International mutual fund schemes have seen a significant resurgence in investor interest, attracting approximately Rs 7,600 crore in net inflows over the past year, a stark reversal from previous outflows, driven by their strong outperformance against domestic markets and limited AI-linked investment opportunities in India.
The tax treatment of equity savings funds makes them appealing, especially to investors in higher income-tax brackets.
'Users should protect their savings goals before allocating money to discretionary expenditure.'
Life cycle funds may suit people who are starting their investing journey. They may suit those who do not want to monitor their investments frequently. Busy professionals, beginners and delegators, who lack the time, information or interest to manage asset allocation actively, may find these funds useful.
Investors should do thorough due diligence when selecting a platform.
Behind the aesthetics of an entrepreneurial lifestyle lies a silent financial crisis that nobody is talking about: Freelancers are sprinting toward a retirement brick wall.
RIS Steady Life Cycle begins with an equity allocation of 35 per cent at age 60, which gradually reduces. Between ages 75 and 85, it remains constant at 10 per cent.
Understanding a product and assessing its suitability improve the chances of staying invested. Use life insurance mainly to cover risk, not to seek returns.
Amidst a sharp run-up in gold and silver prices, investors are advised to rebalance their portfolios by booking partial profits in precious metals and reallocating to domestic equities and debt, according to financial experts.
Rising income feels like success but unchecked lifestyle inflation traps urban professionals into financing a more expensive version of living paycheck-to-paycheck -- buying material upgrades instead of true future financial freedom.
The impact of currency depreciation can also be mitigated by holding a portion of your investment portfolio in dollar-denominated assets.
Your children may always love you but should you expect them to to finance your retirement in today's economy?
Since this is a long-term investment, investors must do their homework and choose a fund manager carefully.
In the rush to complete tax-saving investments at the end of the financial year, many taxpayers choose instruments that do not match their long-term financial goals.
Of course, NOT! Here's why. And here's how you can increase your Rs 1 crore retirement corpus.
If you have ever said 'I'll sort retirement later,' now is when 'later' begins.
'I own a few cars that I have had specified minutely to my taste, and it does feel nice to know that there are no other vehicles like them anywhere in the world.'
This exercise allows investors to realign their portfolios with changing market conditions and evolving personal objectives.
Overlap refers to the same stocks appearing across fund portfolios.
Flexicap fund performance depends heavily on the fund manager's decisions.
Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
Those who have binged on credit must spend less, cut discretionary expenses, and focus on repayment.
'It takes time and the experience of a few market cycles to develop awareness about one's true risk appetite.'
'Having a separate healthcare corpus is extremely important even for those already covered by health insurance.'
Young earners with high incomes and few responsibilities can save more than 30 per cent, while those with low salaries and high expenses may save less.
Do not get trapped in the fear-and-greed cycle. Let time and discipline do the heavy lifting, points out Harsh Roongta.
With duties at 15%, GST at 3%, and making charges running as high as 20% -- the gap between a smart purchase and a careless one can easily be Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 on every Rs 1 lakh invested. And most of that gap is entirely avoidable. Ramalingam Kalirajan explains the math.
Use these loans to meet emergency needs, and not to fund holidays or luxury purchases.
Majority of equity fund managers were able to squeeze in some extra returns over their benchmarks in 2024-25 (FY25). While some managed to do so by delivering outsized returns during the equity market rally in the first half of the year (H1FY25), others succeeded by limiting the downside during the market downturn.
New investors should not allow themselves to fall prey to FOMO and rush headlong into gold.
'If you invest in a rush at the last moment, you could compromise on selecting the best tax-saving options.'
Ask rediffGURU and PF and MF expert Janak Patel your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
Customers must sign the agreement promptly to avoid disruptions. They should read it thoroughly and understand their rights and obligations.
Start your journey to financial freedom today. Ask your questions and let our experts show you the way to a secure and prosperous future.
Many senior citizens 'underestimate the impact of inflation, taxation, health-related expenses, and the heavy premium they will have to pay on health insurance.'
Only experienced investors with a high risk appetite, a grasp of market cycles, and comfort with volatility and timing risk should invest.
'Trading without strict position sizing, stop-loss discipline, or a clear exit plan almost guarantees losses.' 'Chasing tips, reacting to intraday noise, or assuming frequent trading improves outcomes are equally damaging habits.'
'If the markets correct further, PSU stocks could continue to decline.'
'Understand how wedding expenses fit into your overall financial situation.' 'Evaluate how different levels of spending will impact other goals like retirement, travel, or housing.'
Despite similar tax treatment, debt MFs enjoy certain advantages over FDs.
