Preparing for retirement is a key factor in ensuring long-term financial security. Once you've retired, your primary focus shifts from wealth accumulation to wealth preservation and ensuring a steady income stream. India offers a variety of post-retirement investment options that cater to different financial needs. Here, we’ll explore the 5 best investment plans after retirement in India, helping you make informed decisions to secure a comfortable and stress-free future
Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme (SCSS)
The Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS) is one of the most popular and secure investment options available in India for retirees. Backed by the Government of India, it offers safety along with a relatively higher interest rate. Individuals aged 60 and above can invest in SCSS, making it an ideal choice for post-retirement investment.
Key Features:
- Current interest rate: 8.2% (subject to periodic revision).
- The maximum investment limit is ₹15 lakhs.
- Interest is paid quarterly, providing a regular income stream.
- Investment tenure is 5 years, extendable by another 3 years.
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)
The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) is another secure investment option ideal for retirees. It offers a fixed monthly income, making it suitable for retirees who want regular payouts.
Key Features:
- Interest rate of 7.4% per annum, payable monthly.
- The maximum investment limit is ₹9 lakhs for joint accounts and ₹4.5 lakhs for individual accounts.
- The investment tenure is 5 years.
Fixed Deposits (FDs)
Fixed deposits have long been a favorite investment option for retirees due to their safety and guaranteed returns. While the interest rates on FDs have fluctuated over the years, they remain a go-to option for risk-averse individuals.
Key Features:
- Flexible tenures ranging from 7 days to 10 years.
- Interest rates range from 6% to 7.5%, depending on the bank and tenure.
- Senior citizens often get an additional 0.5% interest rate.
- Regular payout options such as monthly, quarterly, or annual.
Mutual Funds – Debt and Hybrid Funds
For those willing to take a moderate level of risk, mutual funds, especially debt and hybrid funds, offer a promising investment option after retirement. Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities, while hybrid funds combine both equity and debt instruments for balanced returns.
Key Features:
- Higher potential returns compared to traditional schemes.
- Debt funds offer stability, while hybrid funds provide growth potential through equity exposure.
- Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) allow retirees to receive regular income.
National Pension System (NPS)
Although the National Pension System (NPS) is mainly designed to accumulate funds during the working years, it also serves as a retirement investment plan by providing annuity options. NPS is a government-regulated scheme that ensures a portion of the savings is allocated to an annuity plan, offering lifelong pension benefits.
Key Features:
- Flexible investment across equity, debt, and government bonds.
- Upon retirement, up to 60% of the corpus can be withdrawn tax-free, with the remaining 40% used to purchase an annuity.
- Returns are market-linked but have historically averaged around 8% to 10%.