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Bank or invest for 4 years
Homes and mortgages
Hi all. I plan to invest monthly, long term - for the next 30 or 40 years. However we are planning to buy property in 3 years when we get citizenship. I have a deposit of $150 000 sitting in a bank account attracting 5% interest monthly. I will need that money when we do buy property so I guess my question is - do I let it sit there for 3 years or invest some of it and cash out (with fingers crossed) when we need it for a house deposit? In the meantime I will start investing smaller amounts every month. Beginner investor here just trying to maximise my time (I'm 41) Thank you x
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Bronwyn
Asked on 29 November 2024
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Hello! It’s great to see you’re thinking strategically about your financial future and considering both long-term investments and your near-term goal of buying property.
Given your situation, where you have a significant deposit saved and a clear timeline for when you’ll need the funds, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and rewards of investing that money in the market versus keeping it in a safer, more liquid form like a high-interest savings account.
Since you plan to use the deposit for a property purchase in about 3 years, the primary consideration should be the risk associated with different types of investments. Generally, investing in the stock market is better suited for longer-term goals due to the volatility and potential for short-term losses. The stock market can offer higher returns but comes with higher risk, especially in the short term. Given your timeline, there’s a real risk that if the market takes a downturn, your investment might not have enough time to recover before you need to access the funds.
Keeping your deposit in a high-interest savings account, as it currently is, provides a stable and predictable return with very low risk. The 5% interest rate you mentioned is quite competitive and offers a guaranteed return without the risk of losing principal, which is crucial when you know you’ll need the money in a relatively short timeframe.
For your long-term investment plans, starting to invest smaller amounts monthly is a wise strategy. This approach, known as dollar-cost averaging, can help reduce the impact of volatility by spreading out the purchase of assets over time. It’s particularly effective for building wealth over a period of decades, as it allows you to take advantage of market dips and grow your investment gradually.
In summary, for your short-term goal of buying property in three years, keeping your deposit in a high-interest savings account is likely the safest and most prudent option. For your long-term investment goals, r
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