Investments are financial assets representing a company's right to receive cash from its stake in bonds, shares, real estate, etc. They are intended to generate income (interest and dividend) and to benefit from expected capital gain. Investments are reported by the investor on its balance sheet and classified into two categories: current and non-current. Current investments (i.e., those scheduled to mature within 12 months) are short-term investments, while non-current investments are long-term investments. Some investments that can be easily converted to cash with negligible fluctuation in their value are classified as cash equivalents.

Furthermore, investment ensures present and future long-term financial security. Who wouldn't want that kind of security and stability, right? Investing helps you beat inflation—through interest earned—ensuring your money's purchasing power stays strong. You can put your savings into various portfolios, such as stocks, real estate, and business. With that, different bookkeeping classifications are required for the different types of investments. They should be tailored precisely to be organized and accurate to understand and make better financial decisions.

As an investor, you need to understand accounting to help you determine an assets' value, understand a company's financing sources, calculate profitability, and estimate risks embedded in a company's balance sheet. Without knowing these companies' financial details, it isn't easy to evaluate opportunities for growth and investment. It is important to note that each state varies on how assets should be maintained, reported, and managed. Therefore, hiring professionals is necessary because they are aware of these standards and enact them.

Having a professional's help to calculate your company's financial ratios that assist in estimating liquidity and default risks is essential!