13+ Smart Ways to Invest $60k (2024)

By Forrest McCall •  Updated: 02/19/24 •  11 min read

If you have $60k to invest, there are tons of options. Here are some of the best that I've personally used.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Some of the best ways to invest $60k include:

Invest in Residential Real Estate with Arrived

If you're looking to invest your $60k into real estate, Arrived offers an amazing user-friendly platform to get started. With just $100, you can started investing in residential properties, making it accessible to just about anyone.

Arrived Homes Investing

Arrived provides access to a diversified mix of rental homes and vacation properties. And you don't need to be an accredited investor, which opens the door to real estate investment for a wider audience.

Maintaining a variety of investment accounts is important for a well-rounded personal finance portfolio. Arrived simplifies the process of adding real estate to your mix, potentially enhancing your overall financial health.

Remember, like all investments, real estate comes with risks and it's essential to do your due diligence. Arrived's platform allows you to review potential properties before committing your hard-earned money which I love.

Invest in the Stock Market with Acorns

Acorns is a platform that you can use to start your journey into stock market investing. With just $60k, you have the chance to invest into a variety of stock options, including ETFs, individual stocks, growth stocks, and dividend stocks.

Acorns Investing

Just like with other investments, you'll want to set a goal before you begin. Think about what you're aiming to achieve—perhaps it's building a retirement nest egg or potentially funding a future large purchase.

Your risk tolerance is also key. Assess how much market fluctuation you're willing to handle. The stock market typically returns around 10% annually making it a great mix of risk and reward.

Once you're ready, Acorns allows you to select from various stock types. I recommend starting with index funds for diversified exposure. They offer a balance between growth stocks and more secure dividend stocks so you aren't putting all of your eggs in a single basket.

Remember, consistency is crucial in the world of stocks. Stick with your strategy and manage your stocks over time. Acorns makes this easier with automatic investment options and has tons of great resources that I'm a fan of.

Invest in Commercial Real Estate with Realty Mogul

When you have $60k and are looking to invest in real estate, consider exploring options like Realty Mogul. This platform provides access to commercial real estate ventures with an entry point as low as $5,000. It allows you to participate in larger projects which might have been out of reach individually, which is why I recommend it.

Commercial Real Estate

You can buy shares in properties, like office buildings or retail spaces, and earn returns from the income they generate. They carefully select and vet these opportunities, aiming to reduce risk while targeting attractive returns.

Remember, like all real estate, these projects come with risks. However, by investing with a group, you spread out some risk compared to buying a whole property yourself. Be sure to consider your own risk tolerance and investment goals before diving in.

Grow your Money in Real Estate Debts with Groundfloor

Looking for another option to grow your money in real estate? Consider real estate debt! You lend money to property developers, and in return, you can earn competitive interest rates.

Groundfloor enables you to start with a modest amount of less than $100. You'll want to consider the short-term loan options they offer, which typically span six to 12 months. This can suit you if you're looking for a quicker return compared to traditional real estate investments.

Real estate debts carry their own risk profile, but Groundfloor stands out by offering high yield returns, which are backed by real property. That’s a reassuring layer of security for your money.

Remember, diversifying your portfolio is key. Including Groundfloor in your mix could give your $60k the potential to grow in an alternative avenue of real estate. Keep an eye on terms and interest rates to find the best fit for your financial strategy.

Build Wealth with REITs

Investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, allows you to tap into real estate earnings without buying property directly. Think of REITs as dividend stocks, since they pay out most of their income to investors.

You need to understand that REITs are about diversification. By pooling your money with other investors, you own a slice of various properties, which may include malls, office buildings, or apartments.

REITs trade on major stock exchanges, so you can use an app like Acorns to get started. This offers you the convenience of buying and selling shares quickly, similar to stocks.

Dividends are a key attraction with REITs. By law, REITs must distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders yearly.

Remember, like any real estate, factors such as location and market trends can influence performance. So, do your research or consult a financial advisor to select the right REIT for your portfolio.

Purchase a Rental Property

When you're looking to invest $60k in real estate, purchasing a rental property yourself can be a smart move. Think about the potential cash flow from tenants paying monthly rent. You need to focus on the numbers: your rental income should cover the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

You should research the market to find properties with high rental demand. You'll want to consider location, school districts, and local amenities.

It's critical to calculate the costs upfront, accounting for any necessary repairs or renovations. You should aim for a property that doesn't exceed your budget after these initial expenses.

Having real estate can diversify your assets and provide a steady stream of income. Just be sure you're prepared for the responsibilities of being a landlord, such as dealing with tenants and maintaining the property.

Invest in Small Businesses

When you have $60k to invest, supporting small businesses can be a smart move. It's personal and impactful. Platforms like Mainvest provide an avenue for this. You get to back up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

You should consider the types of businesses that resonate with you. With Mainvest, you select from various small businesses seeking funding. These could range from restaurants to tech startups.

Remember, this route entails risk. Unlike stock markets, small business successes can be less predictable. But the potential growth can be significant.

You'll want to review business plans carefully and check their financials and market potential.

Investing here means directly contributing to a business's growth. You're part of their story, which I find quite exciting. Each success is shared, both the journey and the potential financial return. Do your homework and this could be a fulfilling part of your portfolio.

Invest in Cryptocurrency with Binance

Investing in cryptocurrency can seem complex, but using Binance simplifies the process. First, you need to create an account.

Binance

Once your account is set up, you'll want to transfer your money to your Binance wallet. You can do this in various ways, including bank transfer or using a credit card b be aware of transaction fees.

Cryptocurrency markets are volatile. Start by exploring stablecoins like USDT, which can be less risky. Diversify into different cryptos to spread risk. Binance offers a range of options, from well-known like Bitcoin to emerging altcoins.

Remember, cryptocurrency can be unpredictable, so only commit what you can afford to lose.

Bonds

Whether you want to invest $80k or $60k, consider bonds as a saving tool. Bonds are like loans. You lend money and the issuer promises to pay you back with interest over time. This makes them relatively safe. They’re good for protecting your cash against inflation and can offer tax benefits.

You need to be aware of interest rates. When they rise, bond prices fall. It's all about finding the right balance between risk and return. Diversifying your bond holdings can reduce risk.

Municipal bonds can be tax-exempt, giving you a break on taxes. With Treasury bonds, you won't face state or local taxes—just federal. For saving in the face of inflation, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) adjust your principal with inflation rates.

As you explore bonds, remember liquidity varies. Some bonds can be sold easily, others not so much. Your strategy should align with your cash flow needs. Be sure to research and find bonds that fit your financial goals.

Alternative Investments

When you have $60k at your disposal, looking beyond traditional stocks and bonds can be intriguing. Alternative assets, like venture capital and art, can diversify your portfolio.

Art has become accessible with new platforms offering fractional shares. It's a way to own a piece of a masterpiece without breaking the bank, which I'm a big fan of.

If stepping out of the mainstream interests you, private equity could offer unique opportunities. You get a stake in private companies and potential growth.

You can check out a platform like YieldStreet to get started. They make it easy to grow your money with alternative assets.

Remember, all investments carry risk. Do your homework and consider your personal finance goals before jumping in.

Peer-to-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending allows you to directly lend your money to individuals or businesses. It's a modern twist on how people access capital. This process cuts out traditional financial institutions and connects borrowers and lenders through online platforms.

Interest rates on P2P loans can be competitive, often landing between what a savings account and stock market might offer. As for you, this means the potential for higher returns on your $60k compared to parking it in a bank.

Diversification is key in any financial strategy, and P2P lending offers this by letting you spread your cash across multiple loans. This helps reduce your risk if one or more borrowers fail to repay.

Saving for the future is important, and P2P can be part of that plan. You'll want to carefully select platforms known for reputable service and strong track records to get started. Remember, while P2P can be rewarding, it also comes with its own set of risks, like loan defaults. So, research and due diligence are crucial.

Consider High Yield Accounts with Tellus

When you have $60k and want to make money daily, high-yield accounts offer an appealing mix of safety and growth. Tellus specializes in this type of savings account, with the allure of returns potentially higher than traditional banks.

Tellus

Tellus accounts generate interest daily, leveraging short-term real estate loans. This sets them apart from the typical monthly interest deposit. You should note, however, they're not FDIC insured. This means your cash isn't federally protected against loss, which is standard for traditional savings accounts.

Interest rates with Tellus are competitive, enticing if you prioritize steady growth. You'll want to review their terms, as accessibility to your money can be as straightforward as a bank transfer.

Before depositing, weigh the pros against the lack of FDIC insurance. It’s crucial to understand the safety net provided by your account choices. If a high-yield account suits your strategy, Tellus might be a match.

Retirement Accounts

With $60,000 at your disposal, you can beef up your retirement savings in a variety of tax-advantaged accounts. If you're looking for versatility, a Roth IRA might be up your alley. This account allows your money to grow tax-free, and you can withdraw the earnings without paying taxes after 59 and a half.

Another route is the traditional IRA, where contributions may lower your taxable income now. Be sure to understand the annual contribution limits to make the most of these IRAs.

Thinking about self-employment? A SEP IRA is a solid choice, providing higher contribution limits compared to traditional IRAs. This account is tailored for freelancers or small business owners.

Lastly, don't overlook the power of a 401(k), especially if your employer offers matching contributions. That's free money added to your retirement pot. Consider maxing out your contribution to capitalize on this benefit. Remember, every penny counts towards a more secure retirement.

Final Thoughts

If you're wondering how to invest $60,000 – I first recommend sticking with proven methods like the stock market and real estate.

After making those investments, you can opt for more speculative investments like cryptocurrency or alternative assets.

Forrest McCall

Forrest is passionate about helping others grow their passive income streams so they can reach financial freedom. He has been quoted in many popular finance publications including Business Insider, Bankrate, CNET Money, and more.