There are many myths about saving and investing. One of them is that they’re the same thing. As a matter of fact, it isn't true at all. Here’s what you need to know about saving and investing to secure your financial future.

Saving vs. Investing: Which One to Choose?

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🤔 If you have a little extra money, what would you do? Would you 

You might think that saving and investing are interchangeable. In reality, they’re not.

 is putting money aside for a specific purpose. The purpose of 

, on the other hand, is to put your money into something that will grow in value over time, creating wealth for you in the process.

Let’s see how saving and investing can work together to help secure a financial future for you and your family.

What's the difference between savings and investment?

One thing saving and investing have in common is their 

 helps you escape possible uncertainties and provides you with the opportunity to live a more fulfilling life. It can help you steer clear of many obstacles and hurdles if you 

 can help you build wealth for times of need, job loss, or for the future. But there’s

 one important difference between saving and investing: 

Because of its low risk, saving typically results in lower returns on the money you put aside. In contrast, while investing can offer higher returns, it also carries a bigger risk of loss. Simply because

factors that are often outside your control

. This includes geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, economic turmoil, or even the publication of certain economic indicators (e.g. the Consumer Price Index which is used to calculate inflation).

So, in a nutshell, choosing between saving and investing largely depends on your financial goals and personal circumstances.

a hand inserts gold coins into a pink safe on a pink background

You should save when you have a stable income but not much spare cash on hand. 

As a general rule, you should build a cash savings balance that can cover from three to six months of living expenses. This way you’re protected against unexpected financial emergencies such as job loss or car wreck.

Saving is also good if you have short-term financial goals such as buying a house, saving for a vacation, or paying for college. 

In short, if you plan to reach your financial goal in five years or less, saving may be a better strategy than investing.

Savings in case of emergencies (to cover your expenses for some time in case something happens).

Savings for planned, one-off expenses (like a house or a car).

Savings for short-term goals (five years or less).

Savings for retirement (some people prefer the stability of savings to prepare for their retirement).

But keep in mind that it's important to save with the right asset. 

While most people will traditionally turn to cash and a savings account, remember that your 

cash savings risk losing their spending power over time because of inflation

So, instead of stashing cash under your mattress, or losing it all to inflation, start 

a multicolored column chart, a pink curve, and a white-and-green zig zag indicator on a pink background

It is best to invest when you have a stable income and an emergency fund (part of it in gold😉).

. Buying an asset doesn't guarantee that it will keep its value or bring the income you expected. For instance, stocks rise and fall in value every day. 

So having another source of cash to cover financial emergencies makes it easier to handle those normal ups and downs in the stock market.

If you don't have cash on hand, you may have to sell your investments fast if something bad happens. You may lose money if you sell an asset when its value is down.

If you want to start investing but don't know where to start, here are 

paper money, rubber gold coins and a blue house on a grey background

Saving or investing depends on your individual circumstances and financial goals.

 financial goals but no or little cash on hand, saving may be the option. But remember that your money may be worth less over time due to inflation, and that’s where 

, investing money may bring higher returns than keeping it in a savings account. Especially if you don't need access to your money quickly and don't mind tying it up for a few years. Still, your assets can lose value due to multiple factors beyond your control. Therefore, 

 can smooth out risks and reduce your losses when stocks or crypto fall sharply. 

For many people, though, saving and investing go hand in hand. Once you’ve saved some money, it may be time to start making some investments. Just make sure you invest in a mix of riskier and safer assets to 

Gold offers several powerful advantages as a store of value. Discover why more and more investors are turning to this precious metal.

What are the advantages of gold compared to other investments?

A look at the strong changes in demand in the gold sector y-o-y.

A Shift in Gold Demand Trends

Good thing central banks can't print gold. 😉

21.9% Annual Inflation... and Counting

Despite slowing down, the frenzy around silver has kept prices up, and demand for physical bars and coins strong, while doubts over the state of the silver stocks emerge. Is Silver Setting the Stage for a Breakout?

Is Silver Setting the Stage for a Breakout?

We are thrilled to announce that our CEO Alessandro Soldati was invited for an open and lively discussion on a popular YouTube channel Frugalisme et Liberte Financiere.

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Choosing between gold and silver: A comparison to help you decide which metal might be right for you.

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Reddit and the Wall Street Silver crowd are planning a new #Silversqueeze. With more coordination and hindsight, will they succeed in rising the silver price? 

#Silversqueeze 2.0?                         

The Federal Reserve’s inflation goals are getting risky and could cause the rate to overheat dangerously if they were to push it too hard.

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Meet GOLD AVENUE CEO, Alessandro Soldati, in our first Q&A video session!

Q&A with our CEO - Alessandro Soldati

The Fed desperately wants higher inflation that would exceed its 2% target. Will the ECB follow the lead? It looks like it. 

Does the European Central Bank Want High Inflation?

24/02/22: Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the S&P is in a correction for the first time since the 2020 Wall Street plunge, gold hits a 20-month high. And more. 

Weekly digest: Ukraine Crisis, Markets Shaken, Gold’s Up

Russia’s decision to remove the US dollar assets from its sovereign wealth fund and partially replace them by gold boosts the yellow metal’s importance as a strategic asset.

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After yet another central bank starts considering negative interest rates, we’re taking a look at how unlimited debt can impact physical gold investment.

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World markets have taken a hit as the Russian invasion of Ukraine spooked investors around the globe. Here’s what you can do right now to protect your investment portfolio and gold savings.

Ukraine-Russia Conflict: What Impact on Your Savings?

You probably noticed certain industries and communities aren’t bouncing back as quickly as others during times of recession or economic crisis. That’s what the K-shaped recovery is all about.

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03/03/22: Markets are on a wild rollercoaster ride, Eurozone inflation at a record high, Russia intensifies its invasion of Ukraine, gold proves itself as a safe haven. And more.

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The #silversqueeze movement took the investment world by storm and has the potential of shaking up the silver market. Will it be here for the long term?

#silversqueeze

Here’s a rare sneak peek into one of the world’s biggest gold refineries. 

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10/03/22: Gold and palladium hit a record high, oil records its worst day since November, Biden signs an executive order on crypto. And more. 

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In 2021, central banks continued buying gold, with emerging countries stepping up as key net buyers. Do you wonder why? Here’s what you need to know.

Central Bank Gold Buying Explained

With inflation soaring in Europe and the U.S, learn how to navigate higher consumer prices from this great personal finance video from Sorelle Amore.

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17/03/22: The Fed has raised interest rates for the 1st time since 2018, one of Brazil’s biggest funds goes for gold, E.U.'s rethinking gas supplies. And more.

Weekly Digest: Fed’s 1st Rate Hike, Gold in Demand

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, investors rushed to gold, the world’s oldest safe-haven asset, pushing its price to a new record. Why did this happen? Here’s what you need to know. 

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On August 15, 1971, U.S. President Richard Nixon possibly made the biggest monetary error in history. A video from Libre & Riche will tell you why.

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24/07/22: The U.K. hit by the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades, Powell finally admits inflation is “much too high”, European stocks drop. And more.

Weekly Digest: Cost of Living Crisis, Inflation Problem

The U.S. Federal Reserve has announced its first interest rate hike since 2018. What could this mean for the gold price? Here’s what you need to know. 

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31/03/22: European inflation soars to new heights, Russia resumes gold purchases, no breakthrough seen in Ukraine war despite renewed peace talks. And more. 

Weekly Digest: EU Inflation Runs Hot, Ukraine Peace Talks

It seems that the ongoing US presidential election has not changed the situation in the gold market so far as the macro backdrop remains quite favorable to the yellow metal.

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Do you want to buy gold bars but are not sure where to start? Here’s what you need to know to build your precious metals portfolio in a smart way.

How Do You Buy Physical Gold Bars? 

The backdrop of global inflation in the U.S. and Europe was already worrying. Now, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is making the situation even worse, including sending gas prices soaring to record levels. Here’s what you need to know.

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07/04/22: More and more people are worried about rising consumer prices, experts think the U.S. recession is inevitable, cryptocurrencies are facing some privacy issues. And more.

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14/4/22: U.S. inflation hit 8.5% in March, the highest since 1981, EU ban on Russian gas could spark a sharp recession in Germany, Ukraine peace talks “at a dead end.” And more.

Weekly Digest: U.S. Inflation at 40-Year High, German Recession Risk 

Leading world banks say we should get ready for a new recession shock. What does it mean exactly, and what investments might be the best place to stash your hard-earned money?

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21/04/2022: The IMF cuts its global economic growth forecast, UN says the war in Ukraine could create a global food crisis “beyond anything seen since World War II,” Macron and Le Pen fight for the presidency. And more.

Weekly Digest: IMF Cuts Growth Forecast, Hunger Threat

If you are a parent, you probably want to find the best way to set your kids up for financial success. Here’s how your gold savings will help you start building their lifelong wealth.

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Easy is always right. Especially when it comes to buying precious metals. If you still don’t know what’s the easiest way to buy gold, you’re in the right place.

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28/4/22: Russia halts gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria, the Fed is set for more aggressive rate hikes to tame inflation, Musk seals the deal to buy Twitter. And more.

Weekly Digest: Russia’s Gas Cutoff, Musk’s Twitter Deal

If your children are the lucky ones to get a hoard of gold as an inheritance, there are 4 things you should do before passing it on to them.

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04/05/22: The Fed is set to fight inflation with the fastest rate hikes in decades, Fitch trims China’s 2022 growth forecast amid Covid-19 lockdowns, two Argentinian banks will allow crypto trading. And more.

Weekly Digest: Fed Rate Hike, Cuts to China’s Growth Forecast 

Here are the 4 handy tips you can immediately put into practice when buying physical gold for the first time.

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Swissmint made history as they issued their first-ever 50-franc Vreneli gold coin on May 11, 2022, making a very special coin even more popular in Switzerland and beyond.

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12/05/22: U.S. inflation stays at a 40-year high, defying expectations of a bigger drop, crypto and stocks fall, reacting to the U.S. inflation data. And more.

Weekly Digest: U.S. Inflation, Stocks, Crypto Crash

The end of Bretton Woods seems to be an essential reason behind the widening of the productivity-pay gap that reveals gold's influence as a source of stability.

What is the Productivity–Pay Gap?

A quick overview of the performance of gold versus some of the major commodities for the first half of 2020.

🔥 Gold VS Commodities 🔥

You read in the press that persistently high inflation has finally peaked and should be going down soon. But the latest CPI numbers show it might not be entirely true. Here’s why.

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19/05/22: U.S. stocks post the biggest daily drop in almost two years, Sri Lanka default hints at troubles ahead for developing nations, E.U. slashes growth forecast. And more.

Weekly Digest: Dow Tumbles, Food Inflation Getting Worse

Since the start of 2022, the stock market has been on a wild ride, while gold was close to hitting a new record high in March. Which has performed better so far? We guess you already know.🙃

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25/05/2022: U.S. stocks slumped again amid economic data, the global food crisis risks causing a “messy” migration in Europe, Bitcoin could fall to $8,000. And more.

Weekly Digest: Stocks Slump, ‘Messy’ Migration Risk in Europe

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02/06/22: The Eurozone inflation hits a new record high, JPMorgan Chase CEO warns of the economic hurricane, EU leaders agree to ban most Russian crude imports. And more. 

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09/06/22: The OECD has lowered its growth forecast for this year, Eurozone inflation is expected to peak, U.K. economy is facing stagnation. And more.

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Thanks to GOLD AVENUE, Tibo InShape was able to enter the famous gold refinery MKS PAMP. Watch the video and follow Tibo in his discovery of gold!

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16/06/22: Fed announced a historic rate hike, a U.S. recession is looming, bitcoin is plunging, U.K. economy is shrinking, China’s contact with aliens. And more. 

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GOLD AVENUE’s CEO Alessandro Soldati was selected by Bilan magazine as one of French-speaking Switzerland's most promising young entrepreneurs.

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Country-specific guides to understand gold as an investment in 2021 from the World Gold Council.

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Famous precious metal skeptic buys gold as a hedge against accelerating inflation which he says is “reminiscent of the 1970s”.

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23/06/22: The stock market dropped as recession fears grow, UK inflation hits a new 40-year high, Bitcoin could plunge to a low of $13,000. And more.

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While stocks and bitcoin went down sharply due to rising inflation and uncertain economic outlook, gold has retained its value, exactly when investors and savers needed it. 

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29/06/22: Morgan Stanley sees a mild recession coming to the Eurozone this year, G7 countries agree to ban gold imports from Russia, German inflation eases. And more. 

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07/07/2022: Gold drops over 2% in a selloff sparked by a strong dollar, U.K.'s Johnson is expected to step down, higher interest rates are unlikely to solve the inflation problem. And more. 

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A gold hunt story that captivated thousands and inspired a decade-long obsession with the famous Forrest Fenn treasure.

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14/07/22: U.S. inflation accelerates to 9.1%, Europe is on high alert over Russia’s gas squeeze, NASA reveals the most detailed pictures of deep space ever taken. And more.

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Gold has been with us since pretty much the dawn of civilization, and yet there have been a number of harmful myths surrounding this precious metal.

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This is the incredible story of one of the biggest gold scandals in history which started in Canada and ended in the depths of the Borneo jungle.

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As the Fed raises interest rates and Russia squeezes gas supplies to Europe, it looks like the global economy is slowly but surely drifting into a recession. Will it happen by the end of 2022, and what does it mean for gold? 

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If you are a beginner investor, choosing the right time to buy physical gold and silver may not look like an easy task. But in reality, it’s quite simple. Especially if you know the right investment strategy.

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Is today’s rising inflation mimicking a time when a sudden jump in inflation took investors by surprise? Top economic historian Niall Ferguson might have the answer.

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30/07/22: The Fed jacks rates again, signaling no surrender in inflation battle, Russia limits gas flows to Europe, IMF says the world could soon be on the verge of a recession. And more.

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Did you know that gold came to Earth from outer space and grows on trees? If not, take a look at some interesting facts about the shiny metal. Some of them sound too unbelievable to be true.

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06/08/22: Pelosi is full of support for Taiwan during the visit that infuriated China, the Fed is nowhere near done with its inflation fight, thousands of Solana crypto wallets were hacked. And more. 

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Although economic downturns are a normal part of the economic cycle, you should still be prepared for them when they occur. Here are 5 tips to set you on the path.

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