time, but the capital increases.
Some long term investors choose to diversify by investing in a number of different types of assets, often ones that yield lower returns but can increase their income at a faster pace. In this case, the goal is not to get higher returns, but to increase their portfolio’s value. An excellent example of this is real estate, which appreciates significantly over time. Long term investors can build on its appreciation by purchasing rental properties, turning them into condos or renting them out for a higher rate. Alternatively, one can focus their efforts on equities in established businesses, adding value through dividends and capital gains.
Another type of savings strategy is known as induced investment. This strategy occurs when a financial institution compensates for the initial loss of interest through a guaranteed annuity. This means that, should the insured die before the annuity has matured, the bank receives the full amount of interest from the insurance company. This is the most conservative form of saving because, should the insured retire early, the bank loses the full amount of the insurance company’s guarantee, leaving them with a zero sum of money.
All these strategies create asset allocation. The important issue to remember is that, although the ultimate goal is asset allocation, that does not mean the investor will be entirely risk-free. Any investment should be evaluated for return and volatility. Volatility can be seen as the amount of change in value for the same amount of money, and investors should be sure that any investments they make are strong investments. Additionally, an investor will want to think about using their own money to make investment decisions and consider using their savings to generate income.
