02/02/2022
For many people, the risk involved in investing can make the whole process feel a bit like gambling. But there is quite a big difference between the two.
1️⃣ Investments Have Value
🧷 For example, you receive ownership of the property you purchase when you decide to invest in real estate. When you buy stocks or mutual funds, you receive a portion of ownership in one or multiple publicly-traded companies. Even when you invest in precious metals, which tend to carry a higher level of risk than many other investments, you receive ownership of the precious metal.
2️⃣ Proper Investing Puts The Odds In Your Favor
💯 The odds in gambling are set to benefit “the house” in the long run. So, the longer you gamble, the more money you will lose, mathematically speaking.
Sure, you might win a quick buck here and there, but in the long run, the house always wins.
3️⃣ Compound Interest
🧷 As an investor, it is easy to take advantage of the power of compound interest. All you have to do is re-invest your earnings into the same investments producing gains, and your money will grow faster and faster.
To do the same thing gambling, you would have to win money, win more money with the money you already won, and so on. And since the odds are not in your favor, this is an improbable scenario. And by unlikely, I mean nearly impossible.
4️⃣ You Can Diversify Your Investments
💯 For example, you could invest in mutual funds, individual stocks, real estate, and much more.
That way, if one of your investments goes down and another one goes up, you don’t experience as great of a loss.
It is not an option when it comes to gambling. Since every gamble carries a high risk of losing money, diversifying your bets would likely only make your odds worse.
5️⃣ Humans Play An Important Role In The Outcome Of Investments
🧷 For example, when you invest in a company on the stock market, you put your money behind executives, employees, and other investors who all have a vested interest in the company to earn a profit.
And with all those people working hard to reduce costs, innovate, and grow the company, your likelihood of earning interest on your investment is perfect, unlike gambling.