The Best Ways to Invest $25,000 - SmartAsset (2024)

The Best Ways to Invest $25,000 - SmartAsset (1)

Depending on your investing strategy and financial resources, there are many things you can do with $25,000. We discuss four steps to prepare for investing this sum of money and then several options you may find appropriate given your goals, risk profile and timeline.

Afinancial advisorcan help you create a financial plan to protect your investments and identify new opportunities to make money.

What to Consider Before Investing

1. Is Your Emergency Fund Large Enough?

If your $25,000 is your only savings, you need to be sure it is in non-risky securities, like a high-yield savings account. Ideally, you want an emergency fund covering three to six months of income if you have a stable career and low debt. You’ll need more if your paychecks are irregular or you have higher bills. That means, if you make $70,000 a year, you may want to have $17,500 to $35,000 tucked away.

Also, you need to be sure that your emergency fund isliquidenough. Tying $25,000 up in a safe, low-risk security without being able to quickly access that money can result in serious cash flow problems.

2. How Much Debt Do You Have?

If you’ve got $25,000 and have a significant amount of debt, it may make sense to pay the debt off. While some debt can be good, too much at a high-interest rate can weigh you down. Credit card debt, especially, should be paid down before investing, because these rates can be above 20%.

Other debts, such as student loans or a mortgage, may make more sense to keep. It’s valuable to research whether you should pay down these debts or invest. It all depends on your return on investment versus the interest rate on the debt.

3. What Level of Risk Are You Comfortable With?

Different investments have a range of risk that comes with them. You could invest more aggressively in certain stocks and funds that could deliver higher yields. But, these investments may come with an elevated level of risk. You may lose money.

On the other hand, investments like CDs and bonds come with a lower level of risk, but you may end up paying an opportunity cost.Your asset allocation (how you spread your money around different types of assets) all depends on what level of risk you’re comfortable with.

4. Do You Have a Financial Advisor?

If you need advice on how to invest $25,000, it may be wise to turn to afinancial advisor. While many financial advisors require much higher amounts before offering advice, robo advisors can provide helpful guidance that fits your goals, how long you want the money to be invested and related variables.

How to Invest $25,000

The Best Ways to Invest $25,000 - SmartAsset (2)

Now that we’ve covered what you should think about before investing, let’s talk about where you can put your money to (hopefully) watch it grow. We’ll rank these investments from simplest to most complicated.

1. Open a High-Yield Savings Account

If you want to take the risk out of the equation and need to be able to readily access your money, a high-yield savings account is a great option. Where many common savings accounts give out paltry 0.01% interest rates, a high-yield account will deliver, at time of writing, close to 4%.

That means that, after a year at 4% interest, your $1,000 will grow by $1,000. Or if you put the money in an account with a 3% interest rate, it will grow over 12 months by $750. While it’s not the highest return, it comes with very low risk and offers more flexibility.

2. Sign Up for a Taxable Brokerage Account

If you want to invest in the stock market outside of a retirement account, you need to open a brokerage account. Most online brokerages offer many low-to-no-fee trading options that can get you started putting money in stocks and funds. A more traditional, full-service broker may come with higher fees, but they’ll take a lot of the research off your plate and lend their expertise.

But once you get the account, how do you invest your $25,000? Remember the value of a diverse portfolio and allocating your assets. A diverse portfolio of funds, stocks, bonds and other securities will help you hedge against major losses if a specific company or sector drops. Among attractive funds, whether mutual or exchange-traded, are index funds, including funds that track the movement of the S&P 500, for example. Other funds are linked to bond indexes.

3. Alternative Investments

Alternative investments are assets that fall outside the traditional investment categories. These kinds of securities include venture capital orprivate equity, commodities, derivatives, currencies,structured settlements, managed futures, hedge fundsand real assets such as art and antiques.

The reasons for moving into an alternative investments include a need to diversity a portfolio, specific tax incentives or an unusual opportunity to take advantage of a deeply discounted asset.

4. Invest in Real Estate

One of the most common alternative investments is real estate. A $25,000 sum is enough to put 20% down on a $125,000 property. This could be used to secure a mortgage, then you could pay the mortgage with the rental income of the place. Or, you could partner with a group on a bigger investment property. Your $25,000 would grant you a chunk of the rental income.

If you can’t find the right properties or people to work with, consider investing in a real estate investment trust (REIT). A REIT owns properties or mortgages on the properties and sells shares that you can buy like it was a stock. The REIT then pays out dividends that are the profits they make.

The downside of investing in physical property is its illiquidity. If you need your money back, you have to sell the property or have someone buy you out. While REITs don’t carry this risk, they’re sensitive to shifts in interest rates and unemployment. If rates go up, it can cut into REIT profits. Likewise, if unemployment goes up, it can mean fewer tenants can afford rent.

The Bottom Line

The Best Ways to Invest $25,000 - SmartAsset (3)

If you’re wondering how to invest $25,000, we’ve given you the major examples. There are other investments you could make: art, home improvements, a sports car. But, the tips listed here are more tried and true. It all depends on your goals and the level of risk you’re comfortable with.

Tips for Investing Responsibly

  • Getting help may be the single best choice you can make when investing. Luckily, finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. In fact,SmartAsset’s free toolmatches you with up to three vetted financial advisorswho serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals,get started now.
  • Knowledge is half the battle. Make sure you know what taxes you may have to pay on your investments with SmartAsset’s freecapital gains calculator.

Photo credit: ©iStock/VioletaStoimenova, ©iStock/Kativ, ©iStock/takasuu

The Best Ways to Invest $25,000 - SmartAsset (2024)

FAQs

The Best Ways to Invest $25,000 - SmartAsset? ›

Many high-yield savings accounts from online banks offer rates from 2.05% to 2.53%. On a $250,000 portfolio, you'd receive an annual income of $5,125 to $6,325 from one of those accounts.

How to invest $20,000 dollars wisely? ›

4 ways to invest 20K
  1. Max out your retirement accounts. It's never too early — or late — to plan for retirement. ...
  2. Let a robo-advisor do the work. So you've got your retirement accounts maxed, but you want someone to manage that money? ...
  3. Consider a brokerage account. ...
  4. Align your investments with your values.
Apr 27, 2023

How much interest will 250000 earn? ›

Many high-yield savings accounts from online banks offer rates from 2.05% to 2.53%. On a $250,000 portfolio, you'd receive an annual income of $5,125 to $6,325 from one of those accounts.

What is the best way to invest $250,000 dollars? ›

Best Investments to Invest $250k for Income
  1. Dividend Stocks. Companies can issue dividend stocks, meaning shareholders receive quarterly distributions when business is going well. ...
  2. Money Market Funds. ...
  3. Real Estate. ...
  4. Certificates of Deposit. ...
  5. Bonds. ...
  6. Peer-to-Peer Lending. ...
  7. Real Estate Trusts (REITs) ...
  8. Annuities.
May 18, 2023

How to double 20K fast? ›

The Best Ways To Double $20,000
  1. Invest In Real Estate. One of the best ways to double 20,000 dollars is to invest in income-generating real estate. ...
  2. Start An Online Business. ...
  3. Invest In Stocks & ETFs. ...
  4. Invest In Small Businesses. ...
  5. Start A Service-Based Business. ...
  6. Try Crypto Investing. ...
  7. Retail Arbitrage. ...
  8. Lend Out Your Money.
Mar 2, 2023

How to turn $25,000 into a million? ›

Based on an investment of $25,000 today, it'd take a return of 13.08% per year to transform into $1 million in 30 years. If you require a shorter time to grow your investments, you'll need a higher return to arrive at $1 million sooner.

How much interest does 20 000 earn in a year? ›

How much $20,000 earns you in a savings account
APYInterest earned in one year
0.35%$70
3.50%$700
4.00%$800
4.50%$900
3 more rows
Mar 20, 2023

How much is 4% interest on $250000? ›

On a $250,000 fixed-rate mortgage with an annual percentage rate (APR) of 4%, you'd pay $1,193.54 per month for a 30-year term or $1,849.22 for a 15-year one.

Can you retire with 250000 in the bank? ›

It might surprise you to know you can make $250,000 last for decades in retirement. While you'll need a detailed plan and sufficient Social Security income, it's possible to leave the workforce with this modest amount.

Is 250k in savings good? ›

The truth is, $250,000 is enough to begin your journey towards an early retirement. However, you might want to consider longer-term investment strategies for growth. With such a big amount, you'll be relatively comfortable during retirement and might not need to leave your money in ISAs or savings accounts.

How much monthly income will 250k generate? ›

How Much Does An $250,000 Annuity Pay? The guaranteed monthly payments you will receive for the rest of your life are roughly $1,094 if you purchase a $250,000 annuity at age 60. You will receive approximately $1,198 monthly at age 65 and approximately $1,302 at age 70 for the rest of your life.

How to invest $25 000? ›

How to Invest $25,000
  1. Open a High-Yield Savings Account. If you want to take the risk out of the equation and need to be able to readily access your money, a high-yield savings account is a great option. ...
  2. Sign Up for a Taxable Brokerage Account. ...
  3. Alternative Investments. ...
  4. Invest in Real Estate.
May 29, 2023

What is the safest way to invest 200K? ›

Your best way to invest $200k is to spread it across various financial assets, including stocks, index funds, and real estate, as well as more conservative alternatives such as bonds or CDs.

What should I do with 20k in the bank? ›

How to invest $20k: 8 ways to make your money work for you
  1. Invest with a robo-advisor.
  2. Invest with a broker.
  3. Do a 401(k) swap.
  4. Invest in real estate.
  5. Put the money in a savings account.
  6. Try out peer-to-peer lending.
  7. Pay for an education.
  8. Pay off debt.

How to create passive income with 20k? ›

8 Best Ways To Invest $20K Right Now
  1. Invest in a Self-Directed Retirement Account. ...
  2. Invest With a Robo Advisor. ...
  3. Invest in Stocks & ETFs. ...
  4. Invest in Real Estate. ...
  5. Invest in an Employer-Sponsored Retirement Account. ...
  6. Create a College Fund for Your Kids. ...
  7. Invest in Peer-to-Peer Lending. ...
  8. Invest in Alternative Assets.

Is 20k in savings good? ›

Is $20,000 a Good Amount of Savings? Having $20,000 in a savings account is a good starting point if you want to create a sizable emergency fund. When the occasional rainy day comes along, you'll be financially prepared for it. Of course, $20,000 may only go so far if you find yourself in an extreme situation.

Are you rich if you have $30 million dollars? ›

You might need $5 million to $10 million to qualify as having a very high net worth while it may take $30 million or more to be considered ultra-high net worth. That's how financial advisors typically view wealth.

Does $2 million make you rich? ›

Being rich currently means having a net worth of about $2.2 million. However, this number fluctuates over time, and you can measure wealth according to your financial priorities. As a result, healthy financial habits, like spending less than you make, are critical to becoming wealthy, no matter your definition.

How many $100 dollars make a million? ›

Ten thousand $100 bills equals $1 million (10,000 x $100 = $1,000,000).

How much is 5% interest on $20000? ›

For example, if you take out a five-year loan for $20,000 and the interest rate on the loan is 5 percent, the simple interest formula would be $20,000 x .05 x 5 = $5,000 in interest.

Can I live off interest on a million dollars? ›

Once you have $1 million in assets, you can look seriously at living entirely off the returns of a portfolio. After all, the S&P 500 alone averages 10% returns per year. Setting aside taxes and down-year investment portfolio management, a $1 million index fund could provide $100,000 annually.

Can I live off the interest of $100000? ›

Interest on $100,000

Even with a well-diversified portfolio and minimal living expenses, this amount is not high enough to provide for most people. Investing this amount in a low-risk investment like a savings account with a rate between 2% to 2.50% of interest each year would return $2,000 to $2,500.

How much interest do you need to double money in 4 years? ›

Vice-versa, the “Rule of 72” can also be applied for calculating the number of years that it will take to double your money for others. For example, any gold loan is taken by the lender at an 18% rate of interest. It will take four years for the lender to earn double your money.

What is 2% interest on $50000? ›

Banks and credit unions offer money market accounts currently paying about 2%, which would produce $1,000 in interest on $50,000 over a year.

How to live off interest of $4 million dollars? ›

Sustainable Withdrawal Rate

Professionals usually recommend a withdrawal rate between 4% and 5%. So, if you have a $4 million portfolio withdrawing 4% per year would give you about $160,000 per year to live off of. Of course, this figure doesn't account for taxes or inflation rates.

How long can $250 000 last? ›

Years, Months and Days: 4 years, 7 months, 24 days.

How much money do most people have in the bank when they retire? ›

The Federal Reserve's most recent data reveals that the average American has $65,000 in retirement savings. By their retirement age, the average is estimated to be $255,200.

Can I retire at 62 with 300k? ›

The short answer to this question is, “Yes, provided you are prepared to accept a modest standard of living.” To get an an idea of what a 60-year-old individual with a $300,000 nest egg faces, our list of factors to check includes estimates of their income, before and after starting to receive Social Security, as well ...

Where should I keep my money over 250k? ›

  1. Open an account at a different bank. ...
  2. Add a joint owner. ...
  3. Get an account that's in a different ownership category. ...
  4. Join a credit union. ...
  5. Use IntraFi Network Deposits. ...
  6. Open a cash management account. ...
  7. Put your money in a MaxSafe account. ...
  8. Opt for an account with both FDIC and DIF insurance.
May 1, 2023

How much savings is considered wealthy? ›

The Modern Wealth Survey collected responses from 1,000 adults between the ages of 21 and 75. According to those surveyed, it would take an average net worth of approximately $2.2 million to be considered “wealthy” in 2022. In 2021, survey respondents indicated it would take a net worth of $1.9 million.

How much is too much in savings? ›

How much is too much? The general rule is to have three to six months' worth of living expenses (rent, utilities, food, car payments, etc.) saved up for emergencies, such as unexpected medical bills or immediate home or car repairs. The guidelines fluctuate depending on each individual's circ*mstance.

What percentage of American individuals make over 250k? ›

Those who make $250,000 or more make up just 5% of Americans, according to the Census Bureau.

How many people have $1000000 in savings? ›

In fact, statistically, around 10% of retirees have $1 million or more in savings.

Can I afford a 250k house on 60k salary? ›

An individual earning $60,000 a year may buy a home worth ranging from $180,000 to over $300,000. That's because your wage isn't the only factor that affects your house purchase budget. Your credit score, existing debts, mortgage rates, and a variety of other considerations must all be taken into account.

How much will 25k be in 30 years? ›

The stock market's average annual return over many decades is close to 10%, though over shorter periods (like 20 years), it can be much higher or lower. So if you invest $25,000 in the stock market and average a 10% annual return, your investment will grow in value to $436,235 over 30 years.

Where to invest $5,000 right now? ›

What is the best way to invest $5,000?
  • Try real estate investing for rental income.
  • Invest in individual stocks.
  • Invest in mutual funds or ETFs.
  • Consider low-risk bonds.
  • Leverage robo-advisors for hands-off investing.
  • Open a CD for steady returns.
  • Put a little into cryptocurrency for high potential returns.
Mar 29, 2023

Is it good to invest in CDs? ›

Investing in CDs can be a good choice for people who want to keep their savings safe and secure. CDs offer FDIC insurance, meaning you can get your money back even if the bank fails. Furthermore, they can provide a predictable interest rate and help diversify a portfolio.

What is the safest investment with the highest return? ›

Here are the best low-risk investments in June 2023:
  • High-yield savings accounts.
  • Series I savings bonds.
  • Short-term certificates of deposit.
  • Money market funds.
  • Treasury bills, notes, bonds and TIPS.
  • Corporate bonds.
  • Dividend-paying stocks.
  • Preferred stocks.
Jun 1, 2023

How much will $200 K be worth in 10 years? ›

After 10 years: $96,049.

Can I retire with 200K in the bank? ›

This question is difficult since it depends on several factors, including your lifestyle and where you live. However, generally, $200,000 per year is a good income for retirement. It should allow you to maintain your current lifestyle and cover most expenses.

What happens if I deposit 20K in cash? ›

Depositing a big amount of cash that is $10,000 or more means your bank or credit union will report it to the federal government. The $10,000 threshold was created as part of the Bank Secrecy Act, passed by Congress in 1970, and adjusted with the Patriot Act in 2002.

How to invest 20K wisely? ›

4 ways to invest 20K
  1. Max out your retirement accounts. It's never too early — or late — to plan for retirement. ...
  2. Let a robo-advisor do the work. So you've got your retirement accounts maxed, but you want someone to manage that money? ...
  3. Consider a brokerage account. ...
  4. Align your investments with your values.
Apr 27, 2023

Can I put 20K in my bank account? ›

You can deposit as much as you need to, but your financial institution may be required to report your deposit to the federal government.

How to generate passive income with 25k? ›

22 Ways to Invest $25,000 (for 2022)
  1. Pay Down Debt. ...
  2. Increase Your Savings – High Yield Savings Account or CD. ...
  3. Peer to Peer (P2P) Lending. ...
  4. The Stock Market. ...
  5. 401(k) ...
  6. Roth IRA & Backdoor Roth IRA. ...
  7. Plain Old Taxable Brokerage Account. ...
  8. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
Jan 6, 2022

How to flip 20K fast? ›

The Best Ways To Double $20,000
  1. Invest In Real Estate.
  2. Start An Online Business.
  3. Invest In Stocks & ETFs.
  4. Invest In Small Businesses.
  5. Start A Service-Based Business.
  6. Try Crypto Investing.
  7. Retail Arbitrage.
  8. Lend Out Your Money.
Mar 2, 2023

How much does the average 70 year old have in savings? ›

How much does the average 70-year-old have in savings? Just shy of $500,000, according to the Federal Reserve. The better question, however, may be whether that's enough for a 70-year-old to live on in retirement so that you can align your budget accordingly.

Is saving $1,500 a month good? ›

Saving $1,500 a month is an excellent goal to have. It can help you build up your savings and put you in a better financial position for the future. Having this amount of money saved each month can give you more flexibility when it comes to making decisions about spending or investing.

How much does the average American have in savings? ›

The average American savings account balance is $4,500. Between 1959-2022, the average U.S. savings rate has been 8.96%. The average household savings rate in the U.S. was only 5.1% in the second half of 2022. In total, gross personal savings in the U.S. is worth $2.3 trillion.

What is the best way to invest $20,000 right now? ›

What's the best way to invest 20K?
  • Growing your emergency fund with a high-yield savings account.
  • Paying off debt.
  • Padding your retirement account.
  • Investing with a robo-advisor.
  • Investing in a traditional brokerage account.
  • Investing in real estate.
  • Loaning money using a peer-to-peer lender.

What is the safest way to invest 20000? ›

The best ways to invest 20k
  • What are your investment goals for your 20k? A lot depends on your investment objectives and attitude to risk. ...
  • Pay off any debt. A good place to start is to consider clearing any debt. ...
  • Set up an emergency fund. ...
  • Invest in your pension. ...
  • Invest in stocks and shares. ...
  • Speak to a financial adviser.
May 16, 2023

Is $20,000 enough to start investing? ›

$20,000 can be an incredible foundation upon which to build a decent nest egg for the long haul. If you can invest it early enough in your career and the market returns to its historical long-run return rates, that one investment on its own can be enough to make you a millionaire retiree.

Is $20,000 dollars in savings good? ›

Is $20,000 a Good Amount of Savings? Having $20,000 in a savings account is a good starting point if you want to create a sizable emergency fund. When the occasional rainy day comes along, you'll be financially prepared for it. Of course, $20,000 may only go so far if you find yourself in an extreme situation.

What to invest 25k in? ›

How to Invest $25,000
  • Open a High-Yield Savings Account. If you want to take the risk out of the equation and need to be able to readily access your money, a high-yield savings account is a great option. ...
  • Sign Up for a Taxable Brokerage Account. ...
  • Alternative Investments. ...
  • Invest in Real Estate.
May 29, 2023

How to create passive income with 20K? ›

8 Best Ways To Invest $20K Right Now
  1. Invest in a Self-Directed Retirement Account. ...
  2. Invest With a Robo Advisor. ...
  3. Invest in Stocks & ETFs. ...
  4. Invest in Real Estate. ...
  5. Invest in an Employer-Sponsored Retirement Account. ...
  6. Create a College Fund for Your Kids. ...
  7. Invest in Peer-to-Peer Lending. ...
  8. Invest in Alternative Assets.

What if I invest $20,000 a month for 10 years? ›

By investing Rs 20,000 every month, you can accumulate a corpus of Rs 45 lakh in 10 years and Rs 1.84 crore in 20 years, assuming a return of 12 per cent.

Where do you put lump sum of money? ›

What should I do with my lump sum?
  • Put it in a savings account - If you want to keep your money safe and let it earn interest, then a savings account is an option. ...
  • Put it in a bank account - If you think you'll be spending money, then you could just keep it in your regular bank account.

What is the best thing to do with a lump sum of money? ›

An alternative to a savings account is to invest your lump sum. Investments can offer attractive returns, but the value of an investment can also drop so you may end up with less than you started. A stocks and shares ISA is a way of investing where you can earn a return tax-free.

What to start with $20,000? ›

What can I do with 20K? You can buy and resell used items, start a recharge card business, start a small scale snail farming business, invest in the forex market, start a blog, make popcorn for sale, and also make bead jewelry for sale.

How many stocks should I own with $20 K? ›

Individual stocks

Since owning individual stocks increases your portfolio's exposure to the performances of individual companies, it's a good idea to diversify your stock holdings by investing in at least 10 to 15 stocks to start. With $20,000 to invest, that equates to about $1,500 to $2,000 per company.

How much should a 20 year old invest to become a millionaire? ›

We calculated that assuming an investor gets a 3% annual return on his or her assets, he or she would need to invest $1,720 every month for thirty years in order to attain $1 million, starting with a $1,000 initial investment. $100,004,764 would have been earned by the end of the thirty years.

What is considered rich in savings? ›

Someone who has $1 million in liquid assets, for instance, is usually considered to be a high net worth (HNW) individual. You might need $5 million to $10 million to qualify as having a very high net worth while it may take $30 million or more to be considered ultra-high net worth.

How much money should be left in savings? ›

For savings, aim to keep three to six months' worth of expenses in a high-yield savings account, but note that any amount can be beneficial in a financial emergency. For checking, an ideal amount is generally one to two months' worth of living expenses plus a 30% buffer.

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