When you hear the phase "investing"... what does it mean to you?

For me investing has to do with money.You just give your money in return of something.

investing-buy company shares from share market,make purchase for anything that bring profit or return of equity in the future.Forex is not investing,it's gambling.(short-handed trade),unless you dare to buy foreign currency notes and keep for some period before exchange.

It means, put money take money.. haha =D It ought to be that simple because we only see the glamarous side of it. Most people don't share their failed experience, while only boasting about their profits, right? With such temptations,we are often blinded by greed and forget all about the 90% if risk involved before we get that 10% profit. If investment is that easy, there won't be anybody working now and with no company, there won't be stocks, bonds and many more.. haha

I think, the meaning differs depending on the context. But generally, investment is something which grows multiple with less efforts or without efforts. Like investing in stocks, forex trading, term deposits etc. Sometimes I heard it from a Real Estate broker. But to me, investment means safety for my money, primarily. If there is high risk, I least probably invest. If there is moderate risk and a good return, I may invest after long research. If there is no risk and less return, I may just keep my money there until I find a good one.

To me, investing is the practice of putting something in, in order to get something better out. My favorite thing to invest in, is ME. I like to take time each day, to read books that teach me things, and to reflect on how to improve my future, and visualize where I want to go in live. Some people want to invest money in others, such as stocks you buy a portion of a company in order to become a part owner, so that when that company comes to a profit, you can receive a dividend. Or bonds, but with bonds you are usually investing in your government, or a bank, not such a great idea I think. Sincerely and With Appreciation.

I think investments are different from deposits in the case of earnings as well as risk factors. Investments are eligible for share of profit while deposits get fixed earnings. So there are risk factors too with investment's attractive growth history or expectations. Deposits are almost safe, but earnings may not be attractive.

hi ahgong, Maybe I don't qualify to give you a layman answer. Well let me try to give it a shot. It is taking a certain amount of risk with your money/asset for the potential of higher return. To me, that is investing. In investing, there is no guarantee. You may get back the same amount, maybe more or even less. In investing you need to identify your type. Are you a high risk taker or not?