Building wealth can seem like a pipe dream when you’re juggling student loans, rent, and just trying to make ends meet. But that shouldn’t stop you from making investments and achieving financial goals.
You don’t need to be a millionaire to start investing and building long-term wealth. In fact, starting small can be just as powerful. If you’re a millennial looking to grow your money without emptying your pockets, here are six smart (and affordable) ways to do it.
1. High-Yield Savings Accounts
Diving into complex investments can seem intimidating for some. Instead you can try something conservative like a high-yield savings account. Unlike a regular savings account, a high yield savings account offers way better interest rates and helps you grow your money faster without any extra effort. The flexibility of choosing your deposit amount each month is a big plus for millennials.
Such accounts are a no-brainer for beginners. They’re low-risk, easy to access, and best of all, you’re not tied down. You can just let the money sit there, earning interest without having to do anything fancy. With compounded interest, the more time you give it, the more it’ll grow. Savings accounts like these are great as an emergency rainy day fund and don’t require large deposits. It’s simple and safe, so why not let your savings work harder for you?
2. Government & Corporate Bonds
If you are looking for something a bit more stable, bonds are a solid option. It’s pretty straightforward: You’re lending money to the government (or a company), and in return, they pay you interest over time. Government bonds tend to be low-risk and great for those of us who prefer to play it safe.
Corporate bonds, on the other hand, come with slightly more risk, but they often offer better returns. Either way, bonds can give you steady, predictable income, which makes them a good choice for millennials looking for security and something that doesn’t require too much attention.
3. Annuities
Here’s where it gets a bit more long-term: Annuities. Basically, you give a lump sum to an insurance company, and they’ll pay you back in regular installments for a set period of time – usually until you retire. The beauty of annuities is that they’re low-risk and offer guaranteed income. They’re pretty much the financial equivalent of a “set it and forget it” approach.
If you’re someone who likes the idea of locking in a stable, predictable income for the future, annuities can be a great fit. Just remember, once you’ve locked in your investment, you can’t really access it until those payments start coming in, so it’s best for long-term planning.
4. Whisky Cask Investment
Now, if you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, here’s an interesting one: whisky cask investment. It sounds unusual, but it’s gaining serious traction as a tangible, alternative asset class. Over time, whisky casks can increase in value, and they offer something traditional stocks can’t: they’re an actual physical asset.
This is one of those “interesting diversifiers” that a lot of people are starting to pay attention to. The beauty of whisky casks is that they tend to appreciate in value and are a hedge against inflation. If you’re looking to dip your toes into something a little more unique, whisky casks could be worth a look. If you’re curious about how to get started, London Cask Traders offers a trusted way to enter this market, even if you’re new to it.
5. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Real estate is one of those things that everyone says you should invest in, but unless you’ve got thousands to spend, it can seem pretty out of reach. Enter REITs. Real Estate Investment Trusts are a way to invest in property without actually buying property. Essentially, you’re pooling your money with other investors to buy and manage real estate.
REITs give you access to property markets with much less capital, and many of them pay out dividends, which is a nice little bonus. For millennials who want to get in on real estate but can’t afford to buy their own flat or house yet, REITs are a pretty easy way to get exposure to the market. Plus, no maintenance required!
6. Stocks & ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
Stocks are no longer new but are still one of the most popular investment options. They still come with risk, but they also offer some of the highest potential returns. If you’re willing to take on a little more risk, stocks and ETFs are probably the best place to start. ETFs are a great way for beginners because they spread your investment across multiple stocks, which means you’re less exposed to the risk of just one stock tanking.
One thing millennials are doing more of is investing in dividend-paying stocks. These stocks don’t just go up in value over time; they pay you regular dividends, which can be a steady source of income. This is great if you want to get paid for holding onto your stocks. ETFs, on the other hand, allow you to invest in a broad range of sectors or even global markets with minimal effort. It’s a great way to diversify your portfolio and reduce risk.
Conclusion
The idea of building wealth doesn’t have to be daunting, especially with all the options out there for millennials to start small and grow over time. Whether you’re just getting started or already have some investments under your belt, these six options give you a range of ways to grow your money, without needing to be a financial genius or a millionaire.
The key is to start early, stay consistent, and diversify. Every little bit counts, even if it’s just a small contribution to your savings or investments. Don’t wait for “the right time, the best time to start investing is right now.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the cost of living but still want to secure your financial future, take a look at these options. And remember, the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be in the long run.
