Spending is sometimes used to mean investing, but there are several differences between them. Learn the difference between spending and investing to grow your money.
Spending and investing are comparable in that you spend money when you buy goods like a new phone, a car, or investment assets. But where should the line be drawn between spending and investing?
Here are the details on the difference between spending and investing:
Spending: In general, you spend money to maintain your standard of living, which includes paying off bills, utilities, and rent. You also have to pay for food, transportation, debt, subscriptions such as Netflix and Spotify, your phone bill, and other fixed expenses. These are the types of expenses that you can no longer recover—they are no longer recoverable.
Spending is not inherently bad. It’s your money, after all. Frequently, you spend a large percentage (if not all) of your money on goods that give you rapid gratification (e.g., new shoes, clothes, accessories). Is an action camera truly necessary for your future trip, or is it merely a desire?
Investing: According to Merriam-Webster, investment is a technique to “commit (money) in order to obtain a financial return” and “to use for future benefits or advantages.” In essence, investing is the purchase of assets, such as an investment vehicle, that will benefit you in the future. These are the wise purchases you make that can help you earn more money.
It entails leveraging your money to maximise your benefits and rewards. You put it in a vehicle that has the potential to develop if done correctly.
While investing to make more money comes with dangers of probable loss. It is critical that you analyse your financial condition, goals, and investment options to determine the best one for your needs and financial situation. When investing, it is vital that you do not simply throw your money into investment vehicles at random, but rather that you invest properly.
The main distinction between investing and spending is that investing is simply another method of spending money, but it is spent with the intention of generating future returns.
Furthermore, investment is typically done for long-term financial goals such as life insurance, real estate, retirement, and your children’s education fund. You’re still “spending” your money, but with the intention of financially preparing and safeguarding yourself in the future.
The major difference between spending and investing is that your money is gone, once you spend it, while investment can help you grow your money.
