1. Annuities

An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company that promises you a future payout in regular installments, usually monthly and often for life. Annuities are a low-risk, long-term option financially savvy people use to ensure a reliable income during retirement.

With the Gainbridge^® FastBreak™ annuity, you’ll earn up to APY**, which is more than 13 times the national average for a savings account.

Why It’s Savvy:

• Annuities offer guaranteed payments, which can be structured to last for a set number of years or for the rest of your life.
• The Gainbridge® FastBreak™ annuity pays you up to APY** on your investment.
• Unlike traditional investments like stocks, annuities protect your capital from market volatility, making them a secure way to ensure long-term income.

How You Can Use It:

• Consider annuities as part of your retirement planning, particularly if you’re looking for a guaranteed income stream after you stop working.
• Look for annuities that offer favorable interest rates and low fees. 

Want to start growing your money 13 times faster* than if you kept it in a savings account? The Gainbridge FastBreak™ annuity is self-directed, easy to set up and comes with 30 days to cancel your contract if you change your mind.

Get started here to lock in guaranteed income in retirement and start earning up to APY.**

2. Invest in Real-Estate Loans — and Earn 8.1% in Dividends

Loaning people money and charging interest is one of the ways large institutions and the ultra-wealthy earn passive income. It’s not something that’s typically available to the average person.

But with the Arrived Private Credit Fund, you can invest in a portfolio of real-estate loans that pay dividends monthly — with a historic yield of 8.10% annualized dividends.

Why It’s Savvy:

• Arrived is a platform backed by Jeff Bezos, Marc Benioff, and other top-tier investors, with more than 800,000 registered users and nearly $300 million invested.
• This has historically yielded investors 8.10% annualized dividends.

How You Can Use It:

• You’ll invest in a diversified portfolio of loans across the U.S. that help fund renovations, rehabs, and new home construction. As borrowers pay the loan back, the interest is distributed among investors like you on a monthly basis. 
• Historically, this has yielded investors 8.10% annualized dividends.

Want to start earning passive income like the ultra-wealthy do? It’s simple to get started here and see how much you could earn.

3. Boost Your Lifetime Investment Returns — By As Much As Double

According to a Northwestern Mutual study, working with a financial planner could double your lifetime investment returns* — all while helping you reduce risk.

But only one in three people ever do it. Luckily, a company called WiserAdvisor will match you with a vetted financial advisor in your area — for free. Get your free match here.

Why It’s Savvy:

• Professional advice can potentially double your lifetime returns.
• You get matched with an advisor tailored to your unique goals — retirement, investing and more.
• Every advisor is pre-screened for expertise and trustworthiness, and you have no obligation to hire them.

How You Can Use It:

• Get a personalized financial plan.
• Get answers to your biggest money questions — from retirement planning to smart investing.

Don’t miss the chance to see what your money could really be doing. Get matched with a financial advisor for free.

4. Diversify Your Portfolio With Precious Metals — And Get Up to $20K in Free Silver

The past few years have proven one thing: Market disruptions can strike without warning — and many retirement accounts took a hit as a result.

That’s why many savvy investors are turning to gold and precious metals IRAs through a company called Priority Gold. It’s a smart way to diversify and protect their wealth, plus you can get up to $20,000 in free silver on qualifying purchases.

Why It’s Savvy:

• Gold and silver can help shield your portfolio from volatility.
• They’ve historically outperformed other assets in turbulent markets — and often rise with inflation.
• Gold has historically maintained its value.

How You Can Use It:

• Open a precious metals IRA and roll over existing retirement funds — or buy gold and silver directly.
• Priority Gold offers a no-fee buyback program, so you can sell your metals back at top prices.

Ready to protect your savings and claim your bonus of up to $20,000 in free silver? Get your free gold and silver kit here to learn more.

5. Bundled Checking and Savings Savings Accounts with Competitive APYs

Most people have a separate checking and savings account. But if you bundle them, you could earn a much higher APY — more than 11 times the national average.

This lets you steadily grow your savings while still having easy access to your money — and without the risk of other investments.

Why It’s Savvy:

• High-yield savings accounts offer competitive APYs — usually much higher than the national average. This allows your money to earn more interest and compound over time. It’s a great balance between security and growth.
• You can access your money whenever you need to without penalties.
• Many savings accounts are FDIC-insured, which means your deposits are protected up to $250,000 in case of bank failure.

How You Can Use It:

• Look for online banks or credit unions that offer higher APYs, often well above the national average.
• Use your savings account for short- to medium-term goals, where you might need quick access to funds, like an emergency fund or saving for a vacation.

It’s easy to compare accounts here and start maximizing your savings potential.

{{text: rateTexts.expertAdviceHeader.text}}

BROUGHT TO YOU BY {{image: rateUrls.logoPath}}

{{html: rateTexts.expertAdviceProTipsCopy.html}}

{{text: rateTexts.expertAdviceClientName.text}} Sponsored Tip {{tooltip: rateTexts.expertAdviceToolTipCopy.text}}

{{text: rateTexts.expertAdviceAdTitle.text}}

{{html: rateTexts.expertAdviceAdCopy.html}}

{{text: rateTexts.ctaButton.text}}

{{image: rateUrls.logo300X25Path}}

Bottom Line

Low-risk accounts that offer stable returns are a financially savvy move for anyone. They can offer a foundation for building wealth without risking your hard-earned capital. 

Want to enjoy reliable returns while ensuring your money stays secure? These options offer stability and steady growth that savvy investors trust. Compare our top-rated options here to get started.

*Source: FDIC, national average of savings, week of 01/21/25. Rates subject to change.

**Gainbridge^®: Annuity rates are subject to change at any time, and the rate mentioned may no longer be current. Please visit Gainbridge.io for current rates, full product disclosures and disclaimer. Withdrawals above the 10% free withdrawal amount are subject to a withdrawal charge and market-value adjustment. FastBreak™ is issued by Gainbridge Life Insurance Company in Zionsville, Indiana. FastBreak™ is not a tax-deferred annuity; instead, it is taxed annually.

^*Americans with a financial advisor expect to retire two years earlier according to Northwestern Mutual’s Planning & Progress Study

GOBankingRates maintains editorial independence. While we may receive compensation from actions taken after clicking on links within our content, no content has been supplied by any advertiser prior to publication.