Saving is usually the first step.
It’s about putting money aside for things you may need in the short term or for the unexpected.
A savings account helps you:
In other words, saving helps keep your money available and easy to access. While savings remain exposed to inflation risk, they can still play an important role in providing financial flexibility and that matters.
Already saving? That’s a great foundation.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Investing, making your money work over time"},{"alignedImage":{"position":"right","extension":"svg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/4b8db9f9-e223-457b-a28f-cfd9702f00ee/Hand-money-coins-pay-request-spot.svg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/4b8db9f9-e223-457b-a28f-cfd9702f00ee/Hand-money-coins-pay-request-spot"},"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Investing comes into play once your basics are covered.
Investing means using part of your money to help it grow potentially over the long term. Instead of letting all your money sit idle, you give it a chance to:
Savings and investments are subject to different risks. The value of investments can go up and down – sometimes sharply. You may get back less than you invested (including a possible loss of part or all of your initial amount). There are no guarantees and being clear about that is important.
Over time, investing is often how people try to build wealth gradually, step by step.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"So… saving or investing?"},{"alignedImage":{"position":"left","extension":"svg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/12709019-18b3-4143-9eb6-1e581cb9eb4c/workingbehinddeskdoingfinances.svg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/12709019-18b3-4143-9eb6-1e581cb9eb4c/workingbehinddeskdoingfinances"},"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"A simple way to look at it:
They are not opposites. They are partners.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Many people save for everyday security and invest for future ambitions, like buying a home, preparing for retirement, or working towards long-term goals.
“But investing feels risky…”
That feeling is completely normal.
Other common worries include:
Here’s what beginners often don’t hear enough:
Understanding risks, instead of avoiding the topic, helps you make calmer, more informed choices.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Why people choose to invest"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Most people don’t invest “for the markets”.
They invest for real‑life long-term goals, such as:
Over time, prices tend to rise. Money that does nothing may slowly lose value.
Investing is one of the ways people try to counter that effect, with patience and a long‑term mindset.
You don’t need to be an expert to get started.
Before you invest, it helps to check a few basics: do you have an emergency buffer, what is your time horizon, what is your comfort level with regards to risks and are you investing money you can leave untouched for a while?
"}},{"body":"A good approach is to:","componentType":"applicationProcess","steps":{"stepList":[{"title":"Build a solid savings base"},{"title":"Decide what long term goals matter to you"},{"title":"Choose an investment approach that matches your comfort level"},{"title":"Start small and grow over time"}]}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"The most important step isn’t perfection.
It’s simply getting started, at your own pace.
Saving and investing are not about choosing one right answer.
They’re about finding the right balance for you.
Saving gives you financial flexibility today. Investing can play a role in working towards your longer-terms goals of tomorrow.
And when you understand both, you can make choices that feel confident, informed and aligned with what really matters to you.
"}}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"b18b0f3f-dbf3-4820-927b-9dbed1c3b47a","localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Investing","url":"/en/individuals/investing"}},"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"When it comes to money, many people ask themselves the same question:\r\nShould I save… or should I invest?\r\n\r\nThe good news is: you don’t have to choose one or the other.\r\nSaving and investing both play an important role in building a healthy, confident financial future, especially when you understand how they complement each other.\r\n\r\nLet’s break it down, simply.","title":"Saving and investing: how to choose?"},"date":"2026-05-11","readingTime":5},"publishDate":"2026-06-08T15:35:46.865+02:00"}}