The smart way to build your investment portfolio is to invest in the right plan at the right time. A well-planned financial portfolio is something that should be inclusive of diverse investment plans. Investing in inflation-beating instruments that gives profitable returns can be used as your safety net in times of market crash. Successful and futuristic financial planning can be incomplete without safer investment options.
Searching for an investment plan that is safe, low-risk, and giving sustainable returns can be overwhelming in the world of numerous plans. The presence of too many options can sometimes hinder an investor from making a well-informed financial decision. So, here we have the top 5 investment options that have been handpicked for you with extreme care to provide the highest possible returns.
Fixed Deposits
Fixed Deposits are one of the most preferred and popular zero-risk investment avenues that yield attractive returns.
Level of Risk: Low Risk Investment
Features:
- Fixed deposit is a safe and secure investment option. Shriram Fixed Deposit is rated "[ICRA]AA+ (Stable)" by ICRA and "IND AA+/Stable" by India Ratings and Research which indicates high degree of safety.
- The fixed deposit tenure ranges from anywhere between 7 days to 60 months. In NBFCs, the average tenure ranges from 12 months to 60 months.
- Investing in a corporate fixed deposit can yield higher interest benefits. Investing in a Shriram Fixed Deposit can yield you interest rates up to 8.15%* p.a.
- Investors can open a fixed deposit account at reputed NBFCs like Shriram Finance with investment amount as minimal as ₹5000.
- While investing in fixed deposits investors can personalise their pay-out period based on their financial requirements. They can opt for a non-cumulative fixed deposit plan if they would like to have their interest returns in the form of regular income. To get the maximum returns possible for a selected tenure, it would be better to opt for cumulative fixed deposit plans.
Pro Tip: Investors can calculate their returns using our Fixed Deposit Interest Calculator to plan the investment amount, tenure and maturity value.
Whom is it best suited for?
Investing in a fixed deposit is the best option for investors who want to invest in a safe yet rewarding investment plan. This plan can prove to be beneficial for achieving both your long-term and short-term financial goals. Senior citizens can avail an additional benefit of 0.50%* p.a. by investing in Shriram fixed deposit.
How to apply?
Investors can opt for bank fixed deposits or corporate fixed deposits either online or offline. It is more hassle-free to apply for a fixed deposit from a reputed and well-trusted NBFC online.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Among all investment possibilities in India, the Public Provident Fund is one of the most secure long-term investment option.
Level of Risk: Low Risk Investment
Features:
- The tenure of investment in a PPF lasts up to 15 years. Investors can also opt-in for extending the tenure of their PPF plan for another 5 years.
- Investing in a public provident fund can yield you an interest rate of up to 7.1%*.
- The minimum investment in PPF starts from ₹500 and the maximum investment limit would be ₹1.5 Lakhs.
- Investors can opt in for a premature withdrawal only after the tenure has crossed 6 years of the investment period.
Whom is it best suited for?
Investing in a PPF can be a perfect addition to your investment portfolio if you are an early investor planning to retire with a lump sum amount as your retirement savings.
How to apply?
Public Provident Fund Plan is available in both banks and post offices for investors to invest in. One can visit their nearby post office or banks and apply for the same.
Recurring Deposits
One of the best investment plans for investors who would like to invest a part of their income on monthly basis to get assured returns with additional interest income.
Level of Risk: Low Risk Investment
Features:
- The tenure of recurring deposits can range from 6 months to 10 years.
- Investing in a recurring deposit can yield interest of up to 8.50%p.a.
- Investors can start a recurring deposit account with a reputable NBFC like Shriram Finance. Minimum investment amount is ₹500. Shriram Recurring deposit is accredited with "MAA+/ with Stable Outlook" rating by ICRA.
- One can avail a loan against their recurring deposit in the event of unplanned financial needs.
Pro Tip: Investors can get an estimate of their returns from a fixed investment plan using fixed investment plan Interest Calculator.
Whom is it best suited for?
Recurring deposits are ideal for investors who have a regular source of income and would like to invest a part of their income that would help them save up a lump sum at the time of maturity.
How to apply?
Applying for a recurring deposit can be done both online and offline in both banks and NBFCs.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is one of the best tax saving investment plan for Senior Citizens. It is completely risk free and offers Senior Citizens with a regular interest income for their financial needs.
Level of Risk: Low Risk Investment
Features:
- The minimum amount required to start your Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is ₹1000 and the maximum limit would be ₹9 Lakhs if you are a single depositor and in case of a joint account it would be ₹15 Lakhs.
- Senior Citizen Savings Scheme can yield investors an interest rate up to 8%*.
- The tenure period would be 5 years and it can be extended up to a time period of 3 years upon maturity.
- Senior Citizen Savings Scheme provides tax benefits under the Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. This plan also provides the option of premature withdrawal which would be subjected to nominal penalty based on the point of time at which one chooses to opt for premature withdrawal.
Whom is it best suited for?
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is an ideal choice for Senior Citizens who would like to enjoy a regular interest income.
How to apply?
Senior citizens can apply for the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme through post office or banks.
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana is a combination of insurance and pension programme, specially curated for Senior Citizens.
Level of Risk: Low Risk Investment
Features:
- Investors can gain up to 8%* as Return on Investment.
- The tenure of investment is 10 years and the interest rate is fixed at the beginning of the tenure and remains the same throughout the plan.
- Pension payments start at a minimum of ₹1,000 and can reach up to ₹9,250 per month.
- Investors can invest a maximum sum of up to ₹15 Lakhs.
Whom is it best suited for?
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana is ideal for Senior Citizens who are looking for a regular pension income and are ready to make a long-term investment.
How to apply?
Senior Citizens can apply for the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana offline from the nearest LIC office or apply online through the website.
Invest Now and Enjoy Profitable Returns
It is always better to be proactive and plan your future ahead. Build a financial portfolio that can be a pillar of support during sudden financial needs. Every investment portfolio should have at least one low-risk investment plan as it could help you in times of sudden market fluctuations. Investing in Shriram Fixed Deposit can help in earning attractive returns along with assured returns upon the maturity of your plan.
Key Highlights
- Having a diverse investment portfolio which is inclusive of both high and low risk investment options is advisable
- Investors with regular income can consider investing in a recurring deposit as it would help them save a large amount at ease.
- Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is a tax saving and risk-free option that is ideal for Senior Citizen investors
- Investing in a zero-risk investment like FD can help you yield higher returns
FAQs
1. Which safe investment yields the highest return?
Investing in a fixed deposit can give you the highest interest possible. Investors can get interest rates as high as up to 8.15%* p.a. by investing in reputed NBFCs like Shriram Finance.
2. Which risk-free investment is the best in India?
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is the best risk-free and tax-saving investment which help investors get an interest up to 8%*. If you are looking for higher returns and low-risk investment option, you can also opt for Shriram Fixed Deposit and earn interest rates running up to 8.15%* p.a.
3. How can I invest without any risk?
All investment options come with a level of risk factor. However, by doing a proper research and by investing in reputed financial institutions, you can minimise and reduce the risk quotient.
4. Which FD offers the best returns?
Shriram Finance offers fixed deposit with interest rate up to 8.15%* p.a.. Senior Citizens and Women Depositors investing in a Shriram Fixed Deposit can get an additional interest benefit of 0.50%* p.a. and 0.05%* p.a. respectively.