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    Pros and Cons of Short-Term Savings Plan

    Advantages and Disadvantages of Short-Term Savings

    Last Updated On 01-07-2024

    As an investor, you must know the importance of diversifying your portfolio. You must explore various schemes and policies to balance your investments and lead a stable economic life.

    In addition to income tax savings options, you also need to have basic knowledge of schemes that can offer good returns. The main element in this consideration is — duration.

    Not everyone is ready to wait for a long tenure to receive lucrative returns. So, is there an option to get funds at a faster pace?

    Yes. A suitable short-term savings plan can be an additional resource to generate quick funds. However, should you prioritise them over long-term schemes like the public provident fund (PPF) or national savings certificate?

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    Find out all the details on short-term investment plans in this informative article.

    What are short-term savings plans?

    In simple words, saving plan ideas like short-term schemes are ideal for people with additional income.

    You might be familiar with options like recurring deposits. Should you invest in these schemes? Scroll ahead to know more.

    Definition and explanation of short-term savings plans

    A short-term savings plan are schemes that generally have a maturity duration of five years or less. You can liquidate the returns of such a saving plan to cash.

    These schemes are also popularly known as temporary investments.

    Types of short-term savings plans

    The following examples of short-term savings plans will offer you a clear picture of these investment options:

    • Money market accounts
    • Fixed deposits short term savings accounts
    • Treasury bills
    • Certain mutual funds

    You can explore additional options that have a maturity period of under five years.

    Advantages of short-term savings plans

    This section explains the main benefits of such a high-return investment.

    Flexibility and liquidity

    The tenure and availability of liquid assets in the short term are flexible. You receive cash without a considerable waiting period. So, you can benefit from this liquidity and use the returns for future investments.

    Lower risk compared to long-term investments

    Since the capital at stake in such liquid funds is comparatively low, the risks are not high. Also, there are chances of receiving high returns due to good interest rates.

    Good for emergency funds

    Businesses and individuals that require a boost on the financial front can consider exploring short-term investment plans. The small tenure allows for a chance to bolster emergency funds for desired activities.

    Better returns than traditional savings accounts

    A conventional savings account has an interest rate hovering around the 3% mark.

    So, you receive better returns compared to traditional bank saving accounts.

    Disadvantages of short-term savings plans

    Here are some of the common cons of considering short-term investment plans.

    Lower returns compared to long-term investments

    This point is applicable as the amount of investment in these schemes is less. So, you do not receive a high gross return from short-term schemes.

    Not suitable for long-term financial goals

    If you want to create a pension fund or receive monthly passive income, short-term schemes are not the best saving plan ideas.

    Limited investment options

    The types and choices for a short-term investment are restricted to some well-known schemes. Even stock market opportunities to receive returns under three years are limited.

    Factors to consider when choosing a short-term savings plan

    As an investor, you should consider these aspects while choosing an appropriate saving plan for short-term tenure.

    Investment goals and risk tolerance

    First, it is crucial to be clear about your intention behind investing. You should ask the following questions:

    • Why do I need quick funds?
    • Can I tolerate stock market risks?
    • Do I have a plan to use the returns wisely?

    Some short-term savings plans can offer high returns. However, they are dependent on share market volatility. So, always consider the risks involved before investing in such schemes.

    Investment time horizon

    The tenure of such plans is flexible. You can explore schemes that offer returns after six months as well as ones that span for three years.
    So, consider your cash requirement and choose an appropriate time horizon.

    Examples of short-term savings plans in India

    The Indian market has some profitable short-term investment schemes. Some of these options are traditional and have less comparative risk. On the contrary, some fall under the stock market.
    So, explore these top choices before investing for short-term goals.

    Fixed deposits

    These are investment deposits in which you invest a lump sum amount for a fixed period. After completing the tenure, you receive this amount along with the compound interest from the bank or financial institute.
    Notably, the rate of interest remains fixed throughout the deposit. Compared to conventional savings schemes, fixed deposits offer better returns.

    Recurring deposits

    A recurring deposit is an investment tool that enables you to invest money in the scheme regularly. You can choose the amount to deposit money and have more flexibility in this savings plan.

    In most cases, the minimum deposit period in recurring deposits is six months. This way, investing for short-term goals becomes a practical possibility. Another main aspect of RDs is that the interest rates are higher than a savings account.

    However, you cannot withdraw the amount before the maturity of the recurring deposit. Notably, a recurring deposit is a risk-free investment. You can receive guaranteed returns as the rate of interest in these schemes remains constant.

    So, if you aspire to stay away from market fluctuations, this investment tool can prove profitable. Choose a reliable bank or financial provider before opening such a deposit.

    Liquid funds

    Finally, you can also explore mutual fund schemes called liquid funds for short-term investment.

    In these schemes, you invest in debt that matures within 91 days. This option offers high flexibility and returns. The returns are high compared to overnight securities and funds.

    So, should you consider exploring this option?

    Well, it depends on your financial condition. If you have surplus cash and can tolerate the risk of market volatility, liquid funds can be a good choice. You can also transfer money in equity funds if you use a systematic transfer plan.

    Summing Up

    A short-term savings plan can prove ideal if you require funds within the maximum span of three years. You can even explore schemes like liquid funds that allow a smaller duration of receiving potential returns.

    It is crucial to understand the pros and cons of such money-generating options. For risk-free individuals, fixed and recurring deposits can seem handy choices.

    On the other hand, if you want to invest in schemes with a high-interest rate, opt for mutual funds. In any case, it is essential to evaluate your financial condition and invest wisely.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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    What are some of the best options for a short-term savings plan?

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    Packages or schemes like fixed deposits, liquid mutual funds, recurring deposits, and treasury securities are worth your consideration. The holding period of these schemes is comparatively small.

    What are some investment options for a quick tenure of three months?

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    You can invest in metals like gold or silver, stock derivatives, a money market fund, and a debt instrument for a small period of three months. Such saving plan ideas can prove lucrative.

    How much should I generally allocate for short-term investment plans?

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    The resource allocation for short-term gains is subjective and depends on your tolerance for risk. However, it is safe to allocate 5% of your take-home amount for short-term investment.

    What is the 50:30:20 rule of spending money?

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    Simply put, the 50:30:20 rule implies segmenting 50% of your income on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings. You can explore long and short-term investment plans to utilise the 20% amount.

    What is the main use of the best short-term investment?

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    Short-term investments are ideal for investors to increase the probability of receiving high returns in a small duration. Investing for short-term goals can be beneficial if you are looking for both stable and liquid alternatives.

    What are the pros of short-term funds over fixed deposits?

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    Short-term funds have a slightly high-interest rate and liquidity when compared with fixed deposits. You can explore these funds with a moderate tolerance for risks.

    When should a business consider short-term investment?

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    A business can consider investing in short-term schemes under the requirement of raising temporary capital. You can receive the much-needed boost with high-return schemes that have a small tenure.

    Disclaimer:

    The aforesaid article presents the view of an independent writer who is an expert on financial and insurance matters. PNB MetLife India Insurance Co. Ltd. doesn’t influence or support views of the writer of the article in any way. The article is informative in nature and PNB MetLife and/ or the writer of the article shall not be responsible for any direct/ indirect loss or liability or medical complications incurred by the reader for taking any decisions based on the contents and information given in article. Please consult your financial advisor/ insurance advisor/ health advisor before making any decision.

    PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited
    Registered office address: Unit No. 701, 702 & 703, 7th Floor, West Wing, Raheja Towers, 26/27 M G Road, Bangalore -560001, Karnataka
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    The marks "PNB" and "MetLife" are registered trademarks of Punjab National Bank and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, respectively. PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited is a licensed user of these marks.
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