Popular Gold Investment, IPB University Expert Advises People to Be More Careful and Realistic
In the midst of the rise of gold investment offers, IPB University Public Policy Expert, Dr Muhammad Findi urges people to be more careful and realistic in making their financial decisions.
“Although gold is a very liquid asset, I urge the public, especially the middle to lower economic class, not to be hasty in purchasing, especially to go into debt,” he explained.
This IPB University lecturer from the Economics and Development Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) assesses that this phenomenon is more speculation than wise investment, especially if basic daily needs have not been met.
“Ideally, gold investment is done with cold funds or more funds after routine expenses are met,” he added.
He regrets the actions of some people who are tempted by the lure of gold investment without considering their financial condition. Moreover, it is done through debt, one of which is the digital loan that is now widely loved.
According to him, the money spent should be the result of hard work, not from debt. Investments, including gold savings, should be made from the remaining income after basic needs are met.
“People should return to a simple lifestyle, where spending is adjusted to the income from work,” said Findi.
In addition, he emphasized the importance of optimizing the results of work as the main source of finance. Savings and gold investments should ideally come from excess income. Similarly, loans should be carefully considered and only used for urgent needs, not as a habit.
Basically, the main function of banks is to store funds and provide loans. However, he warned of potential problems with digital loans.
The ease and speed of fund disbursement, according to him, can trap people in a cycle of debt, especially if new loans are used to cover old debts.
“The principle of prudence is key and people need to measure their ability to pay before taking a loan, and avoid usury-based lending practices,” he said.
Findi reminded the public to ensure that the digital bank used is registered and supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to avoid illegal practices.
“However, the speed of transactions offered by digital banks, especially for emergency savings, must be balanced with caution in their use,” he concluded. (AS) (IAAS/PRP)
