By Tulela Shikongo

In today’s fluctuating financial landscape, making smart investment choices is crucial for securing a stable financial future. Many investors face a dilemma when choosing between buying a vehicle using bank financing or saving and investing part of their monthly income. This case study explores the potential returns of investing in a money market fund while exploring the difference between saving a big amount for one year or a smaller amount over a longer period. Furthermore, it contrasts these options with the costs associated with vehicle financing.

Scenario 1: Investing N$9,000 Per Month for One Year

Sarah, a diligent investor, decided to allocate N$9,000 each month into a money market fund boasting an average annual rate of 8.32%. Over the span of a year, Sarah’s disciplined investment approach led her to contribute a total of N$108,000. Thanks to the fund’s performance, her investment grew to an estimated N$112,727.49 by year end, providing her with approximately N$4,727.49 in interest earned. It is important to note that money market fund rates change daily and fluctuate over time.

Scenario 2: Investing N$2,500 Per Month for Five Years

Sarah, planning for her financial future, is considering another option: a long-term   investment of N$2,500 each month into the same money market fund with an average annual rate of 8.32%. Over the course of five years, her consistent contributions, with interest reinvested and no withdrawal, would total N$150,000. By the end of this period, the value of her investment could grow to an impressive N$180,664.21, yielding a substantial interest earned of approximately N$30,664.21. Like scenario 1, it is important to note that money market fund rates change daily and fluctuate over time.

Analysis

	Scenario 1	Scenario 2
Monthly deposits	N$9,000	N$2,500
Interest rate (Indicative)	8.32%	8.32%
Term	1 year	5 years
Total Monthly deposits	N$108,000	N$150,000
Final Amount	N$112,727.49	N$180,664.21
Interest Earned	N$4,727.49	N$30,664.21

Engaging in this exercise offers valuable insights into the power of compound interest and the impact of investment duration on overall returns. By comparing a higher monthly investment over a shorter period with smaller contributions over a longer term, you can better understand how time and consistency influence wealth accumulation. This analysis not only highlights the potential benefits of regular savings but also

emphasizes the importance of financial planning. Ultimately, it can inform your investment strategy and help you make more informed decisions about how to allocate your resources effectively.

Vehicle Financing Comparison

To illustrate the potential costs of vehicle financing, let’s consider a scenario where you borrow N$115,000 for a car over five years at an annual interest rate of approximately 11.25%. Based on these figures, your monthly payment would be around N$2,500. Over the entire loan term, you’d end up paying a total of about N$150,000, which includes approximately N$35,000 in interest.

When comparing the potential returns from investing in a money market fund to the costs associated with vehicle finance, an investor who considers buying a car, could use the potential returns from the first scenario as a down payment. This would result in substantially lower monthly payments over the five-year loan term

By choosing the right investment vehicles and making informed decisions, investors can achieve their financial goals and drive their way to wealth. This case study highlights the benefits of using money market funds as a savings option and illustrates how they can complement traditional financing options.

*Disclaimer: The interest rates and returns provided in this article are based on hypothetical scenarios and may not accurately reflect real-world market conditions. Money market fund rates and returns fluctuate daily and are subject to change due to market dynamics. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and actual returns may vary. Readers are encouraged to consult with a financial advisor for personalised investment guidance.

Tulela Shikongo is a Junior Investment Analyst at Sisedi