5 safe investment options with high returns
When it comes to investing, returns and risk are usually related. If the risk is high, the returns will also be more. However, finding rewarding investments does not necessarily mean you expose yourself to greater risk than you are comfortable with. You can find some safe investments with high returns that help you get the best of both worlds. What are these investments? Below we will list a few of them.
High-yield savings accounts
It is one of the safest investment options with high returns. The money deposited in almost every bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), implying that the government will compensate you for losses of up to $250,000. However, one thing to know about a high-yield savings account is that the rates tend to change according to market conditions. And when the rates fall, the payouts might not seem attractive. Since early this year, the rates have been creeping up, and some of the top high-yield savings accounts are bagging more than 3% for the first time in the last couple of years. Hence, they can be an excellent deal. Of course, they may not be as exciting as the potential stock market returns, but they are liquid investments. Hence, you can access your money easily sans any penalty, even if you need it before time.
Short-term certificates of deposit (CDs)
CDs are almost always loss-proof in an FDIC-backed account, provided you do not withdraw the money before time. To enjoy the best rate, you must shop around online and compare the rates by different banks. Since the interest rates are on surge this year, it makes sense to opt for a short-term CD and reinvest as the rates increase further. An alternative to short-term CDs is a no-penalty CD; even if you withdraw early, there will be no penalty. It helps people withdraw their funds and progress to a higher-paying CD sans any added cost.
I bonds
These savings bonds issued by the government are debt security that adjusts for inflation. Every I bond has a fixed interest rate and an adjustable rate tied to inflation. So, with the rise in inflation, the interest rate rises, and vice versa. The interest gets readjusted two times every year in November and May. The bonds currently yield 9.62% interest. They are one of the safe investments with high returns as the government is the most creditworthy lender. You can shop for these bonds for as little as $50, and the minimum holding period is 12 months.
Corporate bonds
Corporations issue corporate bonds and present them to investors to raise capital for a particular project. You get a set number of interest payments at a predetermined interest rate. When the bond matures, you get the principal amount back.
Money market accounts
These are secure investment options that work like savings accounts or CDs with a few minor differences. Money market accounts fetch a higher return than typical savings or checking accounts, but investors are curtailed by the number of checks they can write against them in a month. You are typically allowed only six monthly checks against your account balance. After surpassing this limit, the bank might force a conversion to a checking account, which will not provide a reasonable interest. This investment avenue has several pros for people seeking an alternate place to park their savings. It keeps the money guarded against inflation, and the return is more than other depository products.