Lear Capital: Financial planning can be difficult. The stock market is always changing. The economy is on a permanent roller-coaster ride. One minute your home is worth a hundred thousand dollars, the next it’s worth twice that.

Remember when savings accounts used to accrue substantial interest? Sorry to tell you, but if you haven’t looked at your bank account lately, you might have missed that those days are long gone. You probably earn pennies every month if that.

So, what is the best way to make use of your capital? There are many different options to choose from. The array can be dizzying.

Then, once you decide what path is for you, there are many different companies to choose from. The information can be confusing. Sometimes it’s contradictory. You want to make a choice that provides safety and security for your nest egg and also your future.

In this article, we’re going to compare the services offered by Lear Capitol with two other major investment strategies.

History

Before we get started, let’s take a look at the history of investing in America.

In the early twentieth century, the industrial revolution was changing the face of the country.

The completion of a nationwide railway system provided a way to move goods quickly and easily across hundreds of miles. With the invention of refrigerated cars, suddenly the entire game change. Animals raised in Wisconsin could easily be shipped to Chicago to be slaughtered. Once they were processed, they could ride in chilled cars anywhere from New York to California and arrive fresh and safe.

Along with this change in distribution came the need to trade commodities. Goods were moving in larger quantities and being sold at distant markets. The stock exchange was built in major cities across the country so everyone could buy and sell shares of companies instead of just the goods at their local markets.

Modern Day

Today, people utilize the stock market for a number of reasons.

Many people choose to invest in an IRA or a 401K for their retirement.

Others choose to invest in a few companies, tracking their development up and down, choosing the right time to buy and sell.

Finally, others choose to keep their money at home, foregoing interest in order to keep their money securely in their sight.

All of these methods offer different pluses and minuses. Let’s take a closer look below.

Retirement

Retirement funds are specialized accounts that offer special advantages.

A traditional 401K is a retirement fund that allows you to invest a certain amount of money each year. Some companies will match what you invest in your 401K. If you’re unsure if your employer offers this benefit, it is best to check with your manager or human resources representative.

Another benefit to this method is that the money you contribute is not taxable. That can save you hundreds of dollars every year.

One downside is that there are limits to how much you can contribute each year. That might leave you with extra money waiting to be invested wisely.

Another downside people find with this fund is that it leaves their money tied up. There can be penalties or fees for withdrawing funds before a specific deadline. That is on top of tax penalties.

For some, this is too restrictive. With the way the market is constantly changing, they worry that they might not be able to withdraw their money in time.

One thing that Lear Capital offers is a Precious Metal IRA. This is a unique investment opportunity. Instead of storing money, this company will manage a stock of gold, silver, and other precious metals. This can be attractive to people because these metals have retained their value over thousands of years.

Finally, let’s take a look at our final investment choice: hiding the money at home.

For some, this seems like the best option. It can be hidden away in a place no one would think to look. Some people even choose to bury their money in their yard or garden to keep themselves from spending it. Without a map, it would be nearly impossible for an intruder to find the money.

While the security can be alluring to some, it’s the same as throwing money away. Without investing in a secure retirement fund, you won’t be earning any interest. If you’re burying paper money instead of precious metals, you’re also missing out on money. Paper money routinely loses value over time. It’s called inflation. Click here for more information about inflation.

After comparing these services, there is probably one that feels right to you. Make sure to find a reputable company to handle your money, get out there, and invest!