YOUTH & FINANCE POST EVENT REPORT
Luisa Hango President of the Unam Investment Society Saving vs Investing Savings and Investing are crucial to financial well-being and future prosperity. Saving allows us to set aside a portion of our income for future needs and goals. It instills discipline, patience, and financial responsibility – all these are vital skills for Namibian youth to cultivate. Furthermore, savings enable us to seize opportunities when they arise, such as pursuing higher education, starting a business or investing in our personal development. While saving is essential, it is equally important to recognize the “power of investing”. Investing means putting money into assets that have the potential to grow and generate returns. The assets include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and even starting a business. Investing allows one to grow their money beyond what you can achieve with a saving account, which typically have low-interest rates. Investing can be intimidating, especially for those starting – as we keep worrying about the financial risks involved, and fear losing hard-earned money. By conducting thorough research, expanding our knowledge, and receiving proper guidance we can make informed investment decisions that can help us ‘achieve our set financial goals’. As youth we have the advantage of time when it comes to investing. The power of compounding works in our favor, enabling us to grow our investments exponentially over the long term. Another key principle in investment is ‘diversification’, which is spreading our investment across different asset classes to mitigate the financial risk and maximize your returns. In conclusion, the choice between savings and investing is not an either-or proposition; it’s a balancing act. As youth, we should strive to cultivate healthy financial habits that combines both, elements – saving diligently and investing wisely.
compounding works in our favor, enabling us to grow our investments exponentially over the long term.
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