What is a ₹1 Lakh Investment Plan?
A ₹1 lakh investment plan is a financial strategy where you invest ₹1,00,000 into an instrument or various instruments to generate returns. The financial instrument you choose can depend on factors like how long you plan to keep the money invested, your risk tolerance, and the returns you expect, amongst other aspects.
A ₹1 lakh investment plan can be a great starting point to build wealth. By investing your funds in the right manner, you can ensure they grow in the desired direction and help support your goals. A ₹1 lakh investment plan can be especially the right option if you are a beginner or if you have come across a lump sum through savings or a bonus.
For instance, if you want returns within 2-3 years, you might want to go for short-term investment options, like a 3-year fixed deposit. On the other hand, if you have a long-term investment perspective and are willing to take on some risks, the ₹1 lakh investment plan may better include stocks or equity-oriented mutual funds. For conservative investors with a low-risk appetite, a debt mutual fund or government securities may be a better idea.
You can design your one lakh investment plan such that it suits your goals, whether it is to buy a house ten years down the line or go for an international vacation in three years. By customising your plan, you can make your money work more efficiently.
Top Investment Options for ₹1 Lakh
Here are the top options you can consider for your ₹1 lakh investment plan:
1. Fixed Deposit
If you want a safe and traditional option to invest your funds, a fixed deposit (FD) is an ideal option. A major benefit of FDs is that they offer assured returns at a pre-fixed rate. You can also use an FD calculator to get an estimate of the fixed returns.
The tenure for an FD can be flexible, ranging from a few months to a decade. This flexibility makes it suitable for short-term commitments as well as a long-term investment strategy.
2. Recurring Deposit
In a recurring deposit (RD), you deposit a fixed amount every month for a particular duration and earn interest on the investment. You can put the ₹1 lakh in a savings account from which a chosen amount will get credited into an RD on a regular basis. RDs are a safe option to consider if you are looking for predictable, assured returns. Similar to an FD calculator, an RD calculator can give you an estimate of the returns you will potentially earn with a ₹1 lakh investment.
3. Money Market Account
A money market account is a low-risk instrument that usually offers higher interest rates than a regular savings account. In this type of account, your money earns interest while remaining accessible. It can be a suitable part of a ₹1 lakh investment plan if you prefer the safety of your capital, want modest returns, and have a short-term investment perspective.
4.Corporate Fixed Deposits
Companies often offer fixed deposits at a higher interest rate compared to banks. However, these can be slightly riskier. These FDs can still be relatively safe if they have been issued by reputed firms. It would be best to check the company's credit rating. It can be a good fit for a ₹1 lakh investment plan with medium risk.
5. Mutual Funds
Mutual funds can be a smart choice if you are planning a one lakh investment plan. You can choose equity, debt, or hybrid mutual funds as per your risk appetite. SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans), where a certain amount is invested on a regular basis, are more common. An SIP calculator can help you understand how much you can potentially earn with a ₹1 lakh investment.
You can also invest a lump-sum amount of ₹1 lakh as a part of your long-term investment strategy. If you have 10 years investment plan, equity mutual funds may be a particularly good idea.
6. Stock Market Investments
The process of investing in the stock market involves buying shares of different companies with the aim of earning returns when the price of the shares increase. If carried out correctly, it can be a dynamic and potentially rewarding part of an investment plan. If you understand market trends and can tolerate some volatility, investing in stocks can offer long-term gains.
Usually, the higher the growth potential of the stock, the more risk it carries. When investing ₹1 lakh in the stock market, it is advisable to diversify across different sectors. A diverse portfolio can help balance the risks in your ₹1 lakh investment plan.
7. Life Insurance Plans
Many may not associate life insurance with investment. However, some life insurance plans, like ULIPs (Unit-linked Insurance Plans), offer the dual benefits of insurance with market-linked returns. In addition, you also have the option of a money-back policy wherein you receive regular payouts during the policy term, along with the assurance of life insurance coverage.
8. Child Investment Plans
If you are a parent who wishes to save for their child’s future, ₹1 lakh can greatly help you. You can consider opting for a child investment plan, which combines savings/investment with a life insurance component to ensure the child's financial needs are met even in your absence. A child plan can ensure that your little one gets all the support they need during their life’s milestones, such as education, marriage, career advancements, and more.
9. Government Schemes
These are savings/investment schemes that have the assurance of the government. They can ensure you the safety of your capital while allowing your ₹1 lakh to grow at a steady pace:
You can opt for government schemes, such as:
- Public Provident Fund (PPF)
- National Savings Scheme (NSS)
- Atal Pension Yojana
- National Pension Scheme (NPS)
- Senior Citizens Savings Schemes (for individuals over 60 years), and more.
In addition to the above options, you can also go for a gold investment plan in India. You can buy physical gold, invest in gold ETFs, or even buy digital gold coins. With the rising cost of gold in the market, such an investment can add considerable value to your portfolio.
What to Keep in Mind While Investing ₹1 Lakh
When creating the investment process for your ₹1 lakh, make sure to keep the following things in mind:
1. Your Risk Profile
There are several instruments that can give you very high returns. However, if you do not have the risk tolerance for these instruments, you may end up being anxious about your funds. Therefore, know how much risk you can handle when investing.
2. Investment Horizon
Choose investments based on how long you have the capacity to leave the money untouched. Opt for long-term investments like mutual funds if you have ample time to invest, while options like FDs may be better suited for a shorter term.
3. Diversification
It is not a good idea to put all your money in one place. Consider combining different instruments like mutual funds, FDs, and stocks for your ₹1 lakh investment plan.
4. Tax Implications
Depending on the instrument you invest in, the returns on your ₹1 lakh investment plan may be eligible for taxation. Consider the tax liability on interest, capital gains, and dividend income before investing.
5. Liquidity Needs
Keep part of the amount in liquid or instruments with a low lock-in period so that you have ready cash at hand when needed.
6. Financial Goals
The right investment plans are those that align with your financial goals. Whether you want to invest to create an emergency fund, plan for a vacation, or secure your child’s future, choose an investment avenue with care.
7. Insurance First
Along with investments, ensure you have adequate life insurance to protect your family. You can also opt for a whole life insurance policy to make sure the financial protection lasts a lifetime.
Whether you want to choose one-time investment plans or opt for regular instalments, always understand the investment process before committing.
A well-planned one lakh investment plan can help you set the stage for long-term financial stability. Depending on your goals and risk level, you can choose from fixed deposits, mutual funds, stocks, life insurance-cum-investment plans, or a mix.
Diversify your options and keep your risk tolerance in mind. Rushing behind high returns at the expense of your peace of mind may not be a wise idea. If you need personalised guidance, especially in regard to taxation, you can reach out to a financial advisor.