Investing Insights

Gopal Gidwani

Finance Content Writer

Gopal Gidwani is a freelance personal finance content writer with 15+ years of experience.

Apart from writing on savings and investments, in his free time, he loves exploring credit card rewards and loyalty programs.

He can be reached at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gopalgidwani/

Stack of silver coins leaning in front of a blurred clock, symbolizing the concept of time and risk in smallcap mutual fund investments.

Should You Invest In Smallcap Mutual Funds

In December 2023, the smallcap funds got inflows of Rs. 3,857 crores. The inflows were the 2nd highest in the equity category after sectoral/thematic funds. So, why are investors rushing to invest in smallcap MFs, and should you also invest? Let us find out.

Hand holding a smartphone displaying stacked coins with an upward growth arrow, symbolising smart investing and wealth growth

A Step-by-Step Guide to Personal Financial Planning

Some individuals follow a return-centric approach to investing. They chase returns by selecting mutual funds based on the last one and three-year returns. However, that is not the right approach. The appropriate approach is to identify your financial goals and invest towards fulfilling them. It keeps you focused on your investments for the long term till the goals are achieved. The personal financial planning journey can help you map all your financial goals, invest towards them, and review them till they are achieved. In this article, we will understand what is personal financial planning and how to go about it.

Illustration explaining STP in mutual funds, showing transfer from savings account and liquid fund to equity mutual fund for systematic investing.

What Is STP in Mutual Funds and Its Types

Have you recently received a lump sum as an annual bonus from the employer, maturity proceeds of a financial product, or won prize money from some competition/lucky draw? You must be wondering how to invest this money in a staggered manner while not worrying about impulsive spending. A systematic transfer plan (STP) can help you do that. In this article, we will understand what is STP in mutual fund, its benefits, how to do it, and things to consider before doing an STP.

Piggy bank with a life jacket floating in water, illustrating the concept of a financial emergency fund.

Emergency Fund: What Is It, Why and How Much of It Should You Have?

In 2023-24, many IT companies and start-ups laid off many employees. The IT companies had to lay off people as the demand or discretionary spending pickup in their major market, i.e. the US, was not as strong as expected. The start-ups had to lay off people as they were not able to raise subsequent round(s) of funding due to the funding winter. In both scenarios, people who lost jobs were left in the lurch. As the IT and start-up sectors were going through a soft patch, it was difficult for these people to either get new jobs or at the same/better pay package.

An individual analysing financial data, representing common personal finance mistakes.

9 Personal Finance Mistakes to Avoid

You must have heard the famous phrase: "Knowing is half the battle". It signifies the importance of being informed. The other half is the application of knowledge. Unknowingly, people do make mistakes and learn from them. However, learning from personal finance mistakes can come at a cost and derail or push you back in your financial planning journey. Hence, it is best to be aware of these money mistakes and avoid them so your financial planning journey can be smooth. In this article, we will discuss some common financial mistakes to avoid.

A stylized illustration of a person balancing on a seesaw between two money bags labeled “Mutual Fund” and “Stocks,” representing the choice between mutual funds and stock investing.

Mutual Funds vs Stocks: Which Investment Is Right for You?

An individual can invest in equities through two primary modes: Direct equity and equity mutual funds. Both options have their pros and cons. Many investors often ask, mutual fund vs stock: Which is better? In this article, we will understand these investment options, the pros and cons of each, the difference between stocks and mutual funds, and which is better to invest in.

Hand signing a legal will document on a desk with a judge’s gavel and scales of justice, representing succession planning and estate management.

Succession Planning: What Is a Will, Terms Related to It, and How to Make It?

As per Indian succession laws, on the death of an individual, their assets are distributed among the legal heirs. The legal heirs are categorised into various classes and are listed in the sequence in which they can claim the assets. However, what if you want to distribute your assets to other people along with your legal heirs?

Smartphone displaying a KYC verification screen placed next to a laptop, representing digital Know Your Customer compliance and status verification

New KYC Changes Applicable From 1st April: How to Check Your Status and What Should You Do?

SEBI has made changes to the KYC requirements from 1st April 2024. All AMCs and SEBI Registered Intermediaries (SRIs) have to check the KYC details of existing investors and new investors. As a result, all investors will have to check their KYC status to continue with their existing and new investments.

Budget 2024: What to Expect – Tax Exemptions, Deductions, Change in Slabs or Status Quo?

With the new Government in place and the continuation of Nirmala Sitharaman as the Finance Minister, the Union Budget is expected to be presented in July 2024. The expectations from the Finance Minister are running high from all sections of taxpayers. In this article, we will look at what can a common man expect from the budget.

A laptop displaying a detailed financial dashboard with charts and data metrics, illustrating the research and risk assessment required for alternative investment options.

Alternative Investments Are Booming: Be Aware of the Risks Before Investing

In the last few years, some fintechs have brought alternative investments within the reach of retail investors. Earlier, these opportunities were limited to specific investors like corporates, HNIs, family offices, etc. As alternative investments are accessible to retail investors, they have become popular in the last few years, and continue to grow at a fast pace. Before taking the plunge into alternative investments, retail investors should weigh the risks and rewards properly. So, what are some of the alternative investments available, and the risks that they carry?

Illustration showing how credit card reward points can be used to book free flight tickets for travel and vacations, highlighting smart use of credit card benefits.

How can credit card rewards help you book flight tickets for your vacation?

Family vacations are one of the best ways to take a break from your busy work schedule, rejuvenate yourself, and return to work with a fresh start. Many people realise the importance of vacations and have included 1-2 vacations in a year as part of their goal list.

Person seated at a table with a model house, piggy bank, and blocks spelling “SAVE,” representing ways to save money on a home loan

Ways of Saving Money on a Home Loan

Purchasing a house with a home loan is one of the biggest financial commitments an individual makes during their lifetime. Usually, a home loan tenure ranges from five to thirty years. The longer the tenure, the higher the interest amount an individual pays.