Ways to Double Your Invested Money

Rule of 72

The Rule of 72 is a simple way to estimate how long it will take for your investment to double in value.

The formula for the Rule of 72 is as follows:

So, what is the best way to invest money to double your investments with high returns? Let us learn about the best investment plans in India for NRIs in this next section.

People Also Read: How to Plan Retirement Income in India?

Effective Ways to Double Your Money in India

As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), you may be looking for ways to grow your wealth and reach your financial goals. While there is no guaranteed way to double your money, there are a number of effective investment options that can help you achieve your goals:

1. ULIP Plans:

   ULIP stands for Unit Linked Insurance Plan. It is an investment-cum-insurance product offered by insurance companies. ULIPs provide life insurance coverage, but they also allow you to invest in various market-linked funds such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. According to the Rule of 72, it would take approximately 9 years for your investment in the ULIP plan to double, assuming a constant annual growth rate of 8%.

2. Equity Mutual Funds:

   Mutual funds are a type of investment that allows you to pool your money with other investors to buy a variety of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and money market instruments. There are many different types of mutual funds, each with its own risk and return profile. Some of the most popular types of mutual funds for NRIs like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme), equity-oriented, debt-oriented, and balanced mutual funds. In general, long-term mutual funds, which are held for more than 5 years, tend to offer higher returns of 12- 19% than short-term mutual funds. Long-term mutual funds have the potential to double your money in approximately 5 to 6 years.

3. Public Provident Fund (PPF):

   PPF, or Public Provident Fund, is a government-backed savings scheme that offers a guaranteed rate of return of 7.1% per year. The investment limit in PPF is Rs. 500 – Rs. 1.5 lakhs per year. Also, you cannot withdraw your money from the scheme before 15 years. PPF is a good option for NRIs who want to want to save money for their retirement or for other long-term goals. If you invest in the PPF fund with a 7.1% annual return, your money will double in about 10.2 - 11 years.

4. National Savings Certificates (NSC):

   National Savings Certificates (NSCs) are a type of government-backed investment that offers a guaranteed rate of return. NSCs can be purchased from any post office in India. The current interest rate of NSC certificates is currently 7.7% per annum for five-year NSCs. NSCs are exempt from income tax under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, up to a maximum of Rs. 1.5 lakhs. If you invest in a NSC with 7.1% p.a., it will take almost 10 years to double your investment.

5. Tax-Saving Fixed Deposits (Tax-Saver FDs): 

   Tax-saving fixed deposits (Tax-Saver FDs) are a type of fixed deposit that offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The interest rates on Tax-Saver FDs are typically lower than the interest rates on regular fixed deposits. However, the tax benefits can make Tax-Saver FDs a good option for NRIs who are looking to save tax on their investments. If you invest in a Tax Saver FD with an annual interest rate of 8%, it will take 9 years to double your money. Therefore, if you invest Rs. 1 lakhs in a Tax Saver FD with an annual interest rate of 8%, your investment will be worth Rs. 2 lakhs in 9 years.

6. Corporate Bonds: 

   Corporate bonds are a type of debt security issued by companies. Corporate bonds can be a good way to earn a higher return on your investment than you would with a savings account or a fixed deposit. The rate of return from corporate bonds depends on a number of factors, including the credit rating of the company, the interest rate, and the maturity date of the bond. If the rate of return from a corporate bond is around 8-9% p.a., then your investments will double in 8 or 9 years.

7. Initial Public Offerings (IPOs):

   Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) are a way for companies to raise money by selling shares of their stock to the public. When you invest in an IPO, you are buying a piece of the company. If the company does well, the value of your shares will go up, and you can sell them for a profit. The average rate of return from IPOs in India is between 10-12% p.a. If you invest in an IPO, you can double your money in around 6 to 7.5 years. As a word of caution, if you are looking to double your money by investing in IPOs, you may need to be patient. It may take some time for the stock price to go up enough to double your investment.

   People Also Read: Best Pension Plans for NRIs

8. Gold ETFs: 

   Gold has always been a popular investment for NRIs. It is a precious metal that has held its value for centuries. Gold is also a hedge against inflation, meaning that its value tends to go up when the cost of living goes up. In recent years, gold has delivered consistent returns of about 10%. This makes it a more attractive investment than many other assets, such as stocks and bonds. There are a few different ways to invest in gold. You can buy physical gold, such as gold coins or bars. You can also invest in gold ETFs or gold bonds. Over the last few years, the rate of return from gold ETFs has been 10-12%. Hence, if you invest your money in gold ETFs, it may take around 6 to 7.2 years to double your money.

9. Real Estate:

   Real estate is a popular investment in India for NRIs. It is a tangible asset that can appreciate in value over time. Real estate can also generate a regular rental income, which can help you to supplement your retirement income or simply generate passive income. The returns from real estate depend on a number of factors, including the location of the property, the type of property, and the overall market conditions. The rate of return for an NRI from real estate in India is around 8-10%. As per the Rule of 72, you can double your money in 7.2 to 9 years by investing in the real estate sector.

10. Stock Market:

    The stock market is a powerful tool that can help you to double your money and build wealth. However, if you are considering investing in the stock market, it is important to understand the risks involved and do your research and choose stocks that are likely to do well in the long term. The returns from the stock market depend on a number of factors, including the performance of the market, the sectors you invest in, and the individual stocks you choose. The rate of return for NRIs from the stock market in India is expected to be around 10-12%. Hence, by investing in stock markets, you can increase your money two times within 6 to 7.2 years.

Final Word

In India, there are several investment options to double your invested money. However, it is important to note that achieving such growth requires careful consideration, informed decision-making, and a long-term approach. Options such as ULIP plans and equity mutual funds can provide opportunities for growth, but they also involve market risks. Remember to assess your risk profile, diversify your investments, stay invested for the long term, and regularly review your portfolio.

People Also Read: Annuity Calculator for NRI