HomeBlogBusiness & FinanceInvestment12 Best Low-Risk Investments for Beginners in 2025 (Expert-Backed)
12 Best Low-Risk Investments for Beginners in 2025 (Expert-Backed)
Colin Price
Jan 1, 202516 min readWant to grow your money without the wild swings of the stock market? Right now, low-risk investments are paying the best returns we've seen in years. Many high-yield savings accounts now give around 4% returns. Some CDs do even better with rates above 5% APY.
The Federal Reserve has started to ease up on rate hikes. This makes these investment choices great for newcomers to investing. You can pick from several safe options. FDIC-insured savings accounts protect your money up to $250,000. Treasury bonds give you extra benefits with state and local tax breaks.
A solid grasp of these stable investment options is vital for your financial future. You might need them to build your emergency fund or save for retirement. Let's look at 12 proven low-risk investments that can help you reach your money goals in 2025. These work well even if you're just starting out.
1. High-Yield Savings Accounts
Image Source: nerdwallet.com
High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are one of the safest low-risk investment options if you're just starting out and want steady returns. These accounts give you the safety of regular savings but with much better interest rates.
What are High-Yield Savings Accounts
High-yield savings accounts are savings products with federal insurance that earn way more interest than regular savings accounts. You can earn more than 10 times the national average rate [1]. Your money stays available anytime, which makes these accounts perfect for emergency funds or short-term money goals.
High-Yield Savings Account Interest Rates
High-yield savings accounts are offering some of their best rates in years right now. Regular savings accounts average 0.42% APY [1], but high-yield accounts are paying around 4% [1]. This is a big deal as it means that a $10,000 deposit could earn you about $400 a year in a high-yield account, instead of just $40 in a regular savings account [1].
Here's what makes HYSAs great:
- FDIC insurance protection up to $250,000 [2]
- Many banks don't require minimum balances
- Interest compounds daily
- No monthly maintenance fees
Best High-Yield Savings Account Providers
Here are the top providers in 2025 with their features and rates:
Provider | APY | Minimum Balance | Notable Features |
---|---|---|---|
Sallie Mae | 4.50% | $0 | Mobile text banking [3] |
Barclays | 4.35% | $0 | Savings assistant tool [3] |
Capital One | 3.80% | $0 | Physical branches [3] |
American Express | 3.80% | $0 | 24/7 customer support [3] |
Keep in mind these rates can change based on market conditions. Look beyond just the interest rate when picking a provider. The bank's accessibility, customer service quality, and digital banking features matter too.
2. Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Image Source: bankrate.com
CDs are a stable option in your low-risk investment toolkit. Right now, rates have reached their highest levels in years, making CDs an attractive choice to protect your wealth.
How CDs Work
Your money stays untouched for a specific period in a CD time deposit account. Banks reward this commitment with higher interest rates than standard savings accounts [4]. The safety of your investment is guaranteed, as federally insured banks back CDs up to $250,000 per depositor [4].
CD Interest Rates and Terms
CD rates are particularly attractive now, with many institutions offering yields above 4.50% [5]. Here's a breakdown of typical CD terms and features:
Term Length | Average Rate | Minimum Deposit |
---|---|---|
1-month | 0.23% | $100-500 |
1-year | 1.73% | $500-1,000 |
5-year | 1.32% | $500-1,000 |
Online banks' rates are often three times higher than traditional banks [5]. You can boost your returns by a lot if you shop around.
CD Investment Strategy
Creating a CD ladder is a practical approach to CD investing. Here's how it works:
- Divide your investment across multiple CDs with different maturity dates
- As each CD matures, reinvest in a new longer-term CD
- This provides regular access to funds while maintaining higher rates
You might also want to explore these alternative strategies:
- Barbell Strategy: Split investments between short and long-term CDs
- Bullet Strategy: Purchase multiple CDs that mature simultaneously for a specific goal
The biggest drawback involves early withdrawal penalties, which can eat into your interest earnings [4]. Your returns might not keep up with purchasing power during periods of rising inflation [4].
3. Treasury Bills
Image Source: treasurydirect.gov
Treasury bills stand among the safest government-backed securities and give investors a reliable way to preserve capital while earning competitive returns. The U.S. Treasury Department backs these short-term investments that now offer some of the most attractive yields we've seen in years.
Understanding Treasury Bills
Treasury bills (T-bills) work differently than traditional bonds. You purchase them at a discount from their face value [6]. To name just one example, buying a $1,000 T-bill for $950 means you'll receive $1,000 at maturity - the $50 difference becomes your interest [6].
Treasury Bill Rates and Terms
T-bills give you various maturity options that match your investment timeline:
Maturity Period | Current Rate (APY) |
---|---|
4 weeks | 4.26% |
8 weeks | 4.24% |
13 weeks | 4.22% |
26 weeks | 4.14% |
52 weeks | 3.99% |
Rates as of January 2025 [7]
T-bills' key benefits include:
- Minimum purchase amount of $100 [8]
- Federal tax applies, but exempt from state and local taxes [6]
- Highly liquid investment option [9]
- Weekly auction schedule for most terms [8]
How to Buy Treasury Bills
You can buy T-bills through two main methods:
TreasuryDirect.gov: The government's official platform lets you make direct purchases without fees [10]. Your minimum investment starts at $100, with $100 increments available [8].
Banks or Brokers: You can also buy through financial institutions, though you might pay additional fees [10].
TreasuryDirect platform makes the process simple for new investors. You can join weekly auctions that offer competitive rates after creating your account [11]. You have the flexibility to hold your T-bills until maturity or sell them in the secondary market [6].
4. Money Market Funds
Image Source: investor.vanguard.com
Money market funds strike a unique balance between safety and returns in your investment portfolio. These mutual funds invest in highly liquid, short-term debt securities and offer better yields than traditional savings accounts [12].
Money Market Fund Basics
Money market funds pool investments in three main categories:
- Government funds: Invest 99.5% in government securities and repurchase agreements [13]
- Prime funds: Focus on corporate debt and bank securities
- Municipal funds: Invest in tax-exempt municipal securities
These funds want to maintain a stable $1.00 per share value [13]. They aren't FDIC-insured like savings accounts or CDs. Notwithstanding that, the SEC regulates them with strict guidelines on investment quality and maturity periods [13].
Money Market Fund Returns
Money market funds deliver attractive yields right now. The median fund returned 4.2% in the last year [14], and some funds reach yields above 5% [12]. These returns typically follow the federal funds rate and respond quickly to market changes.
Your potential returns vary based on the fund's type and risks:
Fund Type | Risk Level | Tax Benefits |
---|---|---|
Government | Lowest | State/local tax exempt |
Prime | Low-Medium | Fully taxable |
Municipal | Low | Federal tax exempt |
Top Money Market Fund Providers
Yields shouldn't be your only focus when picking a provider. Think over these factors:
- Expense ratios (directly affect your returns)
- Minimum investment requirements
- Liquidity access
- Fund's stability track record
The SEC requires these funds to maintain a weighted average maturity of 60 days or less [15]. This requirement reduces interest rate risk. Money market funds work well as a tool to manage short-term cash while earning competitive returns in today's market.
5. Index Funds
Image Source: fool.com
Index funds have become the life-blood of long-term investment strategies and offer a straightforward path to market participation. These funds simply mirror the performance of specific market indices, such as the S&P 500.
Index Fund Fundamentals
Investing in an index fund gives you ownership in hundreds of companies through a single purchase. S&P 500 index funds provide exposure to 500 of the largest U.S. companies [16]. This broad diversification helps protect your investment from the effect of any single company's poor performance.
The passive management approach makes these funds require minimal research or active trading. The fund automatically adjusts its holdings to match the underlying index, eliminating the need to pick individual stocks or time the market [17].
Index Fund Costs and Returns
Index funds stand out from actively managed alternatives because of their cost efficiency. Current expense ratios can be as low as:
Fund Provider | Expense Ratio | Annual Cost per $10,000 |
---|---|---|
Fidelity | 0.015% | $1.50 [18] |
Vanguard | 0.03% | $3.00 [19] |
BlackRock | 0.03% | $3.00 [19] |
The historical performance justifies their popularity. The S&P 500 has delivered a compound annual growth rate of 10.7% in the last 30 years [16].
Best Index Funds for Beginners
New investors should think about these key benefits:
- No minimum investment requirement with many providers [17]
- Automatic diversification across multiple sectors
- Transparent holdings and performance tracking
- Tax-efficient investment option [18]
The Vanguard S&P 500 Index Fund stands out with its proven track record and shows a 10-year average annual return of 13.11% [1]. This closely matches the S&P 500's 13.14% return and demonstrates minimal tracking error [1].
6. Robo-Advisors
Image Source: nerdwallet.com
Robo-advisors take automation to the next level and offer a digital way to build and manage your low-risk investment portfolio. These platforms use sophisticated algorithms that handle your investments according to your personal financial goals.
How Robo-Advisors Work
The signup process with a robo-advisor starts with questions about your financial situation, investment timeline, and risk comfort level [20]. The platform creates and maintains a diversified portfolio of ETFs and other investments based on your answers [20]. You get a digital financial manager that works for you 24/7.
Robo-Advisor Fees and Returns
Robo-advisors are affordable. Most platforms charge between 0.25% to 0.50% of your assets annually [21]. A $10,000 investment costs just $25 to $50 per year [21]. Traditional financial advisors typically charge higher fees of 1% to 2% [21].
Expected returns typically range from:
Time Period | Average Return |
---|---|
5-Year Average | 2% to 5% [3] |
Long-term Projection | 4% to 6% [3] |
Top Robo-Advisor Platforms
Each leading platform offers unique features that suit different investor needs:
- Vanguard Digital Advisor: Largest by assets, managing $289 billion [2]
- Betterment: No minimum investment requirement for simple accounts [22]
- Wealthfront: Offers tax-loss harvesting and portfolio rebalancing [22]
These platforms excel at maintaining your target asset allocation through automatic rebalancing [20]. They also include tax optimization strategies that help maximize your after-tax returns [2].
7. Government Bonds
Image Source: treasurydirect.gov
Looking to maximize safety in your investment portfolio? Government bonds, backed by the U.S. government's full faith and credit, stand among the safest investment options available [23].
Types of Government Bonds
These are the basic types of government bonds you should know about:
- Treasury Notes (T-Notes): Intermediate-term bonds with 2-10 year maturities [24]
- Treasury Bonds (T-Bonds): Long-term investments with 20-30 year terms [25]
- Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS): Bonds that adjust with inflation [24]
Government Bond Returns
Government bonds now offer competitive yields. A 20-year bond can earn you 4.625% interest [25]. These returns come with several key benefits:
Bond Type | Term | Current Rate |
---|---|---|
20-Year Bond | Long | 4.625% [25] |
30-Year Bond | Long | 4.500% [25] |
Your earnings benefit from tax advantages because interest remains exempt from state and local taxes [26].
How to Invest in Government Bonds
Two main channels let you purchase government bonds:
- TreasuryDirect.gov: The official government platform where you can buy bonds starting at $100 [25]
- Financial Institutions: Banks and brokers that offer bonds through secondary markets [27]
You can invest up to $10 million in non-competitive bids [25]. The bonds generate interest payments every six months until maturity, which creates a steady income stream [23].
8. Corporate Bonds
Image Source: investopedia.com
Corporate bonds strike a balance between government securities and riskier investments. They present a great way to broaden your portfolio. Companies issue these debt securities to raise capital, and they can yield higher returns than government bonds [28].
Understanding Corporate Bonds
You lend money to a company by investing in corporate bonds. The company pays you regular interest and returns your principal once the bond matures [29]. Bond terms vary:
- Short-term notes: 1-5 years
- Medium-term notes: 5-12 years
- Long-term bonds: Over 12 years [30]
Corporate Bond Risks and Returns
The yields on corporate bonds look compelling right now, with investment-grade bonds offering approximately 7.2% returns [31]. Your returns will vary based on the bond's credit rating:
Bond Type | Risk Level | Current Yield |
---|---|---|
Investment Grade | Lower | 4-5% |
High Yield | Higher | 7-8% |
These higher yields come with greater risk compared to government bonds [28]. Rating agencies like Moody's and Standard & Poor's assign credit ratings that help you evaluate this risk [29].
Best Corporate Bonds for Beginners
New corporate bond investors should follow these key strategies:
- Start with investment-grade bonds from 50+ year old companies
- Broaden investments across different sectors and maturities
- Bond ETFs make portfolio management easier [32]
Corporate bonds need a minimum investment of $1,000 per bond [29]. You can minimize risk by selecting bonds with strong credit ratings and spreading investments across different companies and industries.
9. Fixed Annuities
Image Source: schwab.com
Fixed annuities are reliable vehicles that secure guaranteed income in retirement and combine insurance protection with steady investment returns. Insurance companies offer these contracts to provide predictable growth without market volatility risks.
Fixed Annuity Basics
A fixed annuity guarantees your principal and a minimum interest rate [33]. We structured these contracts in two phases: accumulation, where your money grows tax-deferred, and distribution, when you receive regular payments. The minimum investment ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 [34].
Key benefits include:
- Tax-deferred growth until withdrawal
- Principal protection
- Guaranteed minimum returns
- Beneficiary protection options
Fixed Annuity Rates
Fixed annuities now offer some of their highest rates in years. A typical fixed annuity might provide a 5.5% annual percentage yield over a 10-year term [35]. A $100,000 investment at this rate would earn $5,500 in the first year alone [35].
Provider Rating | Current Rate Range |
---|---|
A++ (Superior) | 4.5% - 5.0% [36] |
A+ (Superior) | 4.0% - 4.5% [36] |
AA+ (Very Strong) | 4.2% - 4.8% [36] |
Choosing the Right Fixed Annuity
Selecting the appropriate fixed annuity depends on several factors. Here are the significant elements to think over:
- Financial Strength: Choose insurers with high ratings from independent agencies [36]
- Surrender Period: Most contracts include surrender charges up to 7% for early withdrawals [36]
- Interest Rate Terms: Options range from 3 to 10 years for rate guarantees [36]
Fixed annuities offer lower potential returns compared to variable options but provide guaranteed income without market exposure [34]. These products are ideal for conservative investors who seek predictable retirement income streams.
10. Dividend Stocks
Image Source: money.usnews.com
Dividend stocks give you steady income streams and help build wealth through regular payments while your investment keeps growing. These time-tested investments have proven their worth by delivering reliable income and capital appreciation.
Dividend Stock Fundamentals
Companies that share profits with shareholders through regular payments are called dividend stocks. The S&P 500's total return has included about 32% from dividends [link_1] [37] since 1926. These companies boost investor confidence by maintaining stable and growing dividends.
Dividend investing brings several benefits:
- You get regular income payments
- Your investments stay less volatile than growth stocks
- Dividends can grow over time
- Qualified dividends offer tax advantages
Dividend Stock Returns
Many 25-year-old dividend-paying companies now offer attractive yields. The S&P 500's average dividend yield is 1.27% [38], but you can find individual stocks with much higher returns. Here are some recent dividend yields from well-known companies:
Company | Annual Dividend Yield |
---|---|
Ares Capital | 8.7% [39] |
ConocoPhillips | 3.0% [39] |
Darden Restaurants | 3.0% [39] |
Best Dividend Stocks for Beginners
New dividend investors should focus on companies with strong business fundamentals that show consistent dividend growth. The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats offer reliable options because they've increased dividends for at least 25 straight years [37].
The payout ratio tells you if dividends are sustainable, which becomes crucial to check before investing. High payout ratios might mean unsustainable dividends [5]. Strong free cash flow shows that companies can keep paying and potentially increase their dividends [5].
11. ETFs
Image Source: etf.com
ETFs blend the best features of stocks and mutual funds to help you build a diversified investment portfolio. The market for these investment vehicles is a big deal as it means that assets now top $10 trillion in 2024 [40].
ETF Investment Basics
You can pool your money with other investors through ETFs to buy a basket of securities. One purchase gives you instant diversification. U.S. exchanges now list over 3,000 ETFs [41], and you can access many markets and investment strategies.
ETF investing gives you these advantages:
- Fund experts handle professional management
- A unique trading structure creates tax benefits
- You need less money to start investing
- Buy and sell easily during market hours
ETF Costs and Returns
ETFs are affordable investment options. Equity ETFs charge just 0.16% in expense ratios [40]. This makes them much cheaper than traditional mutual funds, which charge 1.02% for active management [42].
Fund Type | Average Expense Ratio |
---|---|
Index ETFs | 0.48% [42] |
Active ETFs | 0.73% [42] |
Index Mutual Funds | 0.81% [42] |
Top Low-Risk ETFs
New investors who want stability should start with broad-market ETFs that track proven indexes. Look for funds that have:
- More than $10 million in assets to ensure good liquidity [41]
- High daily trading volume for better bid-ask spreads
- A proven history of tracking their standard
- Expense ratios below 0.20% [4]
ETFs help you reduce risk by spreading investments across multiple securities [43]. This makes them perfect when you start your investment trip.
12. Municipal Bonds
Image Source: msrb.org
Want to grow your wealth while saving on taxes? Municipal bonds combine safety and tax advantages that can boost your investment portfolio. Local governments issue these debt securities to fund community projects and provide steady returns.
Municipal Bond Basics
Two main types of municipal bonds exist. General obligation bonds get their stability from the issuer's taxing power. Revenue bonds get their backing from specific project income, such as toll roads or airports [44]. The entry point starts at $5,000 per bond [44], which makes them available to many investors.
Municipal Bond Tax Benefits
Municipal bonds stand out from other fixed-income investments because of their tax advantages. The interest you earn typically stays free from federal income tax [45]. You might also skip state and local taxes if you buy bonds from your home state [46]. Here are some current yields:
Bond Type | Tax Benefits | Typical Yield |
---|---|---|
In-State | Federal, State, Local | 4.50% |
Out-of-State | Federal Only | 4.35% |
How to Invest in Municipal Bonds
Several ways exist to invest in municipal bonds:
- Direct purchase through broker-dealers
- Municipal bond mutual funds
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
Mutual funds are a great way to get started with lower minimums that range from $500 to $5,000 [44]. These funds give you professional management and spread your risk across multiple bonds. Direct purchases through a broker let you access both new issues and secondary market opportunities [44].
Check the bond's credit rating from agencies like Moody's or Standard & Poor's [47] before investing. High-rated bonds give lower yields but better safety, which makes them perfect for low-risk investment strategies.
Summary Table
Investment Type | Risk Level | Current Returns/Yields | Minimum Investment | Key Benefits | Protection/Insurance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
High-Yield Savings Accounts | Very Low | ~4% APY | $0 | Daily compounding, High liquidity | FDIC insured up to $250,000 |
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) | Very Low | 4.50%+ | $100-500 | Fixed rates, Predictable returns | FDIC insured up to $250,000 |
Treasury Bills | Very Low | 3.99-4.26% | $100 | State/local tax exemption, Weekly auctions | Backed by U.S. Government |
Money Market Funds | Low | 4.2-5% | N/A | High liquidity, Diverse holdings | SEC regulated (not FDIC insured) |
Index Funds | Low-Medium | 10.7% (30-year average) | $0 with some providers | Broad market exposure, Low fees | Not insured |
Robo-Advisors | Low-Medium | 2-5% (5-year average) | Varies by platform | Smart management, Portfolio balance | Varies by investments held |
Government Bonds | Very Low | 4.5-4.625% | $100 | Steady interest payments, Tax benefits | Backed by U.S. Government |
Corporate Bonds | Low-Medium | 4-8% | $1,000 | Better yields than government bonds | Not government insured |
Fixed Annuities | Low | 4-5.5% | $1,000-10,000 | Assured income, Tax-deferred growth | Insurance company backed |
Dividend Stocks | Medium | 1.27-8.7% | N/A | Regular income plus growth | Not insured |
ETFs | Low-Medium | Varies by fund | N/A | Quick access, Tax efficiency | Not insured |
Municipal Bonds | Low | 4.35-4.50% | $5,000 | Tax-free interest, Local development | Varies by issuer |
Summary
Spreading your money in a variety of low-risk options creates a balanced portfolio instead of putting everything into one investment type. Each investment option brings its own benefits. FDIC-insured savings accounts yield 4%, while tax-advantaged municipal bonds can return 4.5%.
Your investment choices need to line up with your financial goals and risk tolerance. New investors should start with high-yield savings accounts and CDs. These offer FDIC protection up to $250,000 and competitive returns. U.S. government backing makes Treasury bills and government bonds extra safe. Corporate bonds and dividend stocks can deliver higher returns if you're comfortable with a bit more risk.
Low-risk investing needs patience. You must think over factors like minimum investment amounts, how quickly you can access your money, and what it means for taxes. Starting small with easy-to-access options lets you build experience while keeping your funds available. Your growing confidence will help you explore other investments that match your long-term money goals.
Take time to study each option and ask a financial advisor before making big investment moves. A mix of low-risk investments usually protects your money better than putting everything in one place.
FAQs
- What are some of the best low-risk investment options for 2025?Some of the best low-risk investments for 2025 include high-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), Treasury bills, money market funds, and index funds. These options offer a balance of safety and competitive returns in the current market environment.
- How much can I expect to earn from low-risk investments?Returns vary depending on the specific investment, but currently, high-yield savings accounts are offering around 4% APY, while some CDs are exceeding 5% APY. Government bonds are yielding 4.5-4.625%, and money market funds are returning about 4.2-5% on average.
- Are there tax advantages to certain low-risk investments?Yes, several low-risk investments offer tax benefits. For example, municipal bonds typically provide interest that's exempt from federal taxes and sometimes state and local taxes. Treasury bills and government bonds are exempt from state and local taxes. Additionally, some retirement-focused investments like certain annuities offer tax-deferred growth.
- What's the minimum amount needed to start investing in these low-risk options?Minimum investment requirements vary widely. Many high-yield savings accounts and some index funds have no minimum balance requirements. Treasury bills start at $100, while corporate bonds typically require at least $1,000. CDs and fixed annuities often have minimums ranging from $500 to $10,000, depending on the provider.
- How can I diversify my low-risk investment portfolio?To diversify a low-risk portfolio, consider spreading investments across different types of assets such as savings accounts, government securities, corporate bonds, and low-risk stock funds. Also, vary the terms of your investments (short-term to long-term) and consider using tools like CD ladders or bond funds to further spread risk.
References
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[35] gainbridge.io/post/choosing-the-right-annuity-a-step-by-step-decision-making-guide
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[44] msrb.org/sites/default/files/Ways-to-Buy-Municipal-Bonds.pdf
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