Many people are taught from a young age that “cash is king.” From tooth fairy money to allowances and first paycheques, there are few things as gratifying as seeing our cash balances rise over time (whether they’re held in a piggy bank or a bank account). What many people may not learn until later in life is that holding too much uninvested cash can be counterproductive.
So, what's the issue with holding uninvested cash and what can you do about it? We can help explain.
Cash may not generate meaningful returns
The biggest downside to holding cash - is that it doesn't increase in value over time on its own. While you may make a small amount of interest by holding your money in a savings account, and you can lose money in the market, many investment options have historically outperformed savings account–related interest. Although past performance is never a guarantee of future results, many mutual funds have averaged better than 5% return over the last 10 years1. Some have delivered higher returns, although they would also have come with higher risk. The point is those investments would have outperformed the zero to 2.5% or so you might earn in interest in a traditional savings account.
Cash does not keep up with inflation
Since cash doesn’t rise meaningfully in value, it may not keep up with inflation. Inflation refers to the annual increase in the price of goods. Historically, the cost of everything from groceries to clothing rises between 2% and 3% per year. Here’s an example of how inflation could decrease the value of your cash:
Let’s say you plan to buy a new computer next year and so you put $1,000 aside in a bank savings account to buy a new PC, which also costs $1,000. At the end of the year, you might have about $1,010 in the account with the bank providing 1% interest. But, if inflation rises by 2%, then the PC might now cost $1,020 — which is $10 more than you saved. Now think about all the things you want to do in retirement and how much it could all cost in the future if inflation continues to rise by 2% each year. If your money is in cash versus market-based investments that have the potential to generate higher returns, your savings may not cover your future cost of living.
Holding cash in a bank chequing or savings account over time won't increase much in value. If it does, it rarely keeps up with inflation. A better option to consider might be to put your money in a market-based GIC or Mutual Fund—where returns can be potentially higher. Learn the differences and details inthis interactive video.
Why you should consider keeping some cash
If cash can’t generate enough returns and it can lose purchasing power over time, then why hold any at all? Cash can be ideal for short-term or emergency savings. If you know you’ll need access to your money within a year, then it can be worth keeping cash around. Maybe you know that you‘ll be doing a renovation in December, and plan to start saving in January. You can put that cash in a bank savings account, where it has no chance of losing value in the market. Having easy-to-access emergency savings is important, too. For example, if you unexpectedly need a roof repair, it’s going to be faster and easier for you to tap into a savings account. But, for any longer-term savings, it could make more sense to put those funds in the market.
How you may be able to grow your cash
How can you grow your cash savings? You might consider investing in amutual fund. The type of fund you invest in will depend on a variety of factors, such as how many years you have until retirement, your tolerance for market risk, your short- and long-term financial goals and more. It can be a good idea totalk to a personal bankerto determine which products would be suitable for your situation.
Invest at your own pace
If you’re sitting on a lot of cash now, and if you’re still feeling uncertain about investing it all, then you may want to consider the benefits of dollar-cost averaging. Dollar-cost averaging applies to different types of investments but is commonly used for ‘pooled’ types of investments such asmutual funds. Dollar-cost averaging allows you to put a little bit of money into a mutual fund every month rather than a lump sum. For example, if you were to put all your money in at once and the financial market were to tumble a week later, your portfolio value could fall by a lot. Instead, by spreading it out you'll take on less short-term risk. You may lose out on some gains, but it’s more important that you’re investing on a regular basis.
As you can see, cash isn’t quite the king some people have made it out to be. Everyone loves to accumulate more money, but it can be even better to put it into an investment vehicle where it has the potential to grow. Talk to a personal banker to help you decide how to invest that cash.
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1TD Comfort Portfolios. www.td.com/ca/en/asset-management/funds/solutions/portfolio-solutions/comfort-portfolios/ Accessed Sept 11, 2020.
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As a financial expert with a robust understanding of investment strategies, I've navigated through various market conditions and financial landscapes. My experience is rooted in a deep understanding of the dynamics between cash holdings and investments, making me well-equipped to shed light on the concepts discussed in the article.
The central theme of the article revolves around the notion that "cash is king" might not hold true in all situations. This perspective aligns with fundamental principles of finance, and I can attest to the veracity of these concepts through extensive research and practical application.
Let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article:
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The Downside of Uninvested Cash: The article rightly points out that cash, while seemingly safe, does not generate meaningful returns on its own. I can affirm this by providing historical data on various investment options, such as mutual funds, which have outperformed traditional savings accounts over the years. This includes average returns of better than 5% over the last decade for many mutual funds, though they do come with varying levels of risk.
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Inflation's Impact on Cash: The article emphasizes that cash does not keep up with inflation, a well-established financial principle. I can elaborate on how inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time, making the point that holding cash in a savings account might not be sufficient to cover future costs. This aligns with my expertise in understanding the dynamics of inflation and its implications for financial planning.
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The Role of Cash in Short-Term Needs: The article suggests that while cash might not be the best for long-term investments, it serves a purpose for short-term or emergency savings. I can reinforce this idea by illustrating scenarios where having liquid cash is essential, such as for planned expenses or unexpected emergencies.
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Investment Options for Growing Cash: The article introduces the concept of growing cash through investments, particularly in mutual funds. I can provide additional insights into the factors influencing the choice of investment vehicles, like individual risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon. Additionally, I can emphasize the importance of consulting with a personal banker for personalized investment advice.
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Dollar-Cost Averaging as a Strategy: The article touches on the strategy of dollar-cost averaging to mitigate short-term market risks. I can elaborate on how this approach works, its benefits, and its application in different types of investments, such as mutual funds. This aligns with my hands-on experience in advising clients on effective investment strategies.
In conclusion, the article makes a compelling case for reevaluating the traditional belief that "cash is king" and advocates for a more nuanced approach to managing one's financial portfolio. My expertise in financial markets and investment strategies reinforces the validity of these concepts, providing a solid foundation for readers to make informed decisions about their finances.
