Investing ₹10 lakh wisely can generate a steady monthly income, depending on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals. Here are some popular options:
Low-Risk Options
- Fixed Deposits (FDs)
- Expected Returns: 6-7% annually.
- Monthly Income: ~₹5,000-6,000 (Interest payout option).
- Pros: Safe, predictable income, low risk.
- Cons: Returns are taxable.
- Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)
- Expected Returns: 7-7.5% annually.
- Monthly Income: ~₹5,800-6,250.
- Pros: Government-backed, secure.
- Cons: Maximum investment limit per individual is ₹9 lakh.
- Debt Mutual Funds
- Expected Returns: 6-8% annually.
- Monthly Income: Generated through Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP).
- Pros: Tax-efficient, relatively stable.
- Cons: Subject to interest rate changes.
Moderate-Risk Options
- Dividend-Yielding Stocks
- Expected Returns: 8-10% annually (dividends + appreciation).
- Monthly Income: Dividends are paid quarterly, but you can plan withdrawals.
- Pros: Potential for capital appreciation.
- Cons: Dividends are not guaranteed.
- REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)
- Expected Returns: 8-10% annually.
- Monthly Income: Quarterly/regular payouts from rental income.
- Pros: Diversified real estate exposure, liquidity.
- Cons: Moderate market risk.
High-Risk Options
- Equity Mutual Funds (via SWP)
- Expected Returns: 10-15% annually (historically).
- Monthly Income: Customize SWP for steady withdrawals.
- Pros: High potential returns.
- Cons: Market fluctuations can impact returns.
- Peer-to-Peer Lending
- Expected Returns: 12-15% annually.
- Monthly Income: EMI-like repayments from borrowers.
- Pros: High returns.
- Cons: High default risk.
Other Considerations
- Renting Out Property
- Invest in a small residential/commercial property to generate rental income.
- Expected Returns: ~3-5% annually as rent, plus property appreciation.
- Pros: Dual income from rent and appreciation.
- Cons: Requires significant initial investment and management.
- Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
(If you or a family member is 60+ years old)- Expected Returns: 8-8.5% annually.
- Monthly Income: ~₹6,600-7,100.
- Pros: Safe, government-backed.
- Cons: Age-restricted.
Balanced Approach
- Diversify your investment across multiple instruments to balance risk and returns.
- Example:
- 40% in Fixed Deposits or Debt Funds.
- 30% in REITs or Dividend Stocks.
- 30% in Equity Mutual Funds or Peer-to-Peer Lending.