What is Investment and What is Not

"Investment is putting money into an asset with the expectation of capital appreciation, usually over the long-term future"

Lets see what some people says about investment.

Case 1: I didn't think much and put all my money in saving account it gives me 4% interest.

Is this investment? No. You are earning 4% interest but inflation is 6%-8%, that means you money's value getting reduced by 2%-4% every year. Who is actually earning here? banks. Same money they are giving you as loan with interest rate 11%-17%.

Case 2: I invests in Money Back Insurance Plan, Endowment Insurance policy.

Is this investment? No. Sum assured in Money Back Insurance Plans and Endowment Insurance policies is almost equal to total premium paid. So you invested 100 rs and received back 100 rs (huge loss if consider inflation). Who is actually earning here? Insurance Agents, Insurance Companies.

Case 3: I invests in stocks actually I trade in stocks in daily basis.

Is this investment? No. Putting money into something with a hope of short-term gain, with or without thorough analysis, is gambling or speculation.

Case 4: I invests in PPF, Mutual Funds, NSC, NPS, Equity( for long term), FDs (for short term goals) etc which gives me better returns post inflation for long term. I stay away from Money Back Insurance Plan and Endowment Insurance policy.

Is this investment? Yes. The investments mentioned above give good post inflation returns and also helps to save tax.

In first two cases people thinks that they are investing but  in reality they are not getting any benefit (other than some tax saved in case 2).

Many people are making an investment to avoid much of the income tax and that is wrong strategy. Saving tax is also important but while investing our first aim should be long term good post inflation returns. So choose the financial product which gives best returns and also save tax.

What's your view on investment? Please share.