If you invest your money wisely, you can make daily profits without actively doing much. These passive income-generating investments include exchange-traded funds, individual stocks, bonds, and real estate investment trusts. To start investing and even earn some daily income, you can save money and put it into bank savings accounts or certificates of deposit.
Investing is a fantastic way for people from all backgrounds to responsibly grow their wealth, regardless of their age, income, or career stage. However, it’s crucial to consider your personal situation when deciding on the right investments for you.
Before diving into the world of investing, it’s a good idea to speak with a financial advisor. They can provide valuable insights into your unique financial circumstances.
In this article, we’ll explore various investment opportunities that cater to people from diverse backgrounds.
8 Ways to Invest and Make Money Daily
1. High-yield savings accounts
High-yield savings accounts are a smart choice for growing your savings. These accounts offer much higher interest rates than the average savings account, typically around 4% compared to the national average of only 0.45%.
They’re especially appealing if you want to make the most of your savings while keeping your money easily accessible. You can find high-yield savings accounts at online banks and through cash management accounts.
Online banks often provide better interest rates because they have lower operating costs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar banks. Cash management accounts, offered by brokerage firms, can also offer competitive rates and come with added flexibility, including features like debit cards and checks.
If you’re just starting to save and invest, it’s a good idea to put aside three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a high-yield savings account before considering other investment options. This provides you with a secure financial cushion for emergencies or planned expenses like vacations.
2. Certificates of deposit (CDs)
Certificates of deposit, or CDs, offer a safe way to grow your money if you have a specific savings goal in mind. A CD is like a savings account, but with a fixed interest rate for a set period. It’s backed by the government, so your money is safe.
You can choose how long you want to invest your money in a CD. Common options are one, three, or five years. This means you should only put money in a CD that you won’t need until that future date, like saving for a down payment on a house or upcoming wedding.
Be aware that if you take your money out of a CD before the agreed-upon time, you might have to pay a fee. So, it’s crucial to use funds that you can leave untouched for the duration of the CD.
To get the best CD rates, look into online banks and credit unions. They often offer more competitive rates than traditional banks. It’s a good idea to research and compare rates based on how long you’re willing to invest and any minimum deposit requirements.
For instance, as of Bankrate’s latest survey, you might find an average yield of 1.75 percent for a one-year CD, 1.39 percent for a three-year CD, and 1.44 percent for a five-year CD. Keep in mind that rates can change, so it’s essential to stay updated before making your investment.
3. Government bonds
Government bonds are a low-risk way to make your money grow. When you buy government bonds, you’re basically lending money to the government. In return, they promise to pay you interest at regular times for a set number of years.
These bonds are super safe in the world of investments. The government fully guarantees them, so there’s very little chance of losing your money. That’s why conservative investors who like stability and low risk often choose these bonds.
However, it’s important to know that government bonds don’t make as much money as riskier investments like stocks. So, if you’re okay with taking more risks and have long-term money goals, you might need a mix of stocks and bonds.
Government bonds also act like a safety net when the stock market isn’t doing well. This is great for people who are close to retiring or already retired because they give you a steady income and less ups and downs in your investments.
You can buy government bonds on your own or through bond funds. Using a fund helps you spread your money across different bonds, which can be a good thing. You can get them from brokers, special banks, or straight from the government. Just remember, bond interest rates can change, so keep an eye on them if you’re thinking about government bonds for your investment plan. For example, from May 2023 to October 2023, I bonds have a 4.30% interest rate.
4. Corporate bonds
Corporate bonds are kind of like government bonds, but they come with a few differences. When you buy corporate bonds, you’re basically lending money to companies, not the government. This makes them a bit riskier because they don’t have the government’s guarantee of repayment.
Some corporate bonds, called high-yield or junk bonds, are even riskier. They might offer higher returns, but they act more like stocks than regular bonds. Investing in them can make you money, but it also means you’re taking on more uncertainty and the chance of losing some of your investment.
People who like corporate bonds are usually looking for investments that give a fixed income and possibly higher returns than government bonds. But remember, the return on corporate bonds depends a lot on how healthy the company is. Riskier companies might offer more money to attract investors, but they’re also more likely to not pay back what they owe.
To make smart decisions about corporate bonds, you need to find a balance between risk and reward that fits your comfort level and financial goals. You can buy corporate bonds in two main ways: through bond funds, which spread your money across lots of bonds, or individually through investment brokers.
Here’s an example: Imagine you buy a regular corporate bond. You invest $1,000 in a 10-year bond that pays a fixed interest rate of 3%. The company gives you $30 every year as interest, and after 10 years, they give you back your $1,000. Just remember, the company’s financial health plays a big role in how much money you make and how risky it is to invest in corporate bonds.
5. Mutual funds
Mutual funds are a smart way to invest your money. They work by pooling money from many people and using it to invest in a mix of things like stocks, bonds, and other assets.
Mutual funds make it simple and affordable to spread your money across different investments. You can benefit from the entire market’s potential without the hassle of managing individual stocks or bonds.
If you’re saving for things like retirement, mutual funds are your friend. They let you tap into the stock market’s growth while reducing the risk tied to individual investments. Plus, there are mutual funds for specific interests or strategies, so you can customize your investments.
You can buy mutual funds directly from the companies that offer them or through discount brokerage firms. Many providers offer mutual funds without transaction fees and provide tools to help you choose the right ones. Keep in mind that some mutual funds may have a minimum investment requirement, but some providers waive it if you invest regularly.
As for what makes a “good” return in a mutual fund, it really depends on your own expectations and what you’re aiming for. For many investors, a good return is one that’s in line with the average return of the overall market. If you meet or exceed that goal, you’re likely to be satisfied.
6. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
ETFs are a bit like mutual funds, but they have some cool advantages. They’re all about pooling money from lots of people to create a diverse investment mix. What’s unique is how you buy and sell them – just like individual stocks on exchanges.
One big plus with ETFs is that they usually have lower starting investment amounts, so you don’t need tons of money to begin. This makes them open to more types of investors.
If you’re planning for the long-term, ETFs are a good choice. They’re made for folks who are thinking way into the future. ETFs are especially helpful if you can’t meet the high minimum investments required by some mutual funds. You get diversity without the big minimums. ETFs also let you buy or sell anytime during the trading day. You can react quickly to changes in the market.
Buying ETFs is easy. You can get them through brokerages or robo-advisors, so you have options to fit your style.
Now, while ETFs are versatile, they might not give you the same income as owning individual high-dividend stocks. There are dividend-paying ETFs, but they might not pay out as much as individual stocks or groups of stocks.
In terms of risk, ETFs are generally less risky. But if you’re willing to take more risk, individual stocks can potentially give you much higher dividends. So, the choice between ETFs and stocks depends on how much risk you’re comfortable with and your income goals.
7. Dividend stocks
Dividend stocks are a type of investment that’s a bit like a mix between bonds and regular stocks. When you invest in dividend stocks, you’re essentially buying a piece of a company, and these companies regularly give out cash payments, known as dividends, to their shareholders.
One important thing about dividend stocks is that they’re usually from stable and profitable companies. They might not grow in value as quickly as newer, riskier stocks, but they offer something appealing: regular income and stability for investors.
Dividend stocks work well for all kinds of investors. Young investors can benefit from something called “dividend growth stocks.” These are companies that consistently increase their dividend payments over time. Investing in these can lead to high income down the road and is a smart long-term plan.
For older investors who want stability and a fixed income, dividend-paying stocks are great. They offer a reliable source of money during retirement or other times when you need financial stability.
Getting dividend stocks is easy; you can buy them online through brokerage platforms. Typically, companies in the S&P 500, which pay dividends, offer yields (a measure of how much you’ll earn from them) that range between 2% and 5%. But be cautious of stocks offering really high yields (above 8%) because that could mean the company has some issues. It’s smart to research these carefully before investing.
Read more: How to Invest in Stocks
8. Real estate
Real estate investing offers a multitude of avenues to grow your wealth. It involves acquiring properties with the aim of benefiting from potential appreciation over time or generating rental income. However, it’s not limited to traditional property ownership. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are a game-changer in this field. These are companies that own income-generating properties and distribute regular dividends to their investors. Investing in REITs provides a means to access the real estate market without the responsibilities and complexities of direct property ownership.
For those looking to diversify their investment portfolio or seeking potentially higher returns, real estate investments can be an appealing choice. It’s important to note, though, that they come with a trade-off—lower liquidity. Unlike stocks or bonds, real estate investments aren’t as easily converted into cash.
To dip your toes into real estate through REITs, you can purchase them on the stock market via online brokerage platforms. However, if you’re interested in real estate crowdfunding, be aware that different platforms may have varying requirements for investors.
In the world of real estate, your return on investment hinges on your chosen strategy and the type of property you invest in. For example, residential properties typically yield an average annual return of about 10.6%, while commercial properties come in at around 9.5%. If you opt for REITs, you could be looking at an average return of 11.8%.
Read more: How to Make Money from Real Estate
How to Choose the Right Investments?
When it comes to building wealth through investments, it’s not about where you start but how you choose the right path for you. Here are some key considerations to help you make the right investment choices:
- Your Timeline: Your investment timeline matters. If you need money in the near future, it’s best to keep it in easily accessible and stable investments. But if you’re planning for long-term goals, you can afford to take on more volatile assets with the potential for higher returns.
- Your Risk Tolerance: How comfortable are you with risk? If you’re willing to weather the short-term ups and downs of the stock market, you might enjoy greater long-term rewards. Diversifying your investments across different types can help balance out those bumps in the road.
- Your Budget: Keep in mind that some investments have minimum balance or initial investment requirements. However, don’t let that deter you. There are ways to work around these requirements, and many providers cater to a wide range of investment budgets if you know where to look.
- Your Need for Guidance: If you’re a do-it-yourself type, you can access most of the investments we’ve discussed by opening a brokerage account. But if you’re unsure which investments suit your situation best, consider enlisting the help of a robo-advisor. These low-cost, automated services can build a tailored investment portfolio for you based on your unique criteria.
- Accessibility: Keep in mind that some short-term investments, like savings accounts, can be easily opened at a bank. This accessibility can be helpful for quickly stashing away your cash.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and your investment strategy should be tailored to your specific circumstances and objectives.