If doing less means saving more, try these 5 money moves

The coronavirus has upended countless jobs, schools and bank accounts. But while undoubtedly more people are struggling than not, those who are still working may have seen their expenses actually drop due to cancelled travel, limited dining options and more time at home.

If you’ve managed to end up with extra money during the pandemic, here’s how to take advantage of those savings.

1. Start or fill out an emergency fund: 2020 has served as a stark reminder that unexpected things can happen, and when they do, it's a good idea to be prepared.

“We say if you have a steady job, your contingency fund should be three to six months of expenses,” says Tara Unverzagt, certified financial planner and founder of South Bay Financial Partners in Torrance, California. “I would bulk it up even more because of uncertainty. I’ve never known anyone to be upset because they had too much cash, but have known lots of people who were upset they didn’t have enough.”

That level of savings is a stretch goal for many people; an extended period of reduced expenses may provide you with the opportunity to finally reach it. Establishing an emergency fund is one of the best things you can do for your future self, and if you put it in a high-yield online savings account, it will benefit from a higher interest rate than a regular savings account.

You don’t want to invest your emergency fund because your primary goal for that money is accessibility, not growth. The stock market goes up and down, and there’s a real risk that it could go down just when you need the money. At best, that could mean having to sell your investments at a loss to pull cash out. At worst, it could mean your money won’t be there when you need it most.

2. Invest for retirement: If you haven't ventured into the world of investing yet, it may feel like a scary time to start given all the volatility in the market lately. The good news is that volatility doesn't cause much harm when you're investing for a long-term goal like retirement: The peaks and valleys due to the coronavirus will likely appear much smaller over time.

Every extra bit you can put towards retirement goes a long way. Let’s say your reduced expenses mean you can save an extra $500 (Dh1,836) a month over the next year. If you have 30 years until retirement and you earn a 6 per cent return, that $6,000 you invest could add over $34,000 to your retirement balance – a significant boost.

And because you can always change how much you’re contributing, you can decrease the amount you’re putting towards retirement if and when your spending habits return to normal.

3. Save for non-retirement goals: Retirement is a common goal, but it likely isn't the only one you have. If you're on track for retirement, consider putting extra funds towards other things: college for your kids, a new car or a dream vacation (which you'll have plenty of time to save for, since most people aren't travelling right now).

Investing can help you achieve those goals faster than just saving, but keep in mind that you generally don’t want to invest money you’ll need within five years. (Like an emergency fund, savings for near-term goals should go into safer options, like a high-yield savings account). On the other hand, if you’re starting a college fund for a newborn, that money will have approximately 18 years to take advantage of the market’s returns.

If you’ve found yourself in a position of privilege during this global pandemic and have been able to save some extra money, you may also want to consider increasing your charitable contributions.

4. Explore real estate investments: If you're interested in investing in real estate, you don't have to start renovating an old barn or putting up shiplap. One of the easiest ways to invest in real estate is to invest in real estate investment trusts. Reits are companies that own (and sometimes operate) real estate that generates income, such as apartment buildings. Publicly traded Reits are bought and sold on exchanges, just like stocks, and have similar liquidity, meaning you can sell them with relative ease.

5. Get some help: When you suddenly find yourself with extra money, it can be difficult to figure out the best way to put it to use. Financial advice is widely available these days, and it's often inexpensive. Online financial advisers and robo-advisers have brought the cost of investment management and financial planning down significantly, and both are good options for when you're feeling lost. These advisers can also help you stay hands-off with your portfolio during turbulent times in the market by ensuring that your investments are aligned with your risk tolerance.

• AP