When you retire, the regular salary stops but expenses don’t. That’s why it’s very important to plan where to invest your money in a smart and safe way. Many people want safe and high return investments in India to live a stress-free life after retirement. The good thing is – India has some good options which give low risk and also decent returns.
In this blog, we’ll talk about retirement investment plans that are simple, not risky, and still give good money over time. These are best for senior citizens or anyone who’s planning early for retirement.
1. Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is an old and trusted saving option in India. It’s run by the government and gives fixed interest. It’s completely safe because the money is not in the stock market. You have to keep money for 15 years but the interest is tax-free and gets compounded every year.
If someone wants safe and high return investments in India, this is a simple and long-term choice.
2. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
SCSS is made only for people above 60 years. It gives better interest than fixed deposits, and it’s fully secure since it’s backed by the government. You can invest up to ₹15 lakh and get interest every 3 months.
It’s a solid option if you want regular income without taking any risk. It also saves tax under Section 80C.
3. Mutual Fund SIPs
If you want to grow your money a bit faster and can take small risks, mutual fund SIPs are great. You invest monthly in mutual funds, and over time, your money grows.
There are many good SIPs that have performed well. Some of the top 5 mutual fund schemes in India have given 10%–15% yearly returns in the long run. Balanced funds or hybrid funds are best for retirees since they are not too risky.
Few top performing mutual funds SIP in India are:
- HDFC Retirement Savings Fund
- SBI Hybrid Equity Fund
- Axis Bluechip Fund
- ICICI Balanced Advantage Fund
- Mirae Asset Hybrid Equity Fund
These funds balance risk and return, which is perfect for retirement planning.
4. Bank Fixed Deposits (FDs) for Senior Citizens
FDs are a safe place to keep your money and get fixed returns. Many banks offer extra interest (0.5% more) for senior citizens. You can choose how long to keep money – from 1 year to 10 years.
FDs don’t beat inflation always, but they’re risk-free. Choose monthly or quarterly payout options to get regular money after retirement.
To be extra safe, don’t put more than ₹5 lakh in one bank (covered under deposit insurance).
5. National Pension Scheme (NPS)
NPS is a retirement plan where you invest till age 60. The money is put in equity, corporate debt, and government bonds. You can choose the fund mix depending on your risk.
At retirement, you can take 60% of the money and get 40% as monthly pension through annuity. You also get tax benefits under 80C and an extra ₹50,000 under 80CCD(1B).
NPS is good if you’re still working and want to build a large fund over the years.
6. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)
This is a government-backed plan that gives you monthly income. You invest once, and get interest every month. Interest rate is around 7.1% and safe.
You can invest ₹9 lakh alone or ₹15 lakh jointly. It’s perfect for people who don’t want risk and want regular income like a pension.
7. Annuity Plans
Annuity plans are from insurance companies. You give a big amount once, and they give you fixed income every month or quarter for life.
The returns are lower, but the peace of mind is high. You can also choose plans that give money to your spouse after you. For retirement income, annuity is very useful when you don’t want to worry about market ups and downs.
Extra Tips for Retirement Planning
- Start investing as early as you can.
- Always keep some money in hand for emergency.
- Don’t invest everything in one scheme – mix them.
- Review your plans every year or two.
- Take advice if confused – better than guessing.
Conclusion
Retirement doesn’t mean the end of income. With smart planning, you can still earn safely. Choosing safe and high return investments in India will help you sleep peacefully at night.
Try investing in a mix – PPF, SCSS, FDs, SIPs, NPS, and annuity plans – depending on your age and comfort.
Whether you are looking for the top 5 mutual fund schemes in India, or want to know the top performing mutual funds SIP in India, the options shared above can help you make a strong plan for your future.
It’s never too late to start. So plan today, and enjoy your retirement days without money stress.
I am a digital marketing executive as well as content writer in the personal finance and investment related blogs. My goal is to provide simple, interesting and reliable information to readers through my articles so that they always stay updated with the world of personal finance and investment.
