Diversifying your investment portfolio can help strike a balance between returns and associated risks. For diversifying your 15 lakh portfolio, you have the option to explore both low-risk and high-risk investment plans.
If you prioritize a stable income with steady returns, low-risk investments are ideal for you. On the other hand, if you have a higher risk appetite and seek potentially higher returns, a high-risk investment plan is more suitable.
By understanding your financial goals and risk appetite, you can make informed decisions to achieve your desired monthly income goals.
Let’s discuss the investment options for 15 lakhs to generating regular monthly income:
| Investment Option | Risk Class | Expected Return | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
| Fixed Deposit | Low | 8% | 10,000 | 1,20,000 |
| Government Bonds | Low | 8% | 10,000 | 1,20,000 |
| POMIS | Low | 7.4% | 9250 | 1,11,000 |
| SCSS | Low | 8.2% | 10,250 | 1,23,000 |
| Corporate bond | Moderate | 10% | 12,500 | 1,50,000 |
| MIP Mutual funds | Moderate | 9% | 11,250 | 1,35,000 |
| Mutual Fund SWP | High | 12% | 15,000 | 1,80,000 |
| Dividend Stocks | High | 10% | 12,500 | 1,50,000 |
| Options Trading | High | 5% monthly | 7500 | 90,000 (on 1.5 lakhs) |
Diversify Your 15 Lakhs Investment Portfolio with Low Risk Investment Plans
If you have a low risk appetite you can explore investment options such as fixed deposits, government bonds, POMIS (Post Office Monthly Income Scheme), and corporate bonds, all of which offer stable annual returns ranging from 7% to 10%.
Additionally, If you are open to assuming a slightly higher risk, you can invest in option trading for additional monthly returns. You can also check out the list of best brokers for option trading that offers lower brokerage charges for option trading.
You can diversify your 15 lakhs portfolio in such a way:
If you want to explore investment options with higher capital, you may like to read how to invest 1 crore for monthly income in India.
#1. Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposits provide a secure investment option with a guaranteed return. By investing Rs. 15 lakhs in a fixed deposit, you can earn monthly interest income based on the fixed deposit interest rate offered by the bank.
The interest rate varies based on the bank, deposit amount, and tenure. You can choose the small finance banks to get the higher rate of interest on special category days.
For example,
| Banks | FD Interest Rates | Tenure |
| Jana Small Finance Bank | 8.50% | 500 days |
| Ujjivan Small Finance Bank | 8.25% | 560 days |
| For Senior citizens – Additional 0.50% interest rate | ||
Expected Return: 8-9%, you can expect your money to double in 10-12 years. You may like to read best investment schemes to double your money in India.
Average Monthly Income: Rs. 10,000 – 11,250
Key Benefits of Fixed Deposits
- Low-risk investment option
- Guaranteed returns
- Suitable for conservative investors
- Provides a fixed regular income stream
#2. Government Long Term Bonds (Sovereign Gold Bond)
Government bonds are safe investments issued by the central or state government under the supervision of the Reserve Bank of India.
Investing in government bonds provides a secure and low-risk option for generating regular income. By investing in government bonds, you can earn interest income on a half yearly basis.
You can explore different types of government bonds, such as
- Fixed rate bonds
- Sovereign gold bonds
- Inflation-indexed bonds
- PSU Bonds
- Zero Coupon Bonds
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are financial instruments issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Indian government. SGB offers a fixed interest rate of 2.5% per annum along with potential appreciation in gold prices.
The tenure of bond is eight years, and you have the option to exit after the fifth year. You can apply SGB from banks, post offices, authorized stock exchanges and online platforms.
Expected Return of Govt. Bonds: 8%
Average Monthly Income: Rs. 10,000
Key Benefits of Government Bonds
- Safest investment option
- Regular interest payments
- Helps diversify investment portfolio
#3. Corporate Fixed Deposits
Investing in corporate deposits can offer higher returns compared to bank fixed deposits. Corporate deposits are offered by non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and other financial institutions.
By choosing reputed companies with a high credit rating-AAA, you can earn a monthly income through interest payments. Corporate deposits involve slightly higher risk than bank deposits but can provide better returns.
Credit rating for all below mentioned companies is CRISIL- FAAA & ICRA – MAAA.
| Company Name | 1 Yr | 2 Yr | 3 Yr | 4 Yr | 5 Yr | Senior Citizen |
| HDFC Limited | 7.10% | 7.10% | 7.35% | 7.45% | 7.30% | 0.25% |
| HDFC Limited (Green & Sustainable Deposit) | – | 7.25% | 7.30% | 7.20% | 7.20% | 0.25% |
| Mahindra Finance Ltd | 7.40% | 7.60% | 7.70% | 7.75% | 7.75% | 0.25% |
| Bajaj Finance Ltd | 7.40% | 7.50% | 7.55% | 7.35% | 8.05% | 0.25% |
| Shriram Transport | 7.60% | 8.05% | 8.25% | 8.35% | 8.50% | 0.50% |
| ICICI Home Finance | 7.00% | 7.00% | 7.35% | 7.45% | 7.45% | 0.25% |
You can learn the different ways to invest in corporate bonds through our article how to invest in bonds in India.
Expected Return: 8% – 10%
Average Monthly Income: Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 12,500
Key Benefits of Corporate Fixed Deposits
- Offers higher returns compared to fixed deposits
- Suitable for investors with moderate risk appetite
- Provides a fixed regular income stream
If you want to earn monthly income with lower portfolio, you can read our article on how to invest 10 lakhs for monthly return.
#4. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) is a scheme where you invest a lump sum amount and earn a fixed interest every month. POMIS is backed by the Indian government savings scheme.
You can earn a regular monthly income by depositing up to Rs. 9 lakhs in a single account or Rs. 15 lakhs in a joint account. The interest earned is paid out monthly, providing a steady income stream.
You can apply the POMIS plan from the post office with a minimum amount of Rs. 1,000. When the POMIS investment matures, you can reinvest for another five years.
Expected Return: 7.4%
Average Monthly Income: Rs. 9,250, You can also learn how to earn 1000 rupes daily with zero investment.
Key Benefits of POMIS
- Low-risk investment option
- High level of security for funds
- Guaranteed return on investment
- Ideal for conservative investors
#5. Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS)
The Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS) is a government-backed savings scheme in India specifically designed for senior citizens. It provides an attractive investment avenue for individuals aged 60 years and above.
The scheme aims to offer financial security and regular income to senior citizens during their retirement years. Under the SCSS, you can invest a lump sum amount and earn a fixed interest rate on your investment.
The scheme has a maturity period of five years, which can be further extended for an additional three years if desired. The interest is payable on a quarterly basis.
Guide to open the Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS) account:
- You need to visit the nearest authorized banks and post office.
- Collect the SCSS application form.
- Fill in the required details.
- Submit the filled application form along with necessary documents like Aadhar, PAN, and photo.
- Once the application is submitted, the bank or post office will process it and open your SCSS account.
Expected Return: 8.2%
Average Monthly Income: Rs. 10,250
Key Benefits of SCSS
- Low-risk investment option
- Guaranteed returns
- Government-backed security
- Suitable for senior citizens
You may also like to read how to invest 50 lakhs for monthly income in India.
Diversify Your 15 Lakhs Investment Portfolio with High Risk Investment Plans
High-risk investment plans are investment options that carry a higher level of risk but also offer the potential for higher returns.
They typically involve investments in volatile assets or strategies that can be subject to market fluctuations and uncertainties. The following investment options fall under high-risk investment plans:
To diversify your 15 lakh portfolio with a high-risk approach, you can consider the following allocation:
- MIP Mutual Funds: Allocate 1 lakh towards MIP (Monthly Income Plan) mutual funds, which typically invest in a mix of debt and equity instruments with the aim of generating regular income and capital appreciation. Read our list of best brokers for mutual funds investment to know about top brokers to cater to your mutual funds’ investment needs.
- Mutual Fund SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan): Invest 1 lakh in SWP mutual funds, which allow you to receive regular withdrawals from your investment while potentially benefiting from the growth of the underlying assets.
- Dividend Stocks: Allocate 2 lakhs to dividend-paying stocks, which are shares of companies that distribute a portion of their profits to shareholders in the form of dividends.
- Options Trading: Consider allocating 5 lakhs towards option trading, a financial derivative strategy that involves buying and selling options contracts with the potential for significant gains or losses based on the price movements of underlying assets. You can also use the option trading apps to invest and trade in options.
Additionally, for a more balanced and diversified portfolio, you can allocate the remaining funds as follows:
- Fixed Deposits (FD) or Post Office Monthly Scheme (POMS): Allocate 3 lakhs to these low-risk instruments to provide stability and guaranteed returns.
- Government Bonds (SGB): Invest 2 lakhs in SGBs, which are issued by the government and offer a fixed interest rate along with potential value appreciation.
- Corporate Bond: Allocate 1 lakh to corporate bonds, which offer higher yields compared to government bonds.
#6. High Dividend Paying Stocks
Investing in stocks that pay regular dividends can provide a source of regular income. Although dividend stocks may not offer monthly income, you can calculate based on annual dividend payouts.
Opting for dividend stocks allows you to gain exposure to the stock market while enjoying a steady income stream.
After conducting thorough research, I have identified the highest dividend-paying stocks in India, offering dividend returns ranging from 6.22% to 15.57%. When selecting dividend stocks, it is advisable to consider large-cap stocks that provide annual dividends of 8% to 10%.
These stocks not only offer regular income but also possess the potential for long-term price appreciation, ensuring a balanced investment approach.
Expected Return: 10%
Average Monthly Income: Rs. 12,500 (consider additional returns from stock price appreciation)
Key Benefits of Dividend Paying Stocks
- Exposure to the stock market
- Potential for capital appreciation
- Suitable for long-term investors
- Lower volatility compared to growth stocks
#7. Options Trading
Options trading as a component of your investment portfolio can provide an opportunity to generate monthly income. However, it’s important to recognize that options trading is a high-risk, high-reward investment strategy that demands a certain level of knowledge and experience.
If you possess expertise in options trading, it may be prudent to allocate a portion of your portfolio, typically around 10% to 20%, to this investment approach.
By employing effective strategies tailored to your goals and risk tolerance, you can potentially target a monthly return of around 5% on your investment. You can use the paper trading apps to practice your trading strategies without risking real money.
If you want to do intraday trading, I would suggest starting investing with Rs 5000 as an initial investment.
Expected Return: 5% monthly
Average Monthly Income: Rs. 7,500 (on Rs. 1.5 lakh investment)
Key Benefits of Option Trading
- Potential for high returns compared to other options
- Liquidity and flexibility in investment amounts
You can go through our list of zero brokerage trading account in India.
#8. Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs)
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) is an investment strategy that allows you to withdraw a predetermined amount of money at regular intervals from your mutual fund investment.
With SWP, you can create a steady stream of income while keeping your invested capital intact.
You invest a lump sum amount in a mutual fund of your choice. Then, you set up a systematic withdrawal plan with the fund house, specifying the frequency and amount of withdrawal.
You can opt for monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly withdrawals based on your financial needs. SWPs offer flexibility in withdrawal amounts, but returns depend on market performance.
Expected Return: 12%
Average Monthly Income: Rs. 15,000
Key Benefits of SWPs
- Offers potential for regular income
- Flexibility in withdrawal amounts
- Suitable for long-term investors
You can also explore how to invest 25 lakhs to get monthly income return in India.
#9. Monthly Income Plan Mutual Funds
A Monthly Income Plan (MIP) is an investment option within the realm of mutual funds. It primarily focuses on investing in debt and equity securities to generate cash flows while aiming to preserve capital.
Unlike other investment options, with an MIP, you have the choice to receive the income or profits from your investments at regular intervals instead of reinvesting them. This allows you to enjoy a consistent stream of income while preserving your initial investment.
Read our list of best brokers for mutual funds investment to know about top brokers to cater to your mutual funds’ investment needs.
Expected Return: 9%
Average Monthly Income: Rs. 11,250
Key Benefits of MIP Mutual Funds
- Higher returns
- Suitable for investors with a moderate risk appetite
- Offers the potential for capital appreciation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
SWP allows you to withdraw a predetermined amount of money at regular intervals from your mutual fund investment, providing a steady income stream while keeping your capital intact.
Options trading is a high-risk, high-reward investment strategy involving the buying and selling of options contracts. It offers the potential for significant gains or losses based on the price movements of underlying assets.
Dividend-paying stocks offer returns ranging from 6.22% to 15.57%, with large-cap stocks typically providing annual dividends of 8% to 10%.
High-risk options include MIP mutual funds, dividend-paying stocks, options trading, and systematic withdrawal plans (SWPs).
SCSS is a government-backed savings scheme for senior citizens aged 60 years and above. It offers a fixed interest rate of 8.2% and has a maturity period of five years, extendable for an additional three years.
POMIS is a government-backed scheme where you invest a lump sum amount and earn a fixed monthly interest. The scheme offers a return of 7.4% on investments up to 9 lakhs in a single account or 15 lakhs in a joint account.
You can invest in corporate bonds through reputed companies with a high credit rating (AAA). The interest rates offered by the companies range from 7% to 8.5%.
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are financial instruments issued by the RBI on behalf of the Indian government. They offer a fixed interest rate of 2.5% per annum along with potential appreciation in gold prices. The tenure of SGB is 8 years.
Fixed deposit returns vary based on the bank, deposit amount, and tenure. Small finance banks offer higher interest rates on special category days, ranging from 8% to 9%. Senior citizens can enjoy an additional interest rate of 0.50%.
Low-risk investment options include fixed deposits, government bonds, POMIS (Post Office Monthly Income Scheme), and corporate bonds.
