Best Investment Plan for Maximum Returns
Investing isn’t just about putting your money away; it’s a strategic move to ensure you reap solid returns. A suitable scheme enables you to actively grow wealth to beat inflation and secure a comfortable future.
But in India, the investment landscape is diverse, with each option having benefits. And with so many options, how do you choose the best investment plan with high returns in 2024?
Read this blog to determine the best investment plan for your needs. Let’s take the first step toward securing your financial future.
What is the Best Investment Plan in India?
It is the compass that navigates you toward wealth accumulation and stability. An investment plan comprises two essential components:
- Investment Purpose: This defines your financial goal, whether you are saving for retirement or building a corpus for your child’s education.
- Investment Portfolio: This encompasses the array of assets you invest in, ranging from stocks and bonds to mutual funds and insurance.
The best investment plan is your personalized guide to financial success, tailored to help you achieve your specific fiscal aspirations.
Low-Risk Investment Plans
Are you a conservative investor seeking a fixed or guaranteed return with minimal exposure to market fluctuations? If so, add these plans to your portfolio to preserve your capital and earn a steady income.
Public Provident Funds (PPF)
A government-backed scheme with tax-free returns, perfect for long-term wealth creation and retirement planning. With a lock-in period of 15 years, PPF investments currently fetch an annual interest rate of 7.1%.
Interest Rate | 7.1% per annum |
Min. Investment Amount | ₹500 |
Max. Investment Amount | ₹1.5 lakh per year |
Tenure | 15 years |
Tax Benefit | Up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C |
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna (SSY)
Want to invest in securing your daughter’s future? SSY should be your prime choice for that. It’s a long-term savings plan that matures after 21 years, offering tax perks and competitive interest rates.
A girl child can only have one SSY account. You can open the account at any post office or authorized bank between her birth and the age of 10.
Investment value | Min. – ₹250 and Max. – ₹1.5 lakh p.a. |
Current interest rate | 8% p.a. |
Maturity value | Would vary depending on the value invested |
Maturity duration | 21 years from the date of investment |
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
An undertaking of the Indian government, this senior citizen scheme presents significant financial security. This plan is indeed the best investment plan in India for various reasons.
- Offers a regular income with higher interest rates and safety.
- The interest rate for this scheme is decided by the government every quarter.
- You can open an SCSS account at post offices and any nationalized banks.
- Premature closure and nomination facility available.
Tenure | 5 years |
Interest Rate | 8.2% p.a. |
Min. Investment | ₹1,000 |
Max. Investment | ₹30,00,000 |
Tax Benefits | Upto 1.5 lakhs under Section 80C |
Tax-saving Fixed Deposits
These aren’t your average FDs; they come with a tax-saving twist. Investing in these fixed deposit schemes allows you to enjoy tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, making them a smart move for tax-savvy investors.
Feature | Description |
Investment Amount | ₹100 to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year. |
Lock-in Period | Five years; no premature withdrawal allowed, except in specific cases such as depositor’s death. |
Interest Rates | Like regular Fds, rates may vary among banks. |
Tax Benefit | Qualifies for deduction under Section 80C, up to ₹1.5 lakh per year. |
Taxation of Interest | Taxable as per depositor’s income tax slab. |
High-Risk Investment Plans
These plans offer a variable or a market-linked return on your investment, with high exposure to fluctuations. They are suitable for aggressive investors who want to earn high returns and create wealth in the long run.
Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)
Did you know that schemes are considered the best investment plan in India? Yes, that’s right! ULIPs are dual-benefit, hybrid plans that merge insurance and investment, offering long-term growth potential with tax benefits.
Mutual Funds
Professionals manage These diversified portfolios, offering higher returns but subject to market volatility. Whether you’re into stocks, bonds, or other assets, mutual funds provide a way to spread out risk while tapping into various markets.
Aspect | Mutual Funds | ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans) |
Product Type | Investment instrument | Investment-cum-insurance product |
Structure | Pure investment product | Combines investment with insurance coverage |
Cost Structure | Lower costs as there are no insurance-related charges | Higher costs due to insurance-related charges |
Lock-in Period | No mandatory lock-in period except for ELSS, which has a 3-year lock-in period | Comes with a lock-in period, typically 5 years. |
Factors to Consider While Choosing Investment Plan In India
Before zeroing in on the best investment plan, consider several factors that can impact your financial journey. Let’s dive into these essential elements:
Assess Your Goals
Take stock of where you are right now. What are your assets and liabilities? What are you investing for? Retirement, education, a new home?
For instance, if you are saving for retirement, your investment ensemble might include a mix of long-term, growth-oriented plans and guaranteed income schemes.
Understand Your Risk Tolerance
Are you a risk-taker, or do you prefer a steady thing? Your comfort level with risk will determine the makeup of your investment portfolio.
For instance, if you lean towards safety, government-backed schemes like PPF or SSY should be your pick. With these plans, you can get reliable returns without the jitters of market swings.
Estimate the Investment Horizon
Consider the duration for which you intend to stay invested. Moreover, ensure the lock-in period of the plan is consistent with the timing of your financial needs.
For instance, short-term goals call for more liquid and less volatile assets. Conversely, long-term aspirations can afford to ride out market waves to pursue more growth.
Check Current Financial Health
Pause and assess your current financial vitals – income, expenses, and debts. It will help you contemplate – which is the best investment plan that fits within your budget.
For instance, if you have a significant debt with high-interest rates, try to pay it off before investing. It will help you achieve a more secure financial footing.
Tax Considerations/Benefits of the Best Money Investment Plan
Investing in the right avenues helps create wealth and offers significant tax benefits in India. Here’s an overview:
Investment Plan | Tax Considerations/Benefits |
Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) | Premiums paid under Section 80C are tax-deductible, and maturity proceeds are tax-free under Section 10(10D). |
Monthly Income Plans (MIPs) | Dividend distribution tax (DDT) on the dividends declared. Capital gains tax is applicable on redemption. |
Public Provident Fund (PPF) | Tax deduction under Section 80C up to ₹1.5 lakh annually. Interest earned and maturity amount tax-free. |
Mutual Funds | The type of mutual fund and the duration of ownership determine the tax consequences. 10% tax is applied to gains over ₹1 lakh on equity funds held for more than a year. |
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna | Contributions are eligible for deduction under Section 80C. Interest earned and maturity amount tax-free. |
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) | Interest income is taxable and can be deducted under Section 80C. It’s payable quarterly and taxed based on your income tax slab. |
Tax Saving Fixed Deposits | Investments qualify for deduction under Section 80C. Interest earned is taxable as per your income tax slab. |
Choosing the Best Investment Plan for Your Financial Goals
The best investment plan for you depends on your personal and financial situation, goals, risk appetite, time horizon, income, expenses, and preferences. Here’s how to devise your investment strategy:
- Start with sturdy and reliable low-risk investments such as Fixed Deposits and PPF.
- Add medium-risk investments like Debt Funds or Corporate Bonds to your folio for a well-rounded look.
- Finally, highlight your folio with high-risk choices like Direct Equities or Equity Mutual Funds.
- Seek professional advice for invaluable insights and help to tailor your best return investment plan.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing the best investment plan demands a delicate balance of strategic planning and intuitive decision-making. Whether opting for steady fixed-income options or the dynamic potential of equities, the key is to invest with clarity and foresight.
FAQs
Why have SIPs become so popular?
SIPs allow you to build wealth over time due to the compounding effect. Monthly SIP contributions have seen a significant rise, indicating their growing popularity.
What is the best investment plan for 10 years?
For a 10-year investment horizon, consider options like equity mutual funds, PPF, and ULIPs for higher returns.
Which investment strategy is gaining traction for 2024?
Here are some investment strategies gaining traction for 2024:
- Value Investing: Look for undervalued stocks with solid fundamentals.
- Diversification: To mitigate risk, spread your investments across asset classes and sectors.
- Alternative Investments: Consider commodities, gold, or inflation-protected assets for economic turbulence protection.
Team LenDenClub
LenDenClub is India’s largest alternate investment platform which started operations in India in 2015. We have been helping investors diversify their investments beyond traditional investment instruments ever since.
