10 High Yield Investments for a Safe Return
Marcus Arkan — July 4, 2018 — July 4, 2018
Investing money can often feel like a risky proposition. You work hard, and not everyone is comfortable being too aggressive with the types of investments they choose. While some like the high-risk, high-reward strategy, many others prefer an approach that promotes a more safe and guaranteed return on investment.
There are plenty of high yield investments available, and the more you educate yourself about your options, the more secure you will feel about where to put your money.
Let’s take a closer look at some safe investments that provide high yield returns.
10 High Yield Investments for a Safe Return
Investing is all about spending money to make money. Just be sure you’re putting your money in the right places. Read on to learn about 10 high yield investments you can make that will result in a safe return.
1. High-Interest Savings Account
This is one of the most risk-free ways to earn some interest on your money that you will find. With a high interest savings account you will earn a nominal amount of interest for doing nothing other than keeping your money on deposit with your bank. This strategy literally requires nothing more of you than opening an account and depositing money.
You’ll want to choose an account that offers competitive interest rates without charging fees. Always seek out a bank with a stellar reputation for ease of access, good account management, and great customer service.
2. Certificate of Deposit
Investing in a certificate of deposit is a simple matter of going through your investment broker or bank. This type of investment requires only that you leave your money on deposit for a specific amount of time. In exchange for your deposit, you are offered a guaranteed return on your money regardless of changes in interest rates during that time.
3. Money Market Funds
This is basically a mutual fund for people who prefer not to lose any of the principal of their investment. The purpose of a money market fund is less about earning interest as much as achieving the goal of maintaining a Net Asset Value of $ 1 per share.
Though it’s rare for the Net Asset Value to drop below $ 1 per share, money market funds are certainly not foolproof, so be sure to only invest in one with a solid reputation for protecting your cash.
4. US Savings Bonds
US Savings Bonds are an extremely stable and low-risk investment because they are backed by the United States Federal government.
Series I bonds consist of a fixed rate return, or an adjustable inflation-linked return. The fixed rate bond will never change, whereas the inflation-linked return rate is adjusted every 6 months.
Series EE bonds have a fixed rate of interest that is automatically added to the bond each month. The appeal of EE bonds is that the Treasury guarantees the bond will double (approximately 3.5% return) in value if held to full maturity, which is typically 20 years.
5. Municipal Bonds
Municipal Bonds are a way for state or local governments to borrow money for developing special projects. These bonds are exempt from Federal income tax, making them a smart investment for anyone wanting to minimize exposure to taxes. They are also attractive to a lot of investors due to the fact that it’s unlikely that the borrower will default on the loan.
6. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities
This is one of the lowest risk bonds offered by the United States Treasury and is one of the best investments to make. You can purchase TIPS individually or by investing in a mutual fund that will then around and invest in a basket of TIPS.
7. Annuities
When you invest in an annuity, you are essentially betting that you will live past your income. This is a tool for retirement. You are investing money with an insurance company that you hope will provide you with income payment over the course for your retirement years. There are several types of annuities, and these can be very complicated products, but overall this is a very safe place to put your money.
8. Credit Card Rewards
Credit card rewards offered by some of the top credit cards can actually be more lucrative than investments like online savings accounts or CDs. This is because cash back credit cards allow you to earn points that translate into real money.
By choosing the right card and using it for your normal living expenses, then paying off the balance at the end of each month, you’ll earn actual cash back that you can redeem in a multitude of ways. It’s like getting free money for doing the things you have to do anyway!
9. Peer-to-Peer Lending
With Peer-to-Peer Lending, you are not investing in a company, but rather lending money to someone you hope will pay back the loan. This can be very risky, but the average return is over 5%, so if you are skilled at screening borrowers and choosing on the best rates, it’s possible to see some very healthy returns on investment.
10. Cash Value Life Insurance
This type of investment is somewhat controversial. With a Cash Value Life Insurance policy, the policyholder can use the cash value for a number of things, such as a source of cash, as a loan, or even to pay premiums on the policy itself.
This type of policy traditionally has higher premiums, but the cash value account earns interest while also deferring taxes on the accumulated earnings.
Though the Cash Value Life Insurance policy will pay out a death benefit to the beneficiaries, the cash value component is only available as a living benefit to the policyholder.
Final Thoughts on High Yield Investing
High yield investments can be an effective way to build wealth and prepare for retirement. Once you’ve done some research, you can determine what types of investments are best for you. Tools like an Investment returns calculator can help you make an informed decision.
There are plenty of safe investments that can still reap great rewards. You just have to have the patience to leave your money alone and let it do the work for you.
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