Saving & Investing

When planning for your financial future, understanding the difference between saving and investing is essential. Both have unique advantages, and knowing when to save and when to invest can help you achieve your financial goals.

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Saving & Investing

Retirement is often described as life's longest holiday. Check out our articles, tips and guides to make sure your retirement pot lasts the distance.

When planning for your financial future, understanding the difference between saving and investing is essential

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Saving

Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure, easily accessible place, such as a bank account. It’s ideal for short-term goals and emergencies.

A typical emergency fund should cover 3–6 months’ worth of essential living expenses. For instance, if your monthly expenses (housing, bills, groceries, etc.) total £2,500, aim to save between £7,500 and £15,000 as your emergency cushion.

Benefits of Saving:
  • Security: Funds are protected, often by schemes like the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
  • Accessibility: Instant or easy access to your money for unexpected costs or planned expenses.
  • Predictability: Your money grows steadily through interest, albeit modestly.
When to Save:
  • Building an emergency fund.
  • Preparing for short-term goals like a holiday or wedding.
  • Maintaining a buffer for unexpected expenses.

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Pensions & Retirement

Retirement is often described as life's longest holiday. Check out our articles, tips and guides to make sure your retirement pot lasts the distance.

Check out our articles, tips and guidesto make sure your retirement pot lasts thedistance.

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Investing

Investing involves putting your money into assets such as stocks, bonds, or property to achieve potential growth over the medium to long term. Investments carry risk but can offer higher returns compared to savings.

Benefits of Investing:
  • Building an emergency fund.
  • Preparing for short-term goals like a holiday or wedding.
  • Maintaining a buffer for unexpected expenses.
When to Invest:
  • Planning for long-term goals, such as retirement or funding education.
  • Looking to beat inflation and grow your wealth.
  • You’re comfortable with some level of risk.
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Should You Save or Invest?

Your decision ultimately should depend on your financial goals, timeframe, and risk appetite.

1. Start with Saving

Build a safety net. Before you start investing, ensure you have a solid emergency fund. This prevents you from having to dip into investments in case of unexpected expenses.

2. Move to Investing

Once your short-term needs are covered, consider investing to grow your wealth. Investing in equity markets can be uncomfortable at first but failing to put your money to work could have costly repercussions.

  • If you only save £200 per month in a standard savings account earning 2% interest, after 20 years, you’d have approximately £58,800.
  • If you invest £200 per month in a diversified portfolio with an average annual return of 6%, you could grow your wealth to around £98,925—a difference of over £40,000.

This shows how investing, while riskier, can significantly increase your wealth over the long term.

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Key Differences Between Saving and Investing
Tips for Balancing Saving and Investing
  • Set Clear Goals: Know what you’re saving or investing for and the timeline.
  • Understand Your Risk Tolerance: Be realistic about how much risk you can take.
  • Diversify Investments: Spread your money across different asset types to minimise risk.
  • Review Regularly: Regularly assess your savings and investments to ensure they align with your goals.
How an Adviser Can Help
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Deciding whether to save or invest—and how much to allocate to each—can be complex. A financial adviser can provide tailored guidance to ensure your money works hard for you.

What a Financial Adviser Can Do:
1. Assess Your Financial Situation:

Review your income, expenses, and current savings to determine how much you can afford to invest without compromising your safety net.

2. Set Realistic Goals:

Help you clarify your short- and long-term financial objectives, whether it’s buying a home, retiring early, or funding your children’s education.

3. Tailor Investment Strategies:

Recommend investments that align with your risk tolerance and goals, ensuring a diversified portfolio for long-term success.

4. Monitor and Adjust Your Plan:

Track your financial progress and adapt your strategy as your circumstances or market conditions change.

5. Provide Peace of Mind:

Offer professional, unbiased advice to help you avoid common mistakes and feel confident in your financial choices.

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I've worked with Dan for a number of years, all that time he's been fantastic. He's always available when I want to talk and the advice he's provided has been very tailored to my family's needs. I'd throughly recommend him to anyone who is looking for an adviser.
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