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I don't really agree that saving is investing. You can say theoritically but doesn't make practical sense. Saving is basically about trying to keep your money safe or preserve your capital with added advantage of interest to beat inflation if possible. THere is no risk involved in it. Your money going to safe and you won't lose it. But investing is totally risky business. You money has many chances of losing its value when the underlying equity loses its value. So I really don't agree saving has form of investment.
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Well, ultimately, I don't think it's a big deal whether we agree or disagree. A savings account is still going to be a savings account.
But since it's brought up, I contend that it is indeed a form of investing, and perhaps it would help to see it relative to other types of investments that are out there.
For example, buying bonds are typically considered as a form of investing. However, what is it that we are doing here? We're lending money out, in return for a promised form of interest, right? At the same time, we are also preserving our capital (generally).
When you think about it, the same is true with CDs-- which most I think would also agree is a form of investing-- except this time, you're lending it to a banking institution rather than a company or government. Again, fixed interest and capital preservation.
However, this also happens with a savings account. You're also getting some interest as well as capital preservation. Sure, the interest rate is typically lower, but it's typically balanced out with the advantage of having liquidity.
And yes, most people don't see it as a form of investing because... well, I'm not sure why. I think it's because people see it as only as a place to park their money until they can find a better form of investment for it. Then again, my own credit union is offering me 4% APY right now! That's better than most CDs and many bonds out there. Plus liquidity! So, why not use it as a form of investing?
Yes, the concept of saving and investing doesn't always mean the same thing (even when the two overlap). Pragmatically speaking, however, that does not mean a bank savings account can not be used as a form of investing. And if it is used as such, then it is indeed a form of investing.
Also, please understand that even saving money in a bank savings account has its own forms of risk. So, I'm sorry, but I must also disagree with the definition provided in that link. If a bank saving is without risk, then FDIC does not need to exist. But its does, and for good reasons. Also, bottom line, I'm earning 4% APY through my own bank account. Agree or disagree, that's money in the bank. Literally.
