Where should I invest or save my money?

If you’ve been saving for some time or have a lump sum you want to invest but aren’t sure where or how, read on to learn why it might be worth considering investing your money, the most popular ways to invest in Ireland and why you might need an emergency fund that you can always access easily.

Why do I need to invest my money?

The main reasons to invest your money are for long-term financial security and to build your wealth. If you’re considering where to invest your money, it’s important to know what your goals are first, so you can choose the best place to save money for you.

You never know what’s around the corner, so in addition to any investments you decide to pursue, it’s important to have savings to fall back on, and having savings so you can enjoy your retirement might be another consideration.

What should I consider when thinking of investing?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to investing, nor is there a “best way” to invest your money. How you invest will depend entirely on your financial situation. Think about what your investment horizon might look like, whether you’ll need access to your money and what your financial goals are, both in the short and long term.

One of the most important things to consider before you start investing is risk. Investing money doesn’t provide guaranteed returns, so it’s important to understand the risk involved (that you might lose money) and, equally importantly, to understand the amount of risk you’re comfortable taking, to try and maximise returns on your investments. Investing isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re more risk-averse, as no matter where you invest your money, it’s subject to unpredictable rises and falls. 

Of course, there are other places to invest your money without taking such a big risk, so if you are more risk-averse you might want to consider safer options such as traditional savings accounts.

Whether you choose to invest your money or save, it’s important to avoid entering into an agreement for a financial product that you don’t understand. It’s often worth consulting an independent financial advisor or conducting thorough research before you commit to a particular investment option or savings account, as it’s important that you fully understand the individual terms of the product you’re considering and the risks involved.

What are the best ways to invest my money?

As we’ve mentioned, there’s no “best way” when it comes to investing your money, as it’s down to your personal needs, your own appetite for risk, and your reasons for investing, but some of the most popular ways to invest money in Ireland are the following:

Stocks and shares

While savings accounts might be considered the best place to save money without risk, investing in stocks and shares can give you a better return on investment if you’re prepared to take a risk and have a long-term approach. Investing in stocks and shares can be volatile and unpredictable, and might not be for you if you’re new to saving. 

Savings accounts

There are many different types of savings accounts to consider, and they’re generally low-risk investments. If you have a lump sum, you might want to consider investing your money in a deposit account. This type of savings account allows you to lock your money away for a set time at a rate that won’t change until your account matures. That means they can be a good option in times of uncertainty and falling interest rates, as they guarantee your return.

Children’s savings accounts

Children’s savings accounts are investments you can make on behalf of your children to put them on the path to financial security, while helping them understand how to save and why it’s important. This type of savings account typically offers more competitive interest rates than adult savings accounts, so they can be a great investment in your child’s future.

Pensions

Investing into a pension might be a good way to ensure you’re comfortable in retirement. You might already have a workplace pension, but you could also consider a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), also called a self-directed pension plan, which gives you a wider range of investment options, such as property, bonds and funds.

Peer-to-peer lending

Peer-to-peer lending firms typically offer returns on your investment of around 8%, but this type of investment doesn’t come without risk. Peer-to-peer lending means you’ll invest your money into a business or project that needs capital to grow. Your investment is paid back to you with interest, as long as the business or project has succeeded. This type of investment might provide a lower risk in times of economic growth.

Do I need an emergency fund?

An emergency fund can be an important safety net in the event of any unforeseen expenses. Having an emergency fund to fall back on might prove critical if you’re considering high-risk investments, where it’s possible you’ll lose money. 

You may also want to consider how quickly you might need access to your emergency fund, as this will determine where you keep it. For example, you might keep it in a demand deposit account, which offers the flexibility of being able to access your money easily.