What's the difference between saving and investing?

The terms “saving” and “investing” both refer to money being used for a goal or purchase down the road. So, what is the difference? Saving is typically done for shorter-term needs where protecting your money from market volatility/risk and being able to access it easily are top priorities. Investing, on the other hand, is usually for longer-term goals where growing your money is the most important goal and you have time on your side to make the most of the markets.

Because saving and investing are in some ways similar, many of the same ideas apply to both, including the risk of losing money, how easy it is to access your funds, and potential gains (i.e., how much money you might make, also called your rate of return). But there are significant differences in exactly how those ideas apply and also in how you actually go about saving versus investing. Let's break down the details.

The act of saving usually means regularly setting aside money for a relatively short-term goal or need such as emergency expenses, buying a car, or taking a vacation. Savings accounts are typically low risk, but also offer low returns, meaning your savings won’t earn very much additional money over time (which is paid to you as interest).

Savings are often deposited into a savings account at a bank, a bank certificate of deposit (CD), or a bank money market account.

In contrast, investing is usually done through a retirement account such as a 401(k) or IRA, or through a more general-purpose brokerage account. These types of accounts hold the investments you purchase such as stocks, bonds, or shares in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that have the potential to increase in value over time. Of course, it's also possible to invest some of your money in physical assets such as real estate.

Investing is often done with long-term goals such as retirement in mind. With investing, the risk of losing money is almost always higher than with saving, depending on market performance, but the potential to grow your money and build wealth is typically also much higher.

Let’s compare some of the main differences between saving and investing:

Should I be saving or investing? Which comes first?

With one exception, certain saving priorities should likely come before you start investing. When deciding whether it's time to save or invest, here are some principles to keep in mind:

1. Set up an emergency fund first. It's a good idea to have three to six months' worth of living expenses saved in case of unforeseen events.
2. Pay off high-interest debt. If you have debt and the interest you're paying is higher than what you can earn in a savings account or may potentially earn from investments, pay off that debt first.
3. Don't miss matching 401(k) contributions. This is the exception we mentioned. If your employer will match some of your 401(k) contributions, you’ll very likely want to contribute at least enough to get the full match, if you can. You may want to do this even if you’re still working on the first two saving priorities—it's like getting free money.
4. Be clear about your priorities. Are your most important financial goals short-term, such as buying a car, or long-term, like retirement?
5. In the same vein, consider when you will use the money. Again, saving often makes the most sense for short-term needs.
6. Know your risk tolerance. Understanding how much risk you're comfortable with can help guide your decisions about saving and choosing lower-risk or higher-risk investments.

What to look for in a savings account

• FDIC insurance. Almost all banks are covered by the FDIC, but it's worth double-checking to be sure.
• A high annual percentage yield (APY) is a good figure to compare interest rates. Most banks pay low interest rates on deposits, but there are differences, so shop around.
• Monthly fees. Some banks waive fees if you have a large enough balance or meet certain criteria. Others won’t charge a monthly fee no matter what. Try to find a savings account that’s free for you.
• Local or online. Location might be important, but keep in mind that most digital banks emphasize online tools to make it easier to save and to manage your account from anywhere.
• Easy access to your cash when you need it.

What to look for in a brokerage firm or other investment provider

• Fees and other investing costs. Generally, there are fees and possibly commissions associated with investing. But fees can vary widely, depending on the broker and what investments you make. You'll want to look at this carefully.
• Range of investment choices and accounts available. Make sure your broker offers the types of accounts you need and access to the markets and products, such as mutual funds and ETFs, that you might want.
• Research and other tools. There are literally tens of thousands of stocks, bonds, funds, and other investments available on the various markets. Easy-to-use research tools, investment screeners, and other educational resources can make a big difference when you're trying to find the right investments for you.
• Support. Your investments are important—it's your money, after all. Can you get your questions answered and problems solved quickly and efficiently?
• Easy access to your cash when you need it.

In the end, both saving and investing have their place, and many people will do them simultaneously. That's because most of us have specific short-term goals for which saving is appropriate as well as long-term objectives where investing may make more sense.