In our everyday lives, we use different modes of transportation to enable us to arrive at our desired destination. Most people prefer public utility vehicles for their low-cost, some favors motorcycles for their rapid and swift mechanisms, while others choose the convenience of cabs no matter how costly they are. The same logic applies to the following financial vehicles that you can ride towards the destination most of us really are longing for – Financial Freedom.

Bonds

Basically, Bonds are a form of borrowing by the government or a company. Instead of having loans from the other financial institutions, bonds are opened to borrow money from the people. In return, fixed amount of interest will be given to the money lenders on top of their capital depending on the agreed maturity date of the bond.

Stocks

Some people are afraid to invest in stock market due to the high risk it brings especially to those who have little to no knowledge about it. This is the reason why most people prefer to have their money stagnant in the bank over a long period of time rather than taking the risk of owning company shares. While it is true that owning stocks is a high-risk investment, it is historically proven to have an upward trend over the long-term regardless of the fluctuations. Last February, I opened a stock market account with an initial deposit of 5,000 pesos. Every month, I consistently top up my stocks portfolio with the 20% of my income. The minimum deposit after opening an account is as low as 1,000 pesos.

Mutual Funds & UITF

If you are not confident enough to buy your own shares of stocks, then there are other options for you to invest in the stock market with the help of experienced fund managers through Mutual Funds or UITF (Unit Investment Trust Fund). These two are pooled investments wherein the combined money of the investors will be used to buy Bluechip stocks or the stocks of the leading and established corporations.

VUL

VUL or Variable Life Insurance is an investment feature that offers both life insurance and investments. I started investing for VUL when I was still at the third month in the corporate world. I consider it as one of my financial protections since I am the breadwinner of my family. Unlike other insurance plans, VUL is more liquid for you can always withdraw the investment side. With approximately one thousand pesos per month to be paid for ten years, I am enjoying the feeling of security should anything happens to me.

Real Estate

Another investment option is buying real estates. One of the cheapest ways to acquire one is buying foreclosed properties offered by banks, lending institutions, and government institutions like SSS and Pag-ibig Fund. When buying properties, you should always take into account the illiquidity of having investments like this. Real estate appreciates in value over time but it will be hard to find a buyer just in case you badly need the money. On top of that, you still have to pay estate and property taxes, not to mention the underlying fees and monthly dues.

Forex

Forex Exchange is a global marketplace wherein different currencies worldwide are being traded. But just like any other investments through trading, this is a risky one. You’ve got to closely study the market in order be profitable in your trades.

Cryptocurrency

If you’re already here on Steemit, I presume you already have a little idea about Cryptocurrencies. Investing in such is just like indulging yourself in the stock market, except that you are not buying shares from different corporations but coins of different cryptocurrencies having diversified purposes. If you wish to learn more about the basics of Cryptocurrency, consider reading my previously-posted article : Basic Understanding Of Bitcoin And Cryptocurrency.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a form of crowdsourcing wherein funds are being contributed by a large group of individuals. At the moment, I am eyeing on farmon.ph, an online crowdfunding community-based in the Philippines investors can help real farmers acquire capital for growing crops and livestocks. In return, the investors will get a considerable amount of return on investment based on the market profits.

The above-mentioned financial vehicles are just a few of the available investments that you can choose. Just like the different mode of transportation having pros and cons, you should always weigh down things correctly. Just because you have the right amount to start investing, doesn’t mean you are ready for it. There are many investment selections widely available for us, but the best investment is always investing in yourself. Always do your own research and study the best options you have in hand because risk always comes from not knowing what you’re doing.

At the moment, I am investing in stock market, Cryptocurrency, VUL, and Mutual Fund. How about you? What are your current investments and the ones that you're eyeing on?

Photo and GIF Sources:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Previously-posted finance-related articles:

• Factors to Consider Before You Start Investing

• A Summary of My Financial Activities for the First Quarter of the Year

• Different Budgeting Techniques

• Main Reasons Why You Are Unable to Save All-Year Round

• Should Your Long-term Savings be in Banks?

• Important Points to Consider Before Taking a Loan

• My Credit Story: How I Managed to Pay-Off Someone Else’s Debt

• Four Common Financial Mistakes a Millennial should avoid

• How do you keep track of your Income and Expenses?

• TRAIN Law and its Counter Effects to Filipino Consumers

• Are You Prepared to Invest?

• Strategies for an Effective Cash out of Steemit Earnings

• How Does Decisiveness Affect Your Finances: Explained Through Trading SBD on Bittrex

• Three Important Things to Learn from Cryptocurrency Market Crash

• Understanding Money’s Liquidity: How to Apply it to Steemit Earnings?

• Invest in Philippine Stock Market for as Low as 5,000 Pesos

• Eight Lessons From “The Budget Challenge” Everyone Must Learn From

• Invest in Learnings

• ICO – A Road to Million?

• What Is Your Budget Principle?

• Basic Understanding Of Bitcoin And Cryptocurrency