Corporate Youth Jan. / Feb. 2014 | Page 12

I say this as a concern that even through the economic downturn, everyone still has to get their money working for them to help gain more income in their households no matter how small or big. South Africa is home to world-renowned banks and other major financial institutions registered with Financial Service Board, which we all have access to. These financial institutions are places to invest with. Listed: ABSA FNB NEDBANK CAPITEC STANDARD BANK BIDVEST BANK INVESTEC RMB These above mentioned financial institutions offer a variety of products in investments and are a good starting point to investing. There are two kinds of investors in life namely: Passive investors and Active investors Passive investors These are investors who rely on interest rates from financial institutions to grow their money. You can invest an amount of about of R10 000 in an interest bearing account at a rate of 10% for 5 years. This means that the growth in your investment for the first year will become R1000. When taking the cumulative amount for the next year it will be R11 000. Investing this R11 000 again at 10% will grow your investment to R12 100 in the second year. This can keep growing your investment but you are also under the risk of fluctuating markets. Active investors Active investors are people who make their money for themselves; they are actively monitoring the performance of shares, market rates, and indices. Being an active investor means that you are taking the responsibility to monitor and take care of your own money and wealth. You invest your money for yourself and no one else makes decisions with your money. This investment process is recommended as this keeps a person aware of their investments and also on track of their wealth. Most people feel that this is risky and indeed it is a risk to take through, but with the right knowledge and the right choice of investment it will make you a wealthy individual. Financial investment options: When making investment choices, it is advisable to conduct thorough research and consult with accredited financial advisors. Below is a list of some of the options you can consider. 32 Day interest accounts All major banks host an account which allows you to invest from as little as R500 for an uncertain period of time and allows for withdrawals within notification of 32 days prior. This account is a long-term savings option as you do not freely have access to this account unless you make a trip into a branch 32days before, which can be somewhat of a drag. The interest on this account depends on market rates which are set by your bank of choice. Now this can be most ideal for the start-up investor as you have access to the account within that 32 day timeline period. Fixed deposits: Fixed deposits are also a form of long-term investments that help people save money. You do not freely have access to this account but you can make a withdrawal at the branch once the fixed term has lapsed. There is a fixed interest rate that is set between you and your bank by the time you invest in a fixed deposit. This account has a minimum lump sum investment ranging from R15 000 upwards. This is for the moderate investors who can live without touching that amount for that certain period. Money market accounts: These are accounts that are based on the market rate. You invest a minimum sum of money and the interest rate on this account is dependent on the rate for the day, this is a rather good and bad investment option as the interest rate is never stable. You can either make a huge profit one day and the next make a huge loss. If you are the adrenalin junkie in passive investment options, this is where you need to be investing. Listed above are three major options that are considered for investing with financial institutions. For more prospects on suggested financial institution investment products please feel free to visit the financial services board website to have a full view of registered financial institutions in the different fields ranging from insurance policies, investment products and registered stock market exchange brokers. This will give full insight in all companies that you can choose to deal with who are registered. Let us come together to build and maintain a sound financial investment environment for ourselves, families and also for our country. Visit: www.fsb.co.za