Thursday, 5 July 2012

Why and How to invest money – Basics of Investment



Most people simply save and invest money because their parents or friends also do it, but do you know why you invest money or do you simply invest because you have enough money?? Before investing your money, you must know why you want to make this investment, i.e. the purpose behind your investment has to be very clear in your mind. There can be numerous reasons for you to invest money like to buy a new car or to buy a bigger house or to pay for higher education. Whatever the reason is, there should be a clearpurpose for your investment and you should invest accordingly.

Purpose behind the Investment

Once you have a clear idea that for what are you going to use the matured money, you will invest accordingly and for that stipulated time period. Suppose, if you want to save money to pay for your child’s higher studies, you know after how many years you need the X amount. According to that, you should invest your money and by that time you will get the required amount.

How to invest money


You should decide on how to invest money as per your needs. If it is a real need like to pay fees, you must invest in safe and secured investment instruments. If you want to invest for some of your desires like buying a big or luxurious car, you have an option to invest part of the money in some risky instrument and invest remaining money in safe instruments to create a balance.



Points to remember before investing money

Know why you want to Invest Money
Have a clear Purpose / Reason
Invest according to your needs
Differentiate your investment by separating your needs from wants
Needs: Safe and Secure Investment Instruments
Desires: Safe + Moderate Risk Investment Instruments


If you want to fulfill some of your desire in very less time, then you may have to take more risk and invest entire money in high risk investment instruments or combine high risk and moderate risk investment instruments. But remember, while investing for short term, you are taking risk with entire money. In this case, either you will get very good returns or your whole money would also get lost. So, invest in these instruments only when you have no other option or you are a risk taker and want some quick money; no matter what will happen with your invested money.

These are some basics that you must follow while investing money to easily achieve your goals and desires on time.

Wednesday, 4 July 2012

Investment Options Available For Investing Money



There are many investment options available to invest money. While investing, you must need to be consistent and stick to your plan. Find out the different investment options as per your risk appetite.

The type of investment depends on the need and time horizon you have. If you want to invest for retirement, there will be different investment options, that has already been covered in Retirement Planning section, and if you want to invest for some other purpose like to buy a luxury car after certain number of years, there will be different ways to invest your money.

If you want to know, where you should invest your money or what are the investment options available, then here you will come to know about different savings and investment options you have. To invest your money, you should first understand your requirements and decide which investment options are suitable for you and your needs. One thing you must do while investing is to invest in different investment instruments and make a diversified portfolio. Have a look at the number of basic investment options you have, to invest and grow your money.

Safe Investments:
Savings Account
Fixed Deposits (Certificate of Deposit)
Government Bonds
PPF (Public Provident Fund)
Post Office Schemes  NSC, KVP, MIS and others

Moderate Risk Investments:
Company Deposits
Mutual Funds
ULIPs
Gold
Property

High Risk Investments:
Stock Market Trading
Forex Trading

Business Investments:
Consultancy Business

Money Making Hobbies:
Stamp Collection
Rare Coins
Wine