Question: I’ve built up some savings over time, but with interest rates falling again, I’m unsure about the best place to keep my money.
Should I leave it in the bank for security, or would it be wiser to explore other investment options? I want to ensure my money is safe, but at the same time, I don’t want to miss out on potential growth.
What are the best low-risk strategies for someone in my position, and what factors should I consider before making a decision? I heard before you should have at least six months’ wages in the bank, is this true?
Answer: You’ve built up a nice pot of savings – well done. But with interest rates dropping, you’re wondering: is it best to leave my money in the bank, or are there smarter ways to grow it without taking too much risk?
You want your money to be safe, but you also don’t want to miss out on potential growth. The good news is you don’t have to choose just one option – you can balance both.
Before you think about investing, make sure you have an emergency fund. This is money you can access instantly if something unexpected happens — car trouble, medical bills, or job loss.
A good rule is to keep three to six months’ worth of essential expenses in a savings account. This should be:
Easy to access – no waiting periods or penalties.Completely safe – not affected by market fluctuations.Separate from investments – so you don’t have to sell at a bad time.Yes, bank interest rates are low, but this money is about security, not profit.
Make your money work
Once your emergency fund is sorted, it’s time to grow the balance. Here are some golden rules to consider:
Don’t try to time the market: Many people try to guess the best time to invest – waiting for markets to drop before jumping in or trying to sell when they’re high. This rarely works. Markets are unpredictable, and even professional investors struggle to get the timings right.
Instead of waiting for the “perfect moment”, a smarter approach is to invest gradually over time. This helps smooth out market ups and downs.
Don’t rely on past performance: It’s easy to think that an investment that did well last year will keep doing well – but history shows that’s not always the case. Instead of chasing “hot stocks” or “top funds”, focus on building a strong, diversified portfolio that matches your goals.
Diversify: Spreading your money across different types of investments helps reduce risk and increase long-term returns. A balanced investment approach includes:
Stocks and shares (equities) – these are higher risk but have higher potential for long-term growth.Bonds – these are less risky than stocks, providing steady returns.Property funds – PFs can offer good growth but aren’t as easy to sell quickly.Cash and fixed-term deposits – these have lower returns but provide security.No one knows which investments will perform best at any given time, so holding a mix of different assets is the best strategy.
Know your risk profile
Before investing, determine your personal risk tolerance.
Need for risk – how much growth do you need to reach your financial goals?Capacity for loss – can you afford to take on risk, or will you need access to the money soon?Tolerance for risk – how comfortable are you with short-term ups and downs?Take the minimum level of risk necessary to achieve your goals.
Active vs passive investing
Some investors believe in “active” management (where fund managers pick stocks), while others prefer “passive” funds (which track an entire market). There is a role for both.
A well-diversified investment portfolio can include a mix of both strategies to benefit from active insights while keeping costs down.
Regular reviews are key: The investment world doesn’t stand still. Markets change, your financial situation changes, and your goals may evolve over time. That’s why it’s important to review your investment strategy regularly. If things have changed, adjusting your portfolio can help keep you on the right path.
Martin Glennon is head of financial
planning at ifac, the professional
services firm for farming, food and
agribusiness.
If you leave all your money in the bank, inflation will gradually eat away at its value. If you invest everything aggressively, you risk short-term losses. The best approach is balance.Most importantly, stick to the plan and review it regularly. If you’re unsure where to start, getting professional advice can help tailor the right strategy for you.
Question: I’ve built up some savings over time, but with interest rates falling again, I’m unsure about the best place to keep my money.
Should I leave it in the bank for security, or would it be wiser to explore other investment options? I want to ensure my money is safe, but at the same time, I don’t want to miss out on potential growth.
What are the best low-risk strategies for someone in my position, and what factors should I consider before making a decision? I heard before you should have at least six months’ wages in the bank, is this true?
Answer: You’ve built up a nice pot of savings – well done. But with interest rates dropping, you’re wondering: is it best to leave my money in the bank, or are there smarter ways to grow it without taking too much risk?
You want your money to be safe, but you also don’t want to miss out on potential growth. The good news is you don’t have to choose just one option – you can balance both.
Before you think about investing, make sure you have an emergency fund. This is money you can access instantly if something unexpected happens — car trouble, medical bills, or job loss.
A good rule is to keep three to six months’ worth of essential expenses in a savings account. This should be:
Easy to access – no waiting periods or penalties.Completely safe – not affected by market fluctuations.Separate from investments – so you don’t have to sell at a bad time.Yes, bank interest rates are low, but this money is about security, not profit.
Make your money work
Once your emergency fund is sorted, it’s time to grow the balance. Here are some golden rules to consider:
Don’t try to time the market: Many people try to guess the best time to invest – waiting for markets to drop before jumping in or trying to sell when they’re high. This rarely works. Markets are unpredictable, and even professional investors struggle to get the timings right.
Instead of waiting for the “perfect moment”, a smarter approach is to invest gradually over time. This helps smooth out market ups and downs.
Don’t rely on past performance: It’s easy to think that an investment that did well last year will keep doing well – but history shows that’s not always the case. Instead of chasing “hot stocks” or “top funds”, focus on building a strong, diversified portfolio that matches your goals.
Diversify: Spreading your money across different types of investments helps reduce risk and increase long-term returns. A balanced investment approach includes:
Stocks and shares (equities) – these are higher risk but have higher potential for long-term growth.Bonds – these are less risky than stocks, providing steady returns.Property funds – PFs can offer good growth but aren’t as easy to sell quickly.Cash and fixed-term deposits – these have lower returns but provide security.No one knows which investments will perform best at any given time, so holding a mix of different assets is the best strategy.
Know your risk profile
Before investing, determine your personal risk tolerance.
Need for risk – how much growth do you need to reach your financial goals?Capacity for loss – can you afford to take on risk, or will you need access to the money soon?Tolerance for risk – how comfortable are you with short-term ups and downs?Take the minimum level of risk necessary to achieve your goals.
Active vs passive investing
Some investors believe in “active” management (where fund managers pick stocks), while others prefer “passive” funds (which track an entire market). There is a role for both.
A well-diversified investment portfolio can include a mix of both strategies to benefit from active insights while keeping costs down.
Regular reviews are key: The investment world doesn’t stand still. Markets change, your financial situation changes, and your goals may evolve over time. That’s why it’s important to review your investment strategy regularly. If things have changed, adjusting your portfolio can help keep you on the right path.
Martin Glennon is head of financial
planning at ifac, the professional
services firm for farming, food and
agribusiness.
If you leave all your money in the bank, inflation will gradually eat away at its value. If you invest everything aggressively, you risk short-term losses. The best approach is balance.Most importantly, stick to the plan and review it regularly. If you’re unsure where to start, getting professional advice can help tailor the right strategy for you. 
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