Investing Insights

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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.

Thematic funds vs sectoral mutual funds illustration highlighting recent inflows and investment decision factors.

Sectoral/Thematic Funds Have Seen Inflows of Rs. 55,000 Crores in the Last 6 Months: Should You Invest?

As of July 2024, sectoral and thematic mutual funds have seen more than Rs. 55,000 crore inflows in the last six months. The AMCs are on a NFO launching spree and mutual fund investors are lapping these funds. So, what are these sectoral/thematic funds, why are investors pouring so much money into these, and should you invest? Let us discuss.

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.

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?

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5 Most Effective Ways to Get Your Financial Life on Track in 2023

To get your financial life on track in 2023, focus on key strategies like creating a budget, cutting unnecessary expenses, building an emergency fund, starting a SIP in ELSS for tax-saving investments, and investing in personal growth. With careful planning and the guidance of a financial planner, you can achieve financial stability and work toward a secure future.

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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.