10% Returns on Investment: 5 Strategies That Actually Work in 2026
According to a recent Allianz Life Study, only 25% of Americans think that right now is a good time to be investing, and 71% admitted to being concerned about the impact of market volatility on their long-term finances.
While uncertainty looms over Americans, you don’t want to miss out on investment returns. If you have the appetite for some risk and want to try to earn returns of 10% or more, then we’ve compiled a list of strategies that actually work in 2026.
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It’s important to stress that a higher return generally means higher risk. If you’re comfortable taking on higher risk for the chance of higher returns, these are five investment strategies worth looking into.
1. Long-Term Stock Investing
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Risk: Medium to high
Who it’s best for: Patient investors who can wait at least five years
“To try and earn a ten percent annual rate of return, one could invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks and over the long run one could expect to earn a ten percent annual rate of return,” said Robert R. Johnson, chartered financial analyst (CFA) and professor of finance at Heider College of Business, Creighton University. “According to data compiled by Ibbotson Associates, large capitalization stocks (think S&P 500) returned 10.4% compounded annually from 1926 through 2024.”
He stressed that anyone with a long-term horizon should neither invest in money market instruments nor fear stock market volatility. Johnson added, “If one has a long time horizon and one is shooting for a 10% annual rate of return, the stock market provides a good opportunity.”
2. Invest in Index Funds
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Risk: Medium
Who it’s best for: Patient investors with a long investing horizon
David Bacon, a financial expert and director of marketing at WellStreet Financial, recommends investing in S&P 500 index funds, as this is the most accessible option for most people because you can get started with whatever amount you have. He pointed out that the S&P 500 has averaged roughly 10% annually since 1928, but you need to be in it for the long haul to achieve returns of around 10% because of market swings.
3. Purchase Real Estate
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Risk: High
Who it’s best for: Investors looking for a physical asset and monthly income
Well-managed properties in strong markets can achieve 8% to over 10% annual returns, per Bacon. However, he warned that this number requires active management, such as finding tenants, handling repairs or dealing with vacancies.
If you invest in property, you have to factor in closing costs and that you shouldn’t sell for at least five years. This isn’t always the most accessible option, but based on recent history, property values can skyrocket. According to data from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS), housing prices went up 48% between 2019 and 2024. If you find the right tenants, you could also have a monthly income stream.
4. Your Career
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Risk: Low
Who it’s best for: Professionals looking to increase their earning potential
Changing jobs is an investment in your career that can provide decent returns. The median annual salary increase for those switching jobs was 7%, according to tracking data from ADP Research. However, if you want to get over the 10% ROI, you’ll want to boost your earnings with a new career certification or an investment in making more money.
For example, you can complete the Google Digital Marketing and E-commerce Certificate on Coursera for $49 a month and then have the ability to make extra money on the side. According to ZipRecruiter, you can earn around $40 an hour as a freelancer in this field, so with ten extra hours of weekly work, you can make an extra $1,600 monthly.
5. Peer-to-Peer Lending
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Risk: High
Who it’s best for: Investors looking for alternative options
With peer-to-peer lending, you become the lender when you loan money out to individuals and businesses who aren’t using a traditional lender. This option is ideal for those comfortable with higher risks in hopes of better returns.
According to Consumer Affairs, lenders can get a much higher return than they would if they left their funds in a regular banking account. While the data shows that average annual returns range from 9% to 12%, the results will depend on the types of borrowers you work with and the terms you accept.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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