Saving vs Investing: Financial Literacy

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of saving money?

Setting aside money for future use

What are some examples of short-term financial goals that can be met through saving?

  • Buying groceries
  • Buying a new phone
  • Going on a vacation
  • All of the above (correct)

Savings held at banks are protected by FDIC.

True (A)

Saving is generally considered low-______, meaning the money is safe, but the interest rates received are also low.

<p>risk</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the purposes of creating a budget? (Select all that apply)

<p>Track income and expenses (B), Prioritize spending (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the general rule of thumb for the amount to save in an emergency fund?

<p>3-6 months' worth of living expenses</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compound interest results in linear growth over time.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The formula for compound interest is ______, where A is the final amount, P is the principal amount, r is the interest rate, n is the number of times interest applied per time period, and t is the time period.

<p>A = P x (1 + r/n)^(n*t)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Saving vs Investing

  • Understanding the difference between saving and investing is crucial for financial security and a bright future.

What is Saving?

  • Saving involves setting aside money for future use, such as buying a new gadget, going on a vacation, or having an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
  • Savings can be kept in a savings account or a certificate of deposit (CD) that earns interest over time.
  • Saving is an excellent way to meet short-term financial goals and prepare for unexpected situations, such as car repairs or medical bills.
  • Savings are generally low-risk, meaning the money is safe, but the interest rates received are also low.

Example of Saving

  • Setting aside a portion of one's allowance or paycheck into a savings account every month, such as saving ₹10,000 for a new laptop in 10 months by setting aside ₹1,000 each month.

Pros and Cons of Saving

Pros

  • Provides a financial safety net for unexpected events
  • Offers liquidity for purchases and other short-term goals
  • Is safe from loss, with savings held at banks protected by FDIC
  • Builds up an emergency fund
  • Funds short-term goals like buying groceries, a new phone, or going on a vacation
  • Minimal risk of loss

Cons

  • Much lower yields compared to other investments
  • May lose purchasing power due to periods of rising inflation
  • Opportunity costs when not invested in riskier but higher-yielding assets

Budgeting

  • A budget is a plan for managing finances, helping to track income and expenses, prioritize spending, and make smart financial decisions
  • Essential steps to create a budget include identifying income and fixed expenses, categorizing discretionary expenses, setting financial goals, allocating funds, and regularly reviewing and adjusting

Emergency Fund

  • An emergency fund is a reserve set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, aiming to avoid debt and reduce financial stress
  • The general rule of thumb is to save 3-6 months' worth of living expenses, considering factors such as job security, medical expenses, and other potential risks
  • Other sources of emergency funding, like insurance, should also be taken into account

Retirement Planning

  • Retirement planning is crucial for ensuring financial security in old age and enjoying retirement years
  • Key considerations include starting early to take advantage of compound interest, contributing regularly to a retirement account, and diversifying investments to minimize risk
  • Aim to replace 70-80% of pre-retirement income, considering inflation and rising living costs in retirement savings goals

Compound Interest

  • Compound interest refers to interest earned on both the principal amount and accrued interest, resulting in exponential growth over time
  • The formula for compound interest is A = P x (1 + r/n)^(n*t)
  • Compound interest is essential in savings as it can significantly increase savings over time, encouraging early and consistent saving, and illustrating the value of patience and long-term thinking

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