Financial Planner Shares Investment Tips for Singles Inspired by World Cup Strategy

As the World Cup reaches its decisive stages, financial planner Shahar Sharon draws a parallel between soccer substitutes and managing savings for singles. Just as bench players can change the game at the right moment, money saved but left idle can either remain unproductive or be put to work through smart investments. Ahead of the Tapuzina Singles Run in Tel Aviv-Jaffa this September, Sharon offers essential financial advice for singles on how to manage their savings effectively.

Sharon emphasizes starting with an emergency fund, known as a "Beltam" fund, typically between 5,000 to 8,000 shekels, kept in low-risk instruments like bank deposits or money market funds. This fund covers unexpected expenses such as appliance repairs or car deductibles, preventing financial strain. She highlights the psychological benefit of having this money readily available, reducing stress during unforeseen events.

Next, she advises tailoring investment risk to the time horizon. For money needed within a year, low-risk options like bank deposits are recommended, while longer-term savings can be invested in instruments like provident funds or savings policies with adjustable risk levels. Sharon warns against falling for social media promises of quick riches, urging thorough background checks on investment offers and aligning risk levels with personal goals.

She stresses the power of compound interest over time, illustrating how consistent monthly savings of 1,000 shekels at an 8% annual return can grow substantially over 10 to 20 years. Sharon's final tip is to start investing immediately, regardless of income level, as time is a critical factor in wealth accumulation. She encourages singles to view their years before marriage as an opportunity to build financial growth, balancing when to invest and when to keep funds accessible, much like strategic substitutions in soccer.