13+ Safe Ways to Invest $80k (2024)

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

Looking to invest $80,000? Here are some of the best ways to grow your money.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Some of the best ways to invest $80k include:

Invest in Residential Real Estate with Arrived

Residential real estate offers a tangible asset for your portfolio so you can grow your money with some security. Arrived, my favorite platform for real estate investing, enables you to purchase shares in rental properties with ease.

Arrived Homes Investing

With just $100, you can start building equity in properties curated by experts. As a shareholder, you receive a portion of the rental income—which can add up depending on how much you can invest.

You'll want to consider the long-term potential of your assets. Real estate may appreciate over time, offering the chance for massive capital gains, which can really make a difference for your portfolio.

It's important to consider diversifying across several properties within Arrived to spread potential risks. Research each property's performance forecasts and the local real estate market to make informed decisions.

Invest in the Stock Market with Acorns

Acorns is an investing app that simplifies entering the stock market. You can start with a small amount, which makes it ideal if you're looking to invest $80k.

Acorns Investing

With Acorns, diversification is effortless. They automatically spread your money across different ETFs to help manage risk.

Risk tolerance is very personal. You need to understand yours because the stock market fluctuates. Remember to align your stock investments with your financial goals.

Acorns is a great way to invest in the stock market hassle-free. I recommend dedicated a chunk of your $80k towards the stock market because of its reliability.

On average, the stock market returns around 10% annually, which is pretty strong. While it may take some time to double your money – it's a great way to build wealth over time.

Invest in Commercial Real Estate with Realty Mogul

If you're looking to diversify your portfolio, consider putting some of your $80k into commercial real estate through Realty Mogul. This platform allows you to join others in pooling resources to back various properties.

Commercial Real Estate

Keep in mind that every real estate opportunity varies so look for options that align with your financial goals. Realty Mogul offers access to a range of commercial properties, from office buildings to retail spaces.

Remember, all investments carry risk so it's critical to do your due diligence before committing. Start with a comfortable amount as you familiarize yourself with the platform and the specific real estate offerings.

Invest in REITs

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) let you participate in the real estate market without having to buy property outright. They're companies owning income-generating real estate and can provide a steady cash flow.

When you invest $80k in REITs, you're becoming a part of various real estate sectors. This means you gain diversification, crucial for mitigating risks. They're designed to pay dividends, offering you a great source of passive income.

With REITs, you need to understand they must meet certain conditions: investing the majority of assets in real estate and deriving income from property rents or mortgages.

I recommend looking into REITs that invest in equity or mortgages, as they serve different strategies. Equity REITs own actual properties, while mortgage REITs invest in property mortgages.

Be sure to research REITs' historical performance before jumping in. And since they're traded like stocks, you can buy and sell shares through brokers like Acorns with ease. Remember, no investment is without risk, so consider your risk tolerance level.

Grow Your Money in Real Estate Debts with Groundfloor

If you're looking to put your $80k to work, consider investing in real estate debt through Groundfloor. This platform facilitates short-term loans for property renovations, typically with terms of 6 to 12 months.

Your stake can start small, from as little as $10, and grow with your comfort and confidence. The loans you back are secured by real estate, offering a layer of safety.

Interest rates on Groundfloor begin at a competitive 7.5%. This can be a more interesting yield compared to traditional savings accounts. You'll want to note that these loans support fix-and-flip projects, helping to revitalize properties.

With Groundfloor, you have the chance to earn returns without waiting for properties to sell. Remember, as with any form of lending, there are risks, but you're in control of how much to lend and to which projects.

Purchase a Rental Property

With $80k, you're in a solid position to purchase rental property, offering you potential stable rental income.

Begin by assessing the real estate market. in your area. Look for areas with a strong track record of occupancy and tenant demand. I recommend focusing on locations where the property values are within your budget and are primed for growth.

You'll want to account for expenses beyond the purchase price. These include closing costs, property taxes, insurance, and potential repairs. Don't overlook the possibility of emergency maintenance; you should ensure your budget can handle unexpected costs.

Determine what type of rental property suits your goals. Single-family homes can be easier to manage, whereas multi-family units may provide multiple streams of rental income. Prioritize properties that require minimal renovations to avoid overspending on initial repairs.

Think about hiring a property manager if you're not enthusiastic about the day-to-day landlord responsibilities. They can handle tenant screening, maintenance, and rent collection, letting you enjoy the income without the hassle of management tasks.

Remember, buying a rental property with your $80k is just the beginning. Treat it as a long-term venture, nurturing your real estate and relationship with tenants to ensure a steady return on your hard-earned money.

Invest in Small Businesses

Investing $80k in small businesses can offer you equity and potential for considerable income growth. You'll want to focus on businesses with solid plans and a strong market presence. Diversifying your portfolio by choosing different industries can minimize risks.

Look for opportunities on platforms like Mainvest, which connects investors with early-stage companies. You'll want to consider the company's leadership team, business model, and growth potential before committing your resources.

Remember not to pour all your funds into one company. Spread your $80k across several promising small businesses to balance potential gains against possible losses. This way, you manage risk while still aiming for significant returns.

Be sure to understand the terms and check for minimum commitment periods. Patience is key, as returns on equity investments often take time to materialize.

Invest in Cryptocurrency with Binance

Cryptocurrency can be another dynamic addition to your portfolio. Binance, one of the largest platforms for crypto trading, offers you access to a multitude of digital currencies.

Binance

When using Binance, be sure to diversify across different cryptocurrencies to mitigate risk. Don't put all your $80k into one coin.

You'll want to stay informed. Cryptocurrency markets can change rapidly. Binance provides resources and tools to keep track of your crypto assets.

Remember, patience is key. Short-term fluctuations shouldn't derail your strategy. Consider your crypto holdings as a long-term play.

I recommend you engage with the community. Binance has a vast network of users where you can gain insights and share experiences. Use this to your advantage.

Bonds

Investing $80k in bonds can provide you with a steady income stream. Bonds are essentially loans you give to governments or corporations. In return, they pay you interest, which is the rate of return on your money.

The appeal of bonds lies in their relative safety compared to stocks. They can be a good choice if you have a low risk tolerance. When markets are volatile, bonds can offer some stability to your portfolio.

You need to be aware that bonds have different maturity dates. This can range from a few months to several years. Longer-term bonds typically offer higher returns but come with increased risk if interest rates rise.

Be sure to consider the issuer's creditworthiness. High-quality government bonds are generally safer than corporate bonds, which can range from safe to high-risk.

You'll want to diversify your bond holdings. Don't put all your money into one type or issuer. Diversification can help manage risk and improve your overall return potential. Remember, balancing income and risk is key when adding bonds to your portfolio.

Alternative Investments

When you're looking to diversify your portfolio, consider alternative investments. These aren't your typical stocks and bonds. Think of options like art or gold. Art can be a unique addition, offering potential appreciation in value over time. You'll want to research before dipping your toes in, as this market can be quite nuanced.

Gold has been a classic alternative, often seen as a hedge against inflation. If market volatility concerns you, allocating a portion of your $80k to gold might provide some peace of mind. Remember, the key idea behind diversification is not having all your eggs in one basket.

Each alternative avenue comes with its own risk-reward ratio. You should carefully evaluate how each fits within your overall strategy. Diversification can help in building a more resilient portfolio, but it's essential to align these choices with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Peer-to-Peer Lending

When you've got $80k to work with, peer-to-peer (P2P) lending can be an income-generating avenue. You're essentially becoming the bank, lending to individuals or businesses. Your return? The interest they pay on their loans.

Think of P2P lending platforms as matchmaking services for money. You'll want to choose credible platforms, like Lending Club, which enables automatic reinvestment of your earnings. This can help maintain a steady flow of interest income.

Risk and returns go hand-in-hand. With P2P lending, the potential rate of return can be attractive, but you'll need to be mindful of the risk of default. It's best to diversify across different loans to mitigate this.

Remember, this isn't a savings account. Your money is tied up in someone else's debt, creating consistent income if loans are repaid. It's a more hands-off approach once you've set your preferences.

A key is patience. With P2P lending, seeing significant income takes time. Keep an eye out for loans that match your comfort level in terms of rate of return and risk.

Consider High Yield Accounts with Tellus

When looking to grow your savings, you'll want to consider high yield accounts. Tellus offers an option that links the appeal of real estate with the accessibility of a savings account.

Tellus

Your $80k can potentially earn more than traditional bank accounts. Tellus gives you a daily payout of your earnings, which can be a steady source of income.

You need to be mindful of the rate of return. It's influenced by short-term real estate loans, which means it could fluctuate.

Setting aside savings in a high yield account like Tellus could be a smart move. It's like having your savings work for you, generating income without the complexities of direct real estate involvement.

Retirement Accounts

Whether you're looking to invest $60k or $80k – investing in retirement accounts is always a wise choice. For example, consider a 401(k) if your employer offers it. It's tax-advantaged, meaning it can lower your taxable income now, and you pay taxes only when you withdraw.

A Roth account is another avenue. With a Roth, you pay taxes on your money before it goes into the account, but after that, it grows tax-free. Upon retirement, you won’t owe the IRS on withdrawals.

Diversify your nest egg across different retirement accounts for potential tax benefits. You might reduce your current tax bill while planning for future security. Engage with your 401(k), but also open a Roth if you're eligible.

You’ll want to keep an eye on IRS contribution limits as they can affect your strategy. Saving smart now shapes your financial portfolio for later life. Remember, every dollar you save today is for a more secure tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

If you're wondering how to invest $80k – there are plenty of great options to consider, but I recommend sticking with safer methods like real estate and the stock market. It's hard to go wrong with these investments.

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.