What is the primary goal of investments?

The primary goal of investments is to generate income or appreciation. This typically means that individuals invest their money with the expectation that it will grow in value over time (appreciation) or provide a stream of income (such as dividends from stocks or interest from bonds). This dual approach allows investors to build wealth, plan for future expenses, and achieve financial goals, such as retirement or buying a home.

Accumulating debt is generally considered a financial liability rather than a goal of investing. Increasing daily expenses runs counter to the purpose of investments, which is to enhance financial stability. Additionally, ensuring immediate liquidity is more associated with cash management rather than investment goals, as investments often involve a trade-off between liquidity and potential returns. In essence, generating income or appreciation aligns closely with the fundamental reasons why people choose to invest in various financial instruments.