Everyone is looking for ways to invest their money to make assured financial returns in the future. However, choosing the right saving schemes for your investment portfolio is an art in itself. The right set of schemes will help in wealth creation and secure your future financial well-being in case of an eventuality. That is why you need to invest in the right savings plan to make your money work for you. But first, let us understand the basics.
What is an investment plan?
An investment plan is a financial product that aims towards creating wealth in the future. If designed properly, it will help you to invest your excess funds in a disciplined manner to enhance your lifestyle and meet long-term financial goals.
How to choose an investment plan?
You are planning to invest in financial products, and you need first to assess your profile and needs. Investment planning requires a careful selection of savings plan that provides you with steady returns in a certain period of time. Do not fall for saving schemes that promise quick returns in a short time. You must perform adequate research and then choose the saving instruments carefully that will be a part of your investment plan.
In this article, we will share some best saving schemes that you can choose for your financial portfolio.
1. Public Provident Fund (PPF)
They are considered to be the safest and the most reliable forms of saving schemes in India. An investor can save up to Rs. 1.5L per annum and start with as low as Rs. 500. You can either make lumpsum deposits or in 12 equal instalments. They also qualify for tax deductions u/s 80C of the income tax act. Since they fall in the EEE category, that is, exempt, the investor is not required to pay tax at any of three levels of investment, earning, or withdrawal. One of the best tax-saving tips for salaried employees is to invest in PPF.
2. Mutual Funds
With mutual funds, you have complete transparency about your funds. In turn, your fund manager will also let your compare funds based on risk, price, and return.
3. Post office saving scheme
This saving scheme is perfect for retired individuals who require regular income. It requires you to deposit money in your post office savings account that offers you fixed interest on your balance. You can invest a maximum of Rs. 4.5 lakhs individually.
4. National Savings Certificate (NSC)
It is also one of India's most popular saving schemes that starts from as low as Rs. 100 as a single person. Your investments come with a lock-in period of 5 years. All the interest earned during this period is re-invested and accumulated to be paid as the maturity benefit.
5. Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)
With a savings and investment component, ULIP is known for its wealth creation and tax-saving benefits, other than the death benefit. It is amongst the top saving schemes in India and highly preferred by investors who want to earn some money from their investment.
6. Bank fixed deposits
You can also consider bank FDs as a savings plan for your financial portfolio. They come with fixed returns for investment. In addition, you can choose for the interest to be paid on a monthly, annually, or bi-annually basis.
7. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
These tax-free saving schemes are absolutely risk-free and are entirely safe for investors above the age of 60 years. This special scheme offers a high rate of interest at 7.4% per annum. The lock-in period of SCSS is 5 years, and the maximum amount to be invested cannot exceed Rs. 15 lakhs. The senior citizens receive interest quarterly. The amount invested is eligible for tax deductions u/s 80C of the income tax act.
How to choose an investment plan?
Now that you know popular savings schemes, the big question is how to choose an investment plan for your portfolio.
To develop an ideal savings plan, you need to know your financial objectives, liquid requirements, investment opportunities, and risk appetite. Once you have defined the goals clearly, you can determine which plan suits your needs and budget. Then, you can either invest in financial assets, such as mutual funds, stocks, and bank deposits, or non-financial assets, such as gold.
No matter what you choose, be sure to use the following tips when looking for saving schemes:
- Research all the available options adequately
- Don't fall for schemes that offer high returns quickly
- Keep a close tab on all your investments and review them from time to time
- Understand tax savings and return on your investments
- Start investing as early as possible
