5 Long Lost Investment Options may sound like something from the past, but many of these instruments once played a significant role in how Indians saved and invested money. Over time, changing regulations, modern financial products, and shifting investor preferences pushed these options out of the spotlight. However, understanding these forgotten investment avenues offers valuable insight into how investing has evolved and why some options disappeared altogether.
Why Some Investment Options Became “Long Lost”
Financial markets evolve continuously. New instruments emerge offering better liquidity, higher returns, or more transparency, while older options fade due to inefficiency, low returns, or regulatory changes. In many cases, these long-lost investments were well-suited to their time but failed to adapt to a rapidly modernising economy.
Let’s take a closer look at 5 long lost investment options that were once popular but are rarely discussed today.
1. Post Office Time Deposits (Old-Style Long Tenure Plans)
While post office schemes still exist, earlier versions offered very long tenures with fixed returns that appealed to conservative investors. These deposits were seen as extremely safe but gradually lost relevance as banks and mutual funds offered better flexibility and inflation-adjusted returns.
Why it faded:
Low returns and lack of liquidity compared to modern alternatives.
2. Company Fixed Deposits (Non-rated Era)
Before stricter regulations, many companies raised funds directly from the public through fixed deposits. These often promised higher interest rates than banks and were popular among retail investors.
Why it faded:
Several defaults and poor credit transparency led to loss of trust and tighter regulations.
3. Kisan Vikas Patra (Earlier Versions)
Earlier versions of Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) were highly attractive due to assured doubling of investment within a fixed time period. Over time, interest rates were revised downward and taxation norms reduced its appeal.
Why it faded:
Tax inefficiency and better-performing alternatives like mutual funds.
4. Recurring Deposits (RDs) as Long-Term Investments
Recurring Deposits were once one of the most popular ways for Indians to invest regularly. With fixed monthly contributions and guaranteed returns, RDs were seen as a disciplined, low-risk path to wealth creation—especially for salaried individuals and first-time investors.
However, over time, RDs lost their appeal as a long-term investment option.
Why it faded:
While RDs remain useful for short-term goals, their returns often fail to beat inflation over longer periods. Additionally, interest earned is fully taxable, which significantly reduces post-tax returns when compared to modern alternatives like mutual funds or hybrid products.
5. Endowment Insurance Policies as Investments
Endowment policies were once marketed aggressively as investment-cum-insurance products. Many investors used them as long-term savings tools rather than pure protection.
Why it faded:
Low returns and high costs compared to term insurance plus mutual fund strategies.
Updated Comparison of 5 Long Lost Investment Options
| Investment Option | Why It Was Popular | Key Drawback | Modern Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post Office Long Tenure Deposits | Safety & guaranteed returns | Low returns | Debt mutual funds |
| Company Fixed Deposits | Higher interest than banks | Credit risk | Rated bonds / NCDs |
| Kisan Vikas Patra (Old) | Guaranteed doubling | Tax inefficiency | PPF / Equity funds |
| Recurring Deposits (RDs) | Disciplined monthly savings | Inflation & tax impact | SIPs in mutual funds |
| Endowment Insurance | Forced savings | Poor returns | Term + Mutual funds |
Are Any of These Still Worth Considering Today?
In limited scenarios, some of these options may still suit extremely conservative investors or those prioritising capital protection over growth. However, for most investors, diversified modern instruments offer a better balance of risk and reward.
Understanding these products helps investors appreciate why diversification and adaptability are essential in long-term financial planning.
Final Thoughts
5 Long Lost Investment Options serve as a reminder that investing is as much about evolution as it is about returns. Learning from 5 Long Lost Investment Options can help investors make more informed, forward-looking decisions in today’s ever-evolving financial landscape.
