An investment is essentially an asset that is created with the intention of allowing money to grow. The wealth created can be used for a variety of objectives such as meeting shortages in income, saving up for retirement, or fulfilling certain specific obligations such as repayment of loans, payment of tuition fees, or purchase of other assets.
Understanding the investment definition is crucial as sometimes, it can be difficult to choose the right instruments to fulfill your financial goals. Knowing the investment meaning in your particular financial situation will allow you to make the right choices.
Investment may generate income for you in two ways. One, if you invest in a saleable asset, you may earn income by way of profit. Second, if Investment is made in a return generating plan, then you will earn an income via accumulation of gains. In this sense, ‘what is investment’ can be understood by saying that investments are all about putting your savings into assets or objects that become worth more than their initial worth or those that will help produce an income with time.
Financially speaking, an investment definition is an asset that is obtained with the intention of allowing it to appreciate in value over time. Generally, investments fall in any one of three basic categories, as explained below.
Types of Investments
The question ‘what is investment’ is mostly followed by understanding your investment objectives and identifying where to invest. Keeping aside investments in real estate and assets like jewellery and all, when it comes to different instruments, another aspect of understanding ‘what is investment meaning’ is to know about different types of investments. The first refers to equity investments, and the second category includes debt instruments. If your investment objectives match, equity investments can offer greater returns and carry relatively higher risk. While debt instruments are less risky, but offer relatively low returns.
Further, what is investment meaning can also be understood from the perspective of how they are acquired.
Following are different types of investments in India:
1. Stocks
This includes shares of ownership of any company and helps you earn dividends in return.
2. Bonds
Wondering what is investment meaning in terms of bonds? It means lending your money to an institution or government, for which you receive fixed interest at regular intervals and also the face value upon maturity.
3. Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are a type of investment where money from multiple investors are pooled and invested by professional fund manager. Depending on your risk tolerance, investment tenure and returns expectations, you can choose to invest in Equity Mutual Funds, Debt Mutual Funds or Hybrid Mutual Funds. You can also make tax saving investments through mutual funds. Investments made into ELSS (equity-linked savings scheme) mutual funds are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80 C.
4. ULIP
ULIPs or Unit Linked Insurance Plans are a type of investment that provides both investment and life insurance benefits. A portion of the money invested into ULIPs is allocated for investment, meaning in this plan a part of your premium is invested in different funds and helps you earn market linked returns. It also offers tax-saving benefits of up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs under Section 80C.
5. Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Public Provident Fund (PPF) is considered as one of the best investment options for long-term investors who are seeking guaranteed returns. Current PPF interest rate is 7.1% p.a. till September 2022 and being a government-backed scheme, it features minimal risk to the principal amount invested.
For your benefit, you may also find out what is investment for tax saving and invest in such plans. Also, as discussed earlier, when you ponder over what is investment meaning and similar questions, consider adding term plans and health insurance policies in your portfolio for securing your family.
After this, put your funds in instruments like ULIP, mutual funds, ELSS (Equity linked savings scheme) and other government plans.
When talking about equity investments, you may wonder what is equity share?
Here’s what you need to know to understand what is equity share:
Any corporation can use equity shares as a long-term financing source. These are non-redeemable shares that are issued to the general public. Shareholders have the right to vote, share profits, and claim a company’s assets. Understanding what equity share can is help you make more informed decisions and create a diverse investment portfolio.