5 Lesser-Known Saving Schemes That Can Supercharge Your Wealth in 2025

When it comes to managing personal finances, saving is the foundation of wealth creation. While most people are familiar with traditional saving schemes like Fixed Deposits or Public Provident Funds (PPF), several lesser-known schemes can potentially yield higher returns or offer added benefits. As 2025 approaches, it’s a good time to explore these lesser-known saving schemes to supercharge your wealth. With the right choices, you can make your savings work harder for you. In this article, we will look at five such schemes and discuss how using a savings calculator can help you track and maximize your savings growth.
1. National Savings Certificate (NSC)
The National Savings Certificate (NSC) is a fixed-income investment scheme backed by the Indian government. While it’s not as widely discussed as PPF, it offers several advantages that make it a smart choice for conservative investors. One of the key benefits of the NSC is its fixed interest rate, which is currently around 6.8% annually (subject to change).
NSC can be purchased for a minimum of ₹100, and the interest earned is compounded every year. This scheme has a fixed tenure of 5 years, making it an ideal choice for investors looking for a safe and long-term option. Moreover, it also qualifies for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, which makes it a good tax-saving tool.
How it helps in wealth creation: Over time, the compounded interest adds up, especially when you invest early. A savings calculator can help you estimate how your investments will grow and the total returns after the maturity period.
2. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a government-backed best savings scheme specifically designed for the girl child. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its attractive interest rates, which can be higher than most other savings schemes. The current interest rate for SSY stands at 7.6%, and the best part is that the scheme offers tax benefits under Section 80C.
What makes SSY even more beneficial is the extended lock-in period, which ensures long-term compounding growth. The account can be opened for a girl child up to the age of 10, and it remains active for 21 years from the date of opening or until the marriage of the girl (whichever is earlier). Parents or guardians can contribute to the scheme annually, but the amount cannot exceed ₹1.5 lakh in a year.
How it helps in wealth creation: By contributing regularly, you ensure your child’s future is well taken care of with a high rate of return. Use a savings calculator to project how much you could accumulate over time, factoring in regular contributions.
3. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)
For those looking for regular income and low-risk investment, the Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) is an excellent choice. With an interest rate of 6.6% per annum (currently), this scheme ensures a monthly payout of interest, making it a great option for retirees or anyone in need of steady income.
The tenure of the POMIS is 5 years, and it allows investments in multiples of ₹1500, with the minimum investment being ₹1500. The scheme is available in all post offices across India, and the interest earned is credited to the investor’s account every month.
How it helps in wealth creation: Though the returns are not as high as some other schemes, the regular income it provides can be reinvested into other high-yielding assets. Use a savings calculator to assess how much you’ll earn monthly and how it contributes to your overall wealth plan.
4. Tax-Free Bonds
Tax-free bonds are issued by the government or government-backed entities like Indian Railways, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and others. These bonds provide a fixed rate of return and are exempt from tax, making them attractive to investors who are looking for tax-saving options and stable returns.
The interest on these bonds typically ranges from 5.5% to 7.5%, depending on the issuer and the market conditions. The bond tenure is usually 10 to 20 years, which means you’ll need to commit to long-term investment. However, the tax-free nature of the returns makes them particularly appealing for high-income earners.
How it helps in wealth creation: Tax-free bonds provide a predictable stream of income without the drag of taxes, which can significantly boost long-term wealth. Use a savings calculator to evaluate the returns over different periods and ensure they align with your investment objectives.
5. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a government-sponsored scheme designed specifically for individuals working in the unorganized sector. The scheme provides a fixed monthly pension from the age of 60, depending on the contribution made during the working years.
The main attraction of the APY is that it offers guaranteed pension benefits after the age of 60, and the government co-contributes 50% of the total contribution (subject to certain conditions) for individuals who join the scheme before 1st June 2020.
The contribution amount depends on the desired pension. For example, if you wish to receive ₹1,000 monthly after retirement, the contribution amount will be lower compared to someone opting for ₹5,000. This scheme is low-risk and guarantees post-retirement income.
How it helps in wealth creation: By building a pension fund for your retirement, you’re securing a steady income source for later years. The power of regular contributions, along with government co-contributions, can ensure a steady wealth flow. A savings calculator can help you understand the monthly contributions required to secure the desired pension.
How a Savings Calculator Can Help You
While these lesser-known saving schemes are excellent options for long-term wealth creation, it’s important to understand the exact returns you can expect. That’s where a savings calculator comes in. A savings calculator helps you estimate the growth of your savings over time by factoring in interest rates, contribution amounts, and time horizons. This way, you can compare different schemes and make informed decisions based on your financial goals.
For example, you can input the monthly contribution and the interest rate for each scheme to see how the investment will grow over the years. It’s an invaluable tool for making sure your savings strategy is optimized for maximum returns.
Conclusion
While traditional saving schemes like Fixed Deposits and PPF continue to be popular, these lesser-known schemes offer unique benefits that can boost your financial portfolio. Whether you are saving for retirement, your child’s education, or a steady post-retirement income, these schemes provide a variety of options to meet your goals.
By taking advantage of these schemes and using a savings calculator to project future growth, you can create a diversified portfolio that works harder for you, ensuring a secure and prosperous future.