What’s the Best Way to Invest Money in 2026?

Investing for daily income might sound like a challenge, but it’s achievable with the right knowledge.

In this guide, you’ll explore several options to help you generate regular earnings through investments. From dividend-paying stocks to cryptocurrency staking, each method comes with its own risk level and income potential.

Whether you’re seeking steady interest or more dynamic, high-risk returns, choosing investments that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance is essential.

Wondering how to invest and make money daily? Here’s your guide.

How to invest and make money daily: 6 ways

Explore several investment options to help you achieve daily earnings or frequent returns. Each method varies in risk and income potential, so assessing which options align with your financial goals and risk tolerance is crucial.

1. Dividend stocks and ETFs

Stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that pay dividends distribute a portion of a company’s profits to investors. These are typically large, stable businesses.

For instance, dividend stocks like Apple (AAPL) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and dividend ETFs like the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) have a positive track record of consistent quarterly payouts.

While dividends are usually paid quarterly, some companies offer monthly payments, providing a steady revenue stream for investors. Additionally, these investments can appreciate through stock price growth, contributing to consistent income.

The stock prices of these investments can fluctuate daily, which impacts your overall income. If stock prices drop, your dividend yield — the percentage of income you receive from dividends relative to the stock’s price — can appear higher, but the overall value of your investment may decrease. Conversely, if stock prices rise, your yield may decrease, but your investment becomes more valuable, contributing to potential daily income through price appreciation.

Risk: Moderate. The value of dividend stocks and ETFs can fluctuate daily based on the market’s performance, which can increase or decrease your dividend yield.

Bonus highlight

SoFi Invest® — Active and Automated Investing offers zero-commission stocks, ETFs and options, with no options per-contract fees. Plus, a robo-advisor for a small fee and access to financial planners

FINDER REWARDS EXCLUSIVE

Share Copied!

Investing

ENDS SOON

Get $150 from Finder

Become a Finder member, then open a new SoFi Active Invest account through Finder as a first-time customer, and make an Eligible First Deposit of $1,250 or more within 5 days of clicking the Finder link. Keep your account open. Offer ends October 31, 2026. Separate T&Cs and limits apply.

SIGN UP & GET $150 Share Copied!

2. Cryptocurrency staking

Crypto staking is a way to earn rewards by holding onto certain digital tokens.⁽¹⁾ When you stake, you lock your crypto for a set period, and the blockchain uses your deposit to verify and secure transactions.

In return, you earn rewards, often paid in the same cryptocurrency. Some exchanges, like Coinbase, offer daily payouts for staking in certain tokens.⁽²⁾ For example, Polkadot (DOT) offers a daily payout rate, while other tokens, like Cardano (ADA) and Solana (SOL), offer payouts every five days.

Staking can provide income in the form of crypto rewards, but its reward payouts can fluctuate due to the number of participants staking and other market conditions.⁽³⁾ Additionally, staking comes with potential security vulnerabilities and penalties for malicious activity.⁽⁴⁾

Risk: High. Cryptocurrency prices are volatile, and staking involves additional technical risks. Always research the staking requirements and rules for each project.

FINDER REWARDS EXCLUSIVE

Share Copied!

Investing & Crypto

ENDS SOON

Get $200 from Finder

Become a Finder member, then open a new eToro account through the Finder link as a first-time customer and make a single deposit of at least $300. Keep it in your account until January 4, 2027. Offer ends October 30, 2026. Separate T&Cs and limits apply.

SIGN UP & GET $200 Share Copied!

3. Selling covered calls

Selling covered calls is an options trading strategy where you own shares of a stock and sell a call option that gives the buyer the right to purchase your shares at a specific price — the strike price — by a set date.⁽⁵⁾

In exchange for selling the option, you receive a premium, which can generate income.

The downside is that if the stock price rises significantly above the strike price, the buyer can exercise their right to buy your shares at the agreed price, even if the current market value is higher. Additionally, if the stock price falls, the value of your shares could decrease, which might offset the premium you received.

If you sell a call that expires the same day, you collect the premium that day. And if the option expires worthless, you keep the premium and your shares — allowing you to repeat the process.

Risk: Moderate to high. The strategy depends on stock price stability and your ability to manage options contracts.

4. High-yield savings/cash accounts

Some high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) accrue interest daily, even though payouts typically happen monthly. Savings accounts that compound interest daily allow interest to build each day and increase your total return over time. This compounding effect can significantly boost your savings, especially if you continue making regular deposits.

Although the returns are lower than riskier investments, HYSAs offer a safe way to grow your money because they’re insured by the Federal Insurance Deposit Corporation (FDIC), meaning your deposits are protected up to $250,000, even if your bank fails.

Risk: Low. High-yield savings accounts are typically FDIC-insured, and unlike stocks or some fixed-income securities, the value of your deposits won’t fluctuate based on market conditions. This lack of fluctuation makes HYSAs a stable, low-risk option for gradually growing your funds with peace of mind.

9 Excellent

Go to site

SoFi Checking and Savings

With SoFi Checking and Savings get paid up to two days early. Set up direct deposit to automatically get your paycheck up to two days early every time you get paid

• Up to 3.30% APY on savings by meeting deposit requirements
• Earn $50 or $400 bonus by meeting direct deposit requirements.
• $0 account or overdraft fees

Partner terms and conditions

New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 9/23/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.

We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.

Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.

Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.

Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

5. Fixed-income investments

Fixed-income investments pay investors a set amount of interest or dividends at regular periodic intervals, often for a specified period. Examples include bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts and Treasury Bills.

While fixed-income investments are less risky, market changes can still impact them. Rising interest rates can reduce the value of older bonds, and inflation can shrink the purchasing power of your returns.

Despite these risks, their stability makes them a popular choice for conservative investors.

Risk: Low to moderate. Fixed-income investments can be affected by market conditions, inflation or interest rates.

9 Excellent

Go to site

Public Treasury Account

Get 3.16%* yield on your cash. Purchase Treasury Bills in seconds and access your money at any time.

• $0 commission for U.S. listed stocks and ETF trades placed during regular US market hours, and competitive trade fees for alternative assets.
• No payment for order flow (PFOF) on equities, ensuring optimal price execution for your trades.
• A community-driven experience with real-time insights and advanced data at your fingertips.

Partner terms and conditions

Yield is an annualized 26-week T-bill rate (as of 9/11/24) when held to maturity. Rate is gross of fees, see fee schedule. T-bills are purchased in increments of $100 par value at a discount; any remaining balance after purchase is held in cash. For other important disclosures, see risks.

6. Real estate investment trusts (REITs)

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company that owns, operates or finances income-generating real estate, like apartment buildings, shopping centers or office spaces.⁽⁶⁾

When you invest in a REIT, you’re buying shares in that company, which gives you a slice of the income generated by the properties they manage. One of the big benefits of REITs is that they must pay out at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders, meaning you can receive consistent dividends monthly, quarterly or yearly, depending on the REIT.⁽⁷⁾

While dividends are typically paid quarterly, the value of the real estate and REIT share prices can fluctuate daily, offering the potential for daily gains in asset appreciation. However, changes in real estate markets or interest rates could impact the income REITs generate.

Risk: Moderate. Real estate investments are subject to market fluctuations and economic conditions.

5 steps to start investing

Now that you have a rough idea of the best ways to invest your money for consistent income, here’s how to start.

1. Identify your goals, time frame and risk tolerance. Decide how much risk you are willing to take, how long you plan to keep your investments and what you want to achieve financially. These factors will help guide your choice of assets, from conservative bonds to riskier stocks or cryptocurrencies.
2. Decide if you need help. Beginners or those with limited time may benefit from using robo-advisors or consulting financial experts. More experienced investors may prefer to manage their own portfolios, but this requires a commitment to research and ongoing management.
3. Choose your account type. Depending on your goals — such as saving for retirement or general investing — choose from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or taxable brokerage accounts. Each type offers different advantages and investment options.
4. Open your investment account. Open an account with an online broker for more control over your investments or use a robo-advisor for automated management based on your risk tolerance.
5. Invest. After opening and funding your account, start investing by selecting assets that match your strategy and risk profile. Regular contributions and periodic reviews will help align your investments with your goals.

Over half of Americans are stretched — here’s what that means for where to put your money

Over half of Americans (55%) describe their financial situation as keeping up or falling behind, according to a 2026 YouGov survey.

Only 4 in 10 are prepared to invest more than a tenth of their savings in the near term. That context shapes what “best” really means for most people: lower-risk, accessible vehicles that don’t require locking up large amounts of capital. Index funds, high-yield savings and dollar-cost averaging strategies consistently serve cautious investors well.

Bottom line

Investing for daily income requires a strategic approach and a clear understanding of the various opportunities available. Some investments, like dividend stocks or REITs, provide frequent payouts, while others offer the potential for daily earnings through price appreciation or interest accrual.

Diversifying your investments across different asset classes and payout schedules can enhance your ability to generate daily income. You can balance higher-risk options, such as cryptocurrency staking or selling covered calls, with more stable choices like fixed-income investments or high-yield savings accounts to generate consistent income.

Depending on your brokerage account, combining these different investments can diversify your portfolio and potentially create multiple income streams.

Frequently asked questions

• How much do I need to invest to make $1,000 per month?

  The amount you need to invest to make $1,000 per month depends on the type of investment and the rate of return. For example, a portfolio worth $300,000 earning 4% in dividends could result in a monthly income of $1,000.

• How long does it take to double your money?

  To estimate how long it will take to double your money, many investors use the Rule of 72. Simply divide 72 by your annual rate of return to get the approximate number of years needed to double your investment.⁽⁸⁾

  For example, if your investment earns 10% interest per year, it will take 7.2 years to double in value — calculated by dividing 72 by 10.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Matt Miczulski as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Gabriel Vito

Writer

Add to Preferred Sources

Gabriel Vito is a freelance personal finance writer for Finder. With over four years of experience, he has crafted helpful guides and articles covering various personal finance topics, including credit cards, investing and banking. Gabriel's work has been featured on Yahoo Finance, NASDAQ, GoBankingRates, and more. He has a Bachelor's Degree in English and is passionate about helping others navigate their financial journey. See full bio

Gabriel's expertise

Gabriel has written 28 Finder guides across topics including:

• Banking
• Personal Loans
• Car Loans
• Stock Trading