Fixed
Deposit aka term deposit is an instrument by which one can deposit
his/her savings for a prescribed period of time with a bank. When the
period of deposit elapses, the depositor is entitled to the interest on
the deposited amount. In some cases, the rate of interest on fixed
deposits can be as high as 9.5%!
How to do it?
All
you got to do is deposit your savings in a bank account of your
preference and watch your money grow over time. Do remember to check
with multiple sources regarding the various options available. There are
a wide range of fixed deposit products available to suit a wide range
of investor preferences. So choose the one that matches closely with
your investment goals.
The Bankers View:
For
banks, fixed deposits (or term deposits) represent a loan arrangement.
In simple terms, the money deposited through such investments shall earn
a said amount as interest, as per the existing norms and guidelines as
set by the banking regulatory authority. The rate of interest on your
fixed deposit is determined by many factors such as the location of
deposit, the duration for which the amount is deposited as also the
currency involved for making the deposit.
The Investors Take:
For
starters, a fixed deposit is not a normal deposit that you do at your
bank and then withdraw it as and when you please. But, it is a deposit
that cannot be withdrawn in the specified period. Generally, these types
of deposits are made for duration of 5 years. During this time, the
amount remains in your bank account and is prohibited to be withdrawn
for any reason whatsoever. Non-profit organizations, corporate entities
and individuals alike, who wish to keep aside a stipulated sum for a
particular period of time, most often than not, find that such deposits
are the easiest way in attaining their objective. The icing on the cake
is their money will earn a rate of interest that is shielded by any
fluctuations in the interest rates that governs other type of
investments. Such deposits are a good (if not the best) way to gain a
return on investment which is a tad higher than a conventional savings
account.
Trust Deposits:
Deposits that are made "in the name of one person, as trustee for another" are branded as "trust deposits."
Trust deposits are made for three basic reasons:
1) Pose for the disposition of a domain after demise sans the use of a will or administration,
2) Hide from others info of financial standing, or
3) Escalate deposits where a prescribed limit is set upon single deposits.
Lastly,
fixed deposits offer investors a relatively safe avenue for parking
their funds, albeit at the risk of earning a slightly lower return on
investment. At the end of the day, it is up-to the individual investor
to decide for themselves whether they wish to pursue a high return-high
risk approach or a relatively lower but largely safe investment
approach.