As Indians, we have always been encouraged and inclined towards creating a long term safe financial corpus. Fortunately, our market hosts numerous investment avenues that generate great returns over a period of making the investments. While you may seek investments with low-risk and high returns, it is an undeniable fact that investment products that come with a low risk do not generate the highest returns. To bring you the best returns over the long-term, it is best to balance your portfolio with the right proportion of low and high risk investments. Before you venture into the equity markets, expert’s advice that you create a safe investment bucket.

Here are some types of investment plans of low-risk level that you can use to facilitate your financial goals:

Public Provident Fund (PPF) – Public Provident Fund or PPF is a popular investment scheme offered through the government. This scheme requires you to lock-in your funds for a total period of 15 years. It is a great long term investment if you are looking for a zero-risk option. Public Provident Funds are secured under the sovereign guarantee. It also generates a much higher rate of interest in comparison with a savings account.

Bank fixed deposit (FD) – Fixed deposit is a very safe choice of investment that is covered under the deposit insurance and credit guarantee corporation (DIDGC) rules. FD depositors are insured a maximum sum of 1 lakh in the case of default on part of the bank. The interest amount deposited through a fixed deposit can be availed monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly. Additionally, you can also choose for an interest payout at the end of the deposit tenure.

Unit-linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) – Unit-linked Insurance Plan or ULIP lets you avail the benefits of an insurance policy and market-linked investment. As part of this plan, a portion of your investment is invested into debt funds, equity funds or both. The investments can be controlled and are subject to the risk of the capital market. The other part of the funds are directed towards a risk insurance cover. This type of investment lets you enjoy the perfect mix of market returns, with peace of mind from being insured as it also provides a life cover.

National Pension Scheme (NPS) – The National Pension Scheme is a retirement scheme that is backed by the government. It comprises of different investments that include fixed deposits, corporate bonds, liquid funds and more. Depending upon your own needs, you can choose from the different schemes. The interest rate generated through a National Pension Scheme will vary based on your choice.

Gold – Gold is a traditional investment and most Indians have been extremely comfortable in making this type of investment. Gold can be bought in different forms such as ornaments, bars and coins. If you are concerned with the security of possessing physical gold you can opt to invest in gold ETFs and sovereign gold bonds. This investment plan is regarded to generate notable returns over a period.

Owing to the plethora of offline and online investment plans available, you may be in a fix as to where you should drive your money. It is best to analyze your profile carefully and make the choice depending upon your financial goals and risk appetite. While a mix of the above stated investment options will make for an optimal investment portfolio, a unit-linked insurance plan is an attractive offering.