Investments that pay monthly: Top options to look at for 2025

Many individuals face difficulties building financial stability, regardless of their stage in life. Retirees might rely on savings and worry about depleting them too quickly. Working individuals may discover that a single salary, or even combined household income, fails to cover rising costs or provide enough for a home purchase, education expenses, or retirement preparation.

Investments that pay monthly address these challenges by creating a steady and predictable income stream. They reduce dependence on savings and help individuals manage both immediate expenses and long-term ambitions

While these passive income investments offer clear benefits, they are not suitable for everyone. Monthly income strategies require careful planning and a solid understanding of personal financial goals. Some options demand significant capital to produce meaningful returns. Others come with risks that may not be obvious, such as when inflation reduces the value of fixed payouts or market volatility that affects monthly dividend stocks or monthly-paying ETFs.

Low-risk monthly income investments, like fixed-income investments for monthly cash flow, suit those who seek stability, while high-yield investments with monthly payouts may appeal to investors who can tolerate higher risk.

This guide evaluates the best monthly paying investments for 2025, how to earn monthly income from investments, and how to diversify monthly income. It highlights their advantages, addresses potential drawbacks, and outlines strategies to create a reliable income stream.

Who benefits from investments that pay monthly?

1. Retirees

Retirees benefit from consistent income to cover expenses when pensions or savings fall short. Investments that pay monthly suit retirees who want to avoid selling assets. These options are especially effective when tied to low-risk monthly income investments that keep pace with inflation.

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2. Working professionals

Working professionals can utilize supplemental earnings to manage rising costs. Passive income investments help with goals like buying a home or covering education expenses. This approach works best for individuals who evaluate strategies for monthly income generation that balance returns with risks, such as monthly dividend stocks or real estate investments for monthly income.

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3. New investors

For new investors, small and consistent returns build confidence. Monthly payouts build confidence and connect investments to tangible outcomes. It’s ideal for beginners starting with accessible assets like fixed-income investments for monthly cash flow or passive income investments to minimize risk and complexity.

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4. High-net-worth individuals

Individuals who have accumulated significant wealth can use substantial capital to diversify income streams. High-yield investments with monthly payouts provide liquidity while supporting portfolio growth. They tend to prioritize high-yield options but balances these with risks like credit issues or reduced control over assets.

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5. Individuals with fixed financial obligations

Those who have fixed financial obligations require consistent income to cover recurring expenses, such as rent, loans, or childcare costs. Investments that pay monthly suit individuals who prioritize reliability over high-growth potential. Options such as monthly interest investments or real estate investments for monthly income provide steady income for those who need to cover ongoing financial commitments. 

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Types of investments that pay monthly

1. Dividend-paying stock

Dividend-paying stocks provide regular cash payments to shareholders, with some companies offering monthly payouts. These payments usually come from sectors such as utilities, real estate, or consumer staples. 

A company’s ability to sustain dividends depends heavily on how much of its earnings it distributes. When a company uses less than 60% of its earnings for dividends, it signals a healthy balance between rewarding shareholders and retaining funds for growth or unforeseen expenses. A ratio above 100% shows that a company is paying out more than it earns, which raises concerns about the future of its dividends.

Growth in dividend payments over time is another important factor. Companies that increase their dividends annually demonstrate a commitment to shareholders. These increases also protect investors against inflation by ensuring that income grows alongside living costs. 

Example

An investor allocates €5 000 to a company known for paying monthly dividends. With an annual dividend yield of 4%, the investment generates approximately €16.67 per month in income.  This strategy highlights how to invest for monthly returns with consistent payouts and the potential for inflation protection if the company increases dividends annually.

2. Real estate investments

Passive real estate investing allows individuals to earn income from rental properties without ownership or direct management. Instead of purchasing an entire property, investors contribute smaller amounts toward a real estate-backed financial instrument. Returns come from rent payments and potential appreciation in the property’s value. This method makes real estate accessible to those who lack the capital or time required for traditional property ownership and offers investment opportunities for supplemental income.

On Mintos, passive real estate investments start from as little as €50. Investors earn income from net rent payments, while professional managers handle maintenance, tenant agreements, and other complexities.  For added liquidity, the Mintos Secondary Market allows investors to sell their holdings before the term ends. This makes it a great option for those looking for monthly-paying bonds or low-risk monthly income investments.

Example 

An investor contributes €500 to a residential rental property in a growing urban area through passive real estate investments. The property is leased to long-term tenants, generating regular rent payments. After deduction of maintenance and taxes, the investor receives a share of the net income as monthly payouts. If the property value rises over time, the investor may also benefit from capital appreciation at the end of the term. 

Mintos further enhances accessibility by allowing investments as low as €50, which makes it easier to diversify income monthly across multiple properties. 

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3. Monthly-paying bonds

Monthly-paying bonds provide a predictable income stream by distributing interest payments at regular intervals. These bonds, issued by corporations, municipalities, or governments, appeal to investors seeking stability. Bonds from well-rated issuers, such as governments or blue-chip companies, are considered safer but offer lower yields. High-yield investments with monthly payouts, such as bonds, often issued by companies with lower credit ratings, provide higher returns but carry a greater risk of default.

On Mintos, investing in bonds is made accessible with Fractional Bonds starting from €50. Instead of requiring large capital commitments, investors can allocate smaller amounts across multiple bonds. This diversification reduces overall risk while maintaining steady income from regular coupon payments. Mintos also simplifies portfolio management with its user-friendly platform and offers liquidity through its Secondary Market, where investors can sell investments before maturity if needed.

Example 

An investor allocates €500 across three Fractional Bonds. 

1. Bond A: Offers a 6% annual coupon paid monthly. The investor earns €2.50 per month in interest.

2. Bond B: Provides a lower 3% annual coupon but adds stability to the portfolio. Monthly payouts amount to €1.25.

3. Bond C: Pays a 9% annual coupon but carries higher default risk. Monthly interest payments total €3.75.

Each month, the investor receives €7.50 in combined interest payments. The bond issuers use the funds for business operations or infrastructure projects. At maturity, the investor receives the full principal amount for each bond. This strategy balances risk and return while it ensures regular income. 

>   Explore bonds on Mintos 

4. ETFs with monthly dividends

Monthly-paying exchange-traded funds (ETFs) bundle multiple income-generating assets into a single product. These ETFs distribute regular payouts to investors. Monthly-paying ETFs are an excellent option for those looking for investments for supplemental income.

Mintos offers access to fractional shares of premium ETFs starting from €50. Investors can diversify across asset classes with funds from reputable providers. 

These ETFs are carefully selected based on factors like cost efficiency, tracking accuracy, and compliance with EU regulations. With no fees for buying, holding, or selling, ETFs on Mintos remain accessible to a wide range of investors.

Example 

An investor allocates €500 to a Mintos Core ETF portfolio. Since Core ETFs are accumulating ETFs, the investor’s funds are reinvested rather than paid out as monthly dividends. These high-yield investments provide diversified exposure to various asset classes, but with the accumulating structure, earnings are reinvested to foster long-term growth. 

The Core ETF portfolio automatically adjusts to align with the investor’s risk profile, providing a hands-off, diversified investment strategy. This approach allows the investor to focus on long-term growth, with no need to manually manage individual ETF selections.

>   Check out ETFs on Mintos

5. Money market funds

Money market funds (MMFs) invest in short-term, high-quality financial instruments, such as government securities, corporate bonds, and bank deposits. This low-risk monthly income investment aims to provide stable returns while preserving capital. MMFs suit investors looking for low-risk options that balance safety with modest income potential. Interest accrues daily, and the funds typically offer high liquidity, which makes them ideal for short-term savings or cash reserves.

Mintos Smart Cash is a MMF solution that pays up to 3.0% annual interest.¹ Investors earn daily interest, which is paid monthly, and funds can be withdrawn without restrictions. With a focus on stability and consistent returns, Smart Cash offers a reliable way to manage cash reserves while earning interest in line with market conditions. It’s a solid choice for investors seeking investments that pay monthly and fixed-income investments for monthly cash flow.

Example

An investor deposits €1 000 into a money market fund offering a 3.0% annual interest rate. Daily interest accrues at €0.08, resulting in €2.47 after 30 days. After deducting applicable management fees, the investor receives €2.31. This approach provides regular income while keeping funds accessible for immediate needs.

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How to diversify income monthly with Mintos

Investments that pay monthly provide a range of investors with ways to build a steady, reliable income stream. When you choose the right mix of investments for supplemental income—whether that’s passive income investments or fixed-income investments for monthly cash flow—you can create a solid foundation for financial growth.

Mintos offers an accessible and convenient platform to explore and invest in a wide array of these opportunities. Options range from ETFs and passive real estate investing, to fractional bonds. On Mintos, you have opportunities to earn monthly income from investments, when you invest with just €50. 

1 Yield is subject to change in line with the interest rate environment. Interest rate as of January 2025. 

Disclaimer

This is a marketing communication and in no way should be viewed as investment research, advice, or a recommendation to invest. The value of your investment can go up as well as down, and you may lose part or all of your invested capital. Past performance of financial instruments does not guarantee future returns. Investing in financial instruments involves risk; before investing, consider your knowledge, experience, financial situation, and investment objectives. 

Any scenarios or examples provided are for illustrative purposes only. They do not guarantee specific outcomes or returns and should not be relied upon when making investment decisions. Actual results may vary based on market conditions, issuer performance, and other factors. 

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