
The difference between investing and investing
In practice, we see that the terms investing and investing are often used interchangeably. But these terms do not mean exactly the same thing and there are indeed important differences. In this blog, we will highlight the differences. What exactly should you pay attention to if you want to invest and/or invest?
At first glance, you would think that investing and investing are almost the same. That is certainly the case for a layman, but certainly not for an investor. There is certainly a big difference. By investing, returns will automatically be generated in favorable times. You invest by buying shares on the stock exchange or by purchasing real estate objects. You do this if you expect the value to increase over time. Investing is spoken of when the investor himself influences the return.
This is the case when the investor invests not only money, but also time in a company. As an example, we take a start-up in which money is invested, but the same person also contributes to the success of the company by networking, advising or sharing experiences with regard to the business operations.

The investment of an investor in terms of time and effort is characteristic of investments and this is not the case with investments. People also talk about a good investment in common parlance if you invest time in improving your own skills or knowledge. If the objectives go beyond just realizing returns, then you also speak of an investment.
Investing vs. investing: difference in motivation
The influence of a financier is decisive in order to consider something as an investment, but this influence is not always easy to measure. There is therefore certainly a grey area in the question of whether it concerns investments or investments. The financing of a crowdfunding project can be seen as both an investment and an investment. If achieving a certain return is the only motivation, then you are talking about an investment. If you co-finance a certain campaign of a relation in order to financially support his company, then you do so for a greater chance of success of the business activities. The same also applies if personal considerations play a role and, for example, you want to support a company because its objectives appeal to you. It can be said that with an investment, a certain drive to achieve a desired result is also present.
Investments in entrepreneurs
Investments are therefore not just about financial returns. Major expenditures in companies are quickly labelled as investments. If an entrepreneur purchases a machine or hires new employees, he will do everything he can to make it successful. An entrepreneur strives to make this wish come true and make the company a success, even if it does not yield financial gain. An investor who is an entrepreneur will therefore, in addition to a sum of money, also use his time, knowledge and experience to contribute to the success of the company.

Investments from a fiscal perspective
The tax authorities have clear guidelines for when a business expense should be considered an investment. This is the case for all business expenses on business assets, if they last longer than one year and have amounted to at least €450. Major purchases such as a business machine, computer or expensive smartphone should be considered investments from a tax perspective and booked as such.
Investments from a tax perspective
The objective of investments is often to achieve financial returns. For example, you invest your savings in shares or bonds with the aim of being able to sell them on the stock exchange at a later time . When buying a share, your influence on the company is limited. That is why you speak of investing when a very large company sells shares to private individuals, as a form of financing.
In the tax return, investments are included in assets. In addition to investing on the stock exchange, investments are also conceivable in real estate, electronic securities or rare objects such as art, special stamps or classic cars.
Is it also possible for private individuals to invest?
Given the generally small impact of a private investment, a significant influence on the price is almost impossible. The value of a painting or share will not change that quickly due to the small-scale purchase by a private individual. You can therefore also say that because of the limited influence of the transaction, private individuals generally invest and that entrepreneurs invest.
But the terms investing and investing are still used very broadly and not always in the strict sense of the word. For example, you speak of an investment when buying a house if you then invest money, time and effort in a renovation with the aim of making a profit through the increase in value. When we use the term investing in the financial field, it also indicates that money is invested in a project or enterprise to make it more successful.
Starting to invest as a private individual? Read our article on what you need to know to start investing.






