When at the point of wondering how to invest $200,000, that’s definitely a good sign. After all, having this amount to invest means you’re on the fast path to building long-term wealth. This is especially true if you can invest $200,000 and leave it alone for a decade or two, giving compound interest plenty of time and space to do its job.
But, how much can you end up with if you invest $200,000 wisely, today?
That really depends on how you invest your money and the average return you get. If you found a way to invest $200,000 and could leave it to earn a 6% return for 20 years, you’d have $641,427.09 after two decades of growth. If you can manage to get a 10% return, on the other hand, you’d end the next two decades with $1,345,499.99.
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How to Invest $200,000 Starting Today
Still, the real problem is figuring out how to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars. As a financial advisor, I suggest spreading out a $200,000 investment into several different buckets. That way, you can diversify your $200,000 investment and increase exposure within different areas of finance that have the potential to grow.
Although your personal investment allocation can — and should — vary depending on your age, your investing goals, and what you hope to achieve, here are some basic guidelines and allocations to consider.
1. Invest in the Stock Market
Suggested Allocation: 40% to 50%
Risk Level: Varies
Investing Goal: Long-term growth
The stock market is where most of us save for retirement already, mostly through the use of tax-advantaged retirement plans, like a 401(k), SEP IRA, or Solo 401(k). Yet, you can also invest in stocks, bonds, index funds, and any other type of securities with the help of a brokerage account.
Although brokerage accounts don’t offer any upfront tax advantages, you get the chance to invest in any number of stocks, ETFs, and more. Also, the brokerage account you open is considerably more liquid than any tax-advantaged retirement plan.
Where most retirement accounts charge penalties if you need to make a withdrawal before retirement age, you can sell stocks and other securities and access your money without penalty whenever you want. You’ll just need to account for capital gains taxes when you do.
How to Get Started: M1 Finance is a popular app that makes investing in stocks, bonds, and ETFs a breeze. You can set up automatic trades, and you can spread your original investment amount far and wide thanks to the availability of fractional shares.
It also lets you choose an expertly curated “pie” of investments that are already designed to meet a specific investing goal. The best part? When you open an M1 Finance account, you can invest without any commissions or platform fees.
Who It’s Best For: Investing in stocks, bonds, ETFs and other securities can work well for any investor, but especially those who can leave their money to grow over time.
| Stock Market Pros | Stock Market Cons |
| Possibility for fair or excellent returns over time | Investing in individual stocks can be risky |
| Ability to diversify across multiple sectors of the economy | You can lose some or all of your investment |
| You can invest the “lazy” way by opting for index funds or ETFs |
Also, consider checking out Stash and Robinhood to compare your options.
2. Invest in Real Estate
Suggested Allocation: 10% to 15%
Risk Level: Varies
Investing Goal: Growth and income
Investing in real estate can make a ton of sense, but that’s especially true if you don’t need access to your cash right away. You can purchase investment properties and let your tenants pay off your mortgage over time, after which their monthly rent payments would work as a passive stream of income.
You can also invest in any number of real estate platforms, or in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). Real estate investment platforms let you get some of the upsides of real estate investing without the work of a landlord.
How to Get Started: A platform known as Fundrise makes it easy to invest in real estate without taking out a mortgage or looking for new tenants. With Fundrise, you can invest in a starter portfolio with as little as $500. Your investments are spread across various commercial and residential properties that are expertly chosen by platform managers.
While returns vary over time, Fundrise brought investors an average return of 9.47% in 2019. Read my Fundrise Review for more details and insights.
Who It’s Best For: Fundrise is ideal for anyone who wants to gain exposure to the real estate market without having to do the work of a landlord.
| Fundrise Pros | Fundrise Cons |
| Minimum balance of $500 required to get started | Your investment is not liquid, and it can take months to access your cash |
| Exceptional returns so far (average return of 9.47% in 2019) | Returns are not guaranteed |
| Invest in real estate in a hands-off fashion |
Realty Mogul is another option to consider checking out when comparing companies.
3. Invest in Cryptocurrency
Suggested Allocation: 5%
Risk Level: High
Investing Goal: Long-term growth
Although many thought cryptocurrencies would never gain mainstream acceptance, it appears this isn’t the case. You can use cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, to make payments at more places than ever before, and Bitcoin ATMs are popping up internationally.
Because of the large-scale adoption of Bitcoin, in particular, some industry experts have suggested a single Bitcoin will be worth $200,000 or more within years.
Anyone can invest in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, like Ethereum or LiteCoin through a cryptocurrency app. These apps safely store your crypto until you’re ready to trade or sell.
How to Get Started: BlockFi is a top platform for buying cryptocurrencies, but it also lets you earn interest on your crypto deposits. In fact, interest on crypto deposits accrues daily and is paid out monthly, and some types of crypto offer a return of up to 8.6% APY.
Who It’s Best For: Cryptocurrency is a smart investment option for anyone who wants to diversify outside of traditional investments. However, you’ll need the stomach for plenty of ups and downs since cryptocurrency is incredibly volatile.
| Cryptocurrency Pros | Cryptocurrency Cons |
| BlockFi makes investing in multiple cryptocurrencies easy | You could lose your entire investment |
| You can buy, sell, or trade using the mobile app | Cryptocurrency has a relatively short history |
| Earn interest on your crypto deposits | Learning curve to get started |
4. Buy a Business
Suggested Allocation: Varies
Risk Level: High
Investing Goal: Income
Buying a business is definitely not for everyone, and it’s true this investment strategy is a lot more “hands-on” than others. However, investing in a business gives you the chance to build something that could bring in long-term income for years or decades to come.
You can even build your business up enough so other people can run it on your behalf. At that point, you could oversee the big-picture planning and enjoy a passive income stream for life.
How to Get Started: Although you can buy a franchise or buy a local business in your area, I suggest looking into buying an online business through Flippa. This site lets you choose fully-developed websites, domain names, and other online businesses. You can then use these sites to build a passive income via ads, affiliate marketing, product sales, and more.
Better yet, you can get started with your own online business with as little as $1,000 in some cases. This option requires significant research to find an online business that you can work with and monetize over time.
Don’t think you can do it? I truly believe anyone can find a way to bring in at least some income through web traffic and various online marketing techniques. My guide on how to make money blogging explains all of the different monetization strategies which can be executed from home and on your own time.
Who It’s Best For: Buying an online business is a smart option for anyone who doesn’t mind putting in some work to get started. From there, online businesses are excellent for passive income or for people who hope to build something they can sell for profit later on.
| Online Business Pros | Online Business Cons |
| You may be able to get started with a small financial investment | Learning curve to get started |
| Use your creative talents to build passive income | No guarantee you’ll succeed |
| Unlimited income potential |
5. Invest in Gold
Suggested Allocation: 10% to 15%
Risk Level: Medium
Investing Goal: Diversification
Plenty of experts believe that investing in gold and other precious metals is crucial, mostly because these options provide a hedge against inflation. Many investors also turn to gold during economic downturns, which raises its price and increases the value of your investment.
How to Get Started: There are plenty of online platforms that make it easy to invest in physical gold, and you can even bundle your gold purchases within an IRA. For example, Orion Metal Exchange lets you invest in gold within an IRA. Other vendors like Oxford Gold Group, Lear Capital, and Goldco also let customers buy physical gold.
Who It’s Best For: Investing in gold can make sense for anyone who is worried about market turmoil. Investors who want to purchase valuable commodities that have stood the test of time should also consider gold.
| Gold Pros | Gold Cons |
| Gold prices tend to go up over a long time horizon | Physical gold can be lost or stolen |
| Helps diversify your portfolio | Might not provide the returns you hope for |
| Can be volatile in the short-term |
6. Open a Solo 401(k)
Suggested % Allocation: Varies
Risk Level: Varies
Investing Goal: Long-term growth
If you own your own business or have any sort of self-employment income, you can stash away a large chunk of income for retirement using a Solo 401(k). This type of account lets investors save a lot more for retirement than is possible with a 401(k). Contributions are also made on a tax-advantaged basis, so you can lower your tax bill in the year you contribute.
The Solo 401(k) lets small business owners and self-employed workers defer up to 100% of their compensation up to a maximum of $19,500 in 2021 (or $26,000 if you’re 50 or older).
Meanwhile, you can also contribute up to 25% of compensation as your own employer with a maximum total cap of $58,000 in contributions for most people in 2021 (not counting catch-up contributions).
How to Get Started: You can open a Solo 401(k) with the best online brokerage firms. Top options include Fidelity and Charles Schwab.
Who It’s Best For: Investing in a Solo 401(k) makes sense for anyone who can qualify based on self-employment income.
| Solo 401(k) Pros | Solo 401(k) Cons |
| Save more for retirement | Money is for retirement and can’t be accessed before retirement age without a penalty |
| You can select the funds for your Solo 401(k) | Solo 401(k) accounts can require additional IRS paperwork |
| Reduce your tax bill in the year you contribute |
Your Investment Style
Although any of these investment options can be a good choice for your $200,000, think long and hard about what you hope to accomplish.
Do you want to invest for the long-term and not have to worry about changing up your strategy over time? Are you hoping to turn a quick profit instead? Also, consider how soon you’ll need access to your initial investment amount or if you plan to let your $200,000 investment ride for 10 or 20 years.
If you want to invest for the long-term, then options like investing in a Solo 401(k) or a brokerage account might be wise. However, the same could be true for real estate or cryptocurrency, or even buying your own business.
If you need access to your money within the next few years, however, I probably would go a different route. Instead, consider opening a high-yield savings account and stashing your money there. You won’t get a great return on your investment, but you can easily access your cash without the risk of losing it.
The Bottom Line
Having $200,000 to invest means you’re on your way to a financially successful future, but your work isn’t done yet. Investing your $200,000 in a strategic way can help you build your nest egg over the next few years or decades.
That’s a lot better than letting all your money languish in a bank account where it will likely fail to keep up with inflation, let alone grow. Consider your age, life goals, and learn more about your risk tolerance to land on an investment strategy that’s tailored to your needs. If you ultimately decide to invest only a portion of your money, consider exploring the best ways to invest $100,000.
Where and how can I get 12.5 return on $200,000 cash in vestmen. Like it to be close to home in n.w.fl. Town of Niceville,in Okaloosa county,fl. O.k. Thank you.
thank you for what appeasers to me to be reasonable sound advice and educational comments.
Help help help please,please please. Need bad now in niceville,fl. Am 75, bad.health how to get just 12 percent return on $200,000 investment to upgrade house and pay for all sorts of health care costs for me and some for wife who try’s to take care of me and in bad health her self,that will barely take care of all sorts of needed health care and medical insurance needed now,do not have.
Hi Hoyt – Unfortunately, no one can guarantee you a 12% annual return every year, especially not on a totally safe investment. Since everyone’s situation is a little bit different, I’d start by sitting down with one or more people you know who are familiar with your finances and your circumstances, to come up with a plan. But don’t be overly aggressive – the worst outcome would be to lose a bunch of money trying to get a return that is impossible.
This article was a great help to me as it spells out everything in layman’s terms. I have no experience and not much knowledge about investing but I am about to receive around $230,000 from the sale of an overseas property and have been wondering how to invest it in order to generate a monthly income. I am 68 and on my own.
Hi Rehanna – Take a close look at the suggestions in this article and decide which will work best for you. I’d recommend being more conservative though since you’re 68 and on your own. Talk with other people you trust as well. You have a big decision to make, and don’t do anything until you’re sure of what you’re doing.
You do realize that the end of your article here on the web where you urge getting professional advice that you actually say that it will guarantee that your nest egg will be “squandered in a free for all”?? Your proofreaders really screwed up on that one!! Here is the direct quote…It’s virtually the only way to ensure that your final wishes will be honored, and your life’s savings will be squandered in a postmortem free-for-all!
Hi Alan – Good catch! We do proofread all posts, but still find errors. And unfortunately, spell check won’t pick up on an erroneous use of a word as long as it’s spelled correctly. There’s probably an error or two in ever post on the site, despite our best efforts.
This is an excellent article. I think I will go with a robo advisor for 75% of my funds with the rest going to an Ally savings account. The two robo advisors I’m looking at are WiseBanyan with an underlying .07% ETF fee and FidelityGo with a .35% fee including The ETF fees. Fidelity because of all the features of a Fidelity account.
The idea is great. But what to do if you don´t have 200K?
@ M.D. You can start investing here.
WiseBanyan would be perfect for any amount. See how your money is invested, how it grows and WiseBanyan will make choices for you and they do all the paper work. I wish it existed 30 years ago.