Best investment options in India: A handy guide

Best investment options in India

Planning your investments is like having a road map for building wealth. Setting clear goals is the first step. Goals could be to save up for retirement, pay for kids’ education, or a foreign trip. It would also help if you set a broad timeline to achieve these goals. This will help you choose the best investment options in India.

For instance, it is important to know the level of risk you are willing to take in choosing the best investment plan, and your choice of investment be it stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. Managing risk and adapting your approach according to the market situation is crucial to ensure that you stay focused on your financial goals.

Create wealth to attain your future goals

The options suggested below can make your job easier. We have listed some easy steps you can take to make sure your family has a safe financial future:

Plan your spending

The first thing you should do is make a budget for your spending so that you can figure out how to use your money best. The most important thing is how you plan to pay for things and understand the best investment options in India. 

First, avoid unnecessary spending, so that the money can be diverted to investments. It’s not just about cutting costs. How long you can put off non-urgent expenses would depend on how bonded you are as a family.

Making a plan and starting to save for long-term goals

After earmarking funds for emergencies and backup, it’s time to start saving for your family’s future. Keep in mind that except for insurance, most purchases you make don’t help you save money on taxes.

There is already a tax-free way for you to save money if you are salaried and your organization is covered by the Employees Provident Fund. However, given inflation and the increasing cost of living, you would need to put more money into the best investment options in India to reach your retirement goal.

Build an emergency fund 

After securing your family’s future with a term insurance plan, you should build an emergency fund. Ideally, the fund should cover at least six months of your living expenses. 

The funds should be liquid, which means that it should be easily accessible. Remember, though, that because the return rate on savings is so low, even the money in the emergency fund might fall short. But it helps to have this fund in place.

Maximize your savings with investment plans

In India, you will find several savings plans that fit your requirements, whether they are short-term or long-term. The plans are meant to help you deal with the uncertainties of life by teaching you how to save regularly. Also, the best savings plans can help you plan for life while you enjoy the life cover.

Most importantly, because everyone has different financial needs, some of the best investment options in India can help you meet those needs. The amount you put into a savings plan will depend on your goals, whether they are immediate or distant financial goals.

Before choosing between short- and long-term investments, you should be clear about what you want to achieve with your money and how quickly you require it. Making a schedule can be helpful. For example, a plan to save money for your child’s college, a dream vacation to another country, or to prepare for retirement.

Some of the top investment options in India

You can put your money to work for you and get significant gains over time if you choose the appropriate investment options in India. There are many ways to invest in India, each one suited to a different level of risk tolerance, investment timeline, and financial goal. So, here are some of the best ways to invest in India. You can consider investing in one of these best investment options in India:

Equity Mutual Funds

Essentially, equity mutual funds invest in stocks. These are some of the best ways for retail investors in India to get into the stock market and grow their money. With as little as Rs.  500, you can use equity mutual funds to start investing in stocks indirectly.

Balanced Mutual Fund

Another popular way to invest in India is through a Balanced Mutual Fund. There are market risks, but it can be the best way to make your money grow. Alternatively, if you want higher profits with lesser risk, a fixed-income mutual fund or a monthly structured investment plan could be the best way to invest.

National Pension Scheme (NPS)

The National Pension System, a government-backed retirement plan, is one of the best investment options in India. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) oversees the scheme. The scheme is also open to individuals working in the private sector.

Debt Funds

Investing in fixed-income assets like government bonds is what debt funds do. They have a low-risk factor compared to other best investment options in India that are high-risk.

Real Estate

Traditionally, Indians have invested in gold and real estate. If you own a home or a commercial shop, it can fetch you rental income. You can also make good returns if you sell a plot of land or a house. A modern way of getting exposure to real estate is investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). REITs invest in commercial real estate and a portion of the gains is distributed to investors.

Direct Equity Stocks

Direct investment in stocks is one of the best ways for individuals with a risk appetite to make money. Direct equity trading means buying company stocks that are listed on stock exchanges. When you buy stocks directly, you can make capital gains or earn by way of dividends. However, returns from stock investments are subject to market risks, not to mention the company’s performance.

Dividend-Paying Stocks

Putting money into dividend-paying stocks ranks among the best investment plans in India. Companies generally distribute profits to shareholders as dividends, but it is not mandatory for them to do so. Stocks that pay dividends are a way for buyers to make a steady income from their investments. 

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

ETFs, which stand for Exchange-Traded Funds, are like stocks. You can also think of them as a group of stocks that trade on exchanges. Exchange-traded funds pool money from people and buy different types of tradable assets, like stocks and bonds, and even commodities such as gold.

Bank Fixed Deposit

Fixed deposits are one of the best investment options in India that guarantees the security of your funds and returns. Here, you can invest any amount of money, and the rate of interest will stay the same for the duration of the investment. When your deposit matures, you’ll get the capital back plus the interest accrued during the term of the deposit.

Conclusion

Remember that every investment carries some level of risk. If you’re looking to invest, it’s essential to consider your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Diversifying your investments across various industries can also be beneficial. If you are unsure where to start, consult a financial adviser. To achieve your financial goals, it is crucial to prioritize saving. Explore some of the best investment options in India listed above and make informed decisions for your financial future. Take your time, begin with small steps, and enjoy the fruits of your investments.

Disclaimer

The stocks mentioned in this article are not recommendations. Please conduct your own research and due diligence before investing. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. Please read the Risk Disclosure documents carefully before investing in Equity Shares, Derivatives, Mutual fund, and/or other instruments traded on the Stock Exchanges. As investments are subject to market risks and price fluctuation risk, there is no assurance or guarantee that the investment objectives shall be achieved. Lemonn (Formerly known as NU Investors Technologies Pvt. Ltd) do not guarantee any assured returns on any investments. Past performance of securities/instruments is not indicative of their future performance.