In today’s complex and fluctuating economic environment, just saving money is not sufficient for maintaining economic stability. Various factors such as rising prices, economic downturns, and high interest rates can significantly decrease the value of one’s assets. Consequently, it is crucial to actively manage one’s financial assets through different investment methods, also known as money management methods or personal finance. Investment techniques involve many types of financial activities designed to help individuals and businesses effectively manage and grow their assets. Beyond saving money, these techniques involve strategic allocation of assets to diverse investment options. The goal is to maximize profit while managing the potential risks associated with financial markets. Different individuals may use various approaches to investment based on their financial situations, goals, risk tolerance, and market timing. List below are five major methods of personal finance.

1. Saving

The most basic method of personal finance is saving. Saving is depositing money into a bank account to earn interest, increasing one’s assets over time. This approach is characterized by having low risk, as the likelihood of losing the initial amount is minimal. As a result, savings accounts are often viewed as a stable financial option. However, it has some disadvantages: saving generally makes lower returns compared to other investment methods due to its reduced risk.

For instance, consider an individual who deposits 300,000 won every month into a savings account with an annual interest rate of 4.5%. At the end of six months, this person would earn approximately 27,000 won in interest without any additional effort. In addition to traditional savings accounts, options such as fixed deposits and Cash Management Accounts (CMAs) can also provide a way to grow savings with interest.

2. Stock Investment

The second method of investment personal finance is stock investment. This approach involves purchasing stock of companies with the expectation of generating profits as those companies grow. When a company grows well, its stock price usually increases, allowing investors to sell their stock at a higher price than they purchased, thereby achieving a net gain. Additionally, investors may receive dividends, which are periodic payments made by the company to shareholders. However, stock investment carries a lot more risk compared to saving. The stock market is inherently volatile. It means that stock prices can fluctuate significantly in response to market conditions, company performance, and macro economic factors. This volatility can lead to substantial gains, but it also poses the risk of detrimental losses. For instance, if an investor buys shares of Tesla when the price drops, they can make profit if the company starts growing again and the stock price rebounds. To succeed in stock investment, thorough research is crucial. Investors should assess the future prospects of the companies that they are considering to invest in, including their growth potential, market position, and financial health. This requires a good understanding of the market dynamics and the ability to interpret financial reports and market trends.

3. Real Estate Investment

Another significant method of personal finance is real estate investment. This strategy involves acquiring properties such as residential houses, commercial buildings, or land with the expectation of price appreciation or rental income. Real estate is usually perceived as a stable asset, offering long-term profit potential. While it can be profitable, investing in real estate usually has a high barrier of entry in terms of capital. There are some problems that arise due to the high initial requirement. In South Korea, "gap investment" is a common strategy where investors buy a property with a small price difference between the purchase cost and the jeonse (전세; a lump-sum rental deposit). They find a tenant to pay the jeonse, using that money to cover the property’s purchase. Investors profit when property prices rise. However, if prices fall, the investor may be unable to return the deposit, potentially resulting in a scam.

4. Fund Investment

The fourth method is fund investment. Funds are group investment organizations that make money from multiple investors, managed by professional fund managers. These professionals allocate the combined capital across a diversified portfolio of assets, including stocks, bonds, and real estate with the aim of maximizing returns while minimizing risk. Investing in funds offers several advantages, particularly for individuals lacking investment experience. Funds allow for diversification, which spreads risk across multiple assets rather than investing on a single asset. This approach minimizes the impact of any particular asset’s poor performance on the overall portfolio. There are various types of funds available, including equity funds, bond funds, and real estate funds. Each type has its own risk-return profile, allowing investors to choose funds that match with their financial goals and risk tolerance. While fund investment is generally safer than individual stock investments, it is important to note that losses can still occur, and investors should carefully assess the fees associated with fund management.

5. Pensions and Insurance

Finally, pensions and insurance play crucial roles in the field of personal finance. Pensions are long-term investment options primarily designed to provide income after retirement. They operate by requiring individuals to make regular contributions over a specified period before retirement, which accumulates interest and is disbursed as a regular income after retirement. Insurance, on the other hand, provides financial protection against unforeseen events, such as accidents or illnesses. By paying regular premiums, policyholders can secure compensation in the event of a covered incident, offering peace of mind and financial stability in challenging situations. Both pensions and insurance play an important role in ensuring financial stability , helping individuals prepare for financial burdens that could arise due to unexpected circumstances.

In conclusion, there are various methods of personal finance, each with its unique advantages, disadvantages, and levels of risk. Therefore, making a careful decision is important. Successful personal finance requires constant attention and effort, as the market is continuously changing. To navigate this complex environment, individuals must engage in continuous learning and stay informed. By identifying suitable investment strategies and adopting a long-term perspective, individuals can enhance their financial stability and achieve sustainable asset growth. The effort to achieve financial independence should be ongoing, and those who actively participate in managing their financial health will be better positioned to thrive in the ever-changing economic circumstances.