Saving Or Investing

[Ryan]

I talked with my father about this topic on what is the best possible way to keep money, we came up with two best possible ideas. First is to save it to a bank and have it time-deposit. The next one is to invest by buying lands in rural areas but are fast developing. My father selected the first on for he thinks it is the safest way to keep money. I, on the other hand, chose to buy a land.

Anyway, that money is mine and is about $5,000 only and is currently in a savings account. I haven't made up my mind yet so I would like to know what are the advantages and disadvantages of saving through a time-deposit account or investing by buying a land. If you have any other suggestions where I could safely keep my money, it's well appreciated.

Thanks.

[jase]

There are plenty of investment opportunities from land as you mention to stocks and shares etc. Generally the riskier the option the more you stand to gain. Investment always boils down to how ballsey you are. Older people tend to be less risky and stick with safe options like banks while they younger can afford to loose money as they have years to earn it back.

My advice.. well you are only young once!

[Zell]

The biggest difference I can see is that with a bank savings account, even a time deposit, you can get your money out very quickly. (Even if you have to pay a fee.) If your money is invested in land you will need to sell the land to get your money out.

[asphalt]

Have you thought about this option www.forestlands.co.nz , as a starting point.

Gotta be better than your money sitting in a bank account!

[PiggyBank]

Of course, the amount of returns you will see is entirely dependant on the size of the risk that you are willing to take. The more you play it safe, the lower chance of losing the lot but the smaller returns.

I am like you and would not take big risks, my personality wouldn't allow it. But land seems a reasonable way to go, other than for the fact that as stated already your money is tied up long term. Just make sure that you have a contingency plan should you need it for the future.