Investing Insights

Magnifying glass highlighting mutual funds, representing focus on international funds and LTCG tax changes in Budget 2024

Budget 2024: Change in LTCG Taxation on International Funds – Should You Consider Investing?

In the July 2024 Budget, the Finance Minister announced changes in the Long Term Capital Gain (LTCG) taxation for some asset classes. These include equity fund of funds (FoFs), international equity FoFs, gold mutual funds, etc. Earlier, these were subject to taxation at the individual’s slab rate due to a change in the taxation of debt mutual funds in the previous budget. After the recent LTCG changes, the appeal of these asset classes has increased. In this article, we will understand what international equity mutual funds are, their features, how they are taxed, and whether you should invest in them.

Street signs labeled Financial and Independence symbolizing the path to achieving financial freedom

What Is Financial Independence and How to Achieve It?

On 15th August, we celebrate Independence Day. We celebrate the spirit of freedom that gives us the right to live a life the way we want to. Have you thought about financial freedom in a similar way? When you achieve financial independence, it gives you more control over your time and further live a life the way you want to. In this article, we will discuss what financial independence is, its benefits, and how to achieve it.

Visual comparison of ETFs versus Index Funds highlighting key differences for passive investing choices

ETFs Versus Index Funds: What Are the Differences, and Which One Should You Choose?

In the last few years, there has been a rise in passive investing due to factors like diversification, low costs, wide availability and choice of passive funds, ease of investing, etc. When it comes to passive investing, there are two ways of doing it. Exchange traded funds (ETFs) and index funds. In this article, we will understand what are ETFs and index funds, the differences, and which one you should choose.

Conceptual illustration of portfolio rebalancing with lightbulb icon symbolizing smart investment strategy

Portfolio Rebalancing: What Is It and How to Do It

As of August 2024, the stock markets are trading near all-time high levels. In the last one year (as of 31st July 2024), the Nifty 50 Index has risen 26.31%. The Nifty Midcap 150 Index, with 54.60% returns, and the Nifty Smallcap 250 Index, with 58.06% returns, have done even better. During the same period, fixed income has been steady, with most debt instruments giving 7-9% returns. As a result, an investor's asset allocation would get skewed in favour of equities. Hence, the investor needs to do portfolio rebalancing. In this article, we will understand what portfolio rebalancing is, why, when, and how you should do it.

Creative planning diagram with notes and colored pencils illustrating the importance of planning for a child’s higher education

Why Should You Plan for Your Child’s Higher Education?

It is August 2024, and by now, you must have paid the annual school fees for your child for the academic year 2024-25. You must have noticed that the school may have increased the fees compared to last year to counter the impact of inflation. The same holds true for your child's higher education. The cost of education will increase with every passing year, and by the time it is time for your child to take admission to college, the education cost will have increased substantially.

Woman checking wallet and bills to identify financial leakages and improve savings for investment goals

Plugging Financial Leakages to Save Money for Investing Towards Financial Goals

Ajay had a salary account with a bank. He had to open another salary account with another bank after changing his job. As the earlier bank account was a zero-balance account, Ajay maintained some balance and forgot about it. With no salary credit for a few months, the bank changed the account status to a regular savings account. The minimum average balance (MAB) non-maintenance charges were levied as the balance maintained was lower than the required minimum balance.

Document labeled Investment Strategies on a desk, representing growth and value investing approaches

Investment Strategies: Growth and Value Investing

The stock markets go through various business/economic cycles of ups and downs from time to time. During these phases, various stocks do well based on certain criteria. For example, growth/momentum stocks usually do well during bull markets, and value stocks do well during bear markets. The investment strategy that you follow influences your returns. In this article, we will understand the various investment strategies and which one you should follow to maximise your portfolio returns.

Financial expert discussing investment charts with a client, highlighting the role of expert guidance in financial planning

Importance of an Investment Expert in the Financial Planning Process

Have you ever seen any sportsperson without a coach? The sports person may be the best in their game and way ahead of others. Yet, they always train with a coach, who may also be their guide, mentor, etc. In the world of investments, an investment expert can play the same role as that of a coach in sports. An investment expert can be your advisor, coach, guide, mentor, etc. In this article, we will understand the importance of an investment expert in the financial planning process.

Notebook labeled Financial Planning on a desk with coffee and glasses, symbolizing the start of a personal finance journey

Financial Planning: Basic Things to Get in Place Before You Start Your Financial Planning Journey

Comprehensive financial planning is the gateway to achieving your financial goals and achieving financial freedom. However, before starting the financial planning process, you must get certain basic things in place. In this article, we will understand these basic things to get in place before you embark on your financial planning journey.

Eraser removing the word debt, symbolizing debt repayment through snowball and avalanche methods

Debt Repayment: Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche Methods

Debt can be a double-edged sword. It can be a boon or a bane, depending on the purpose for which it is used and how it repaid. It is a boon when debt is taken for meeting important financial goals like buying a house and regularly paying the EMIs.

A professional financial advisor using a laptop and calculator at a well-lit desk, symbolizing goal-based financial planning, investment expertise, and personalized wealth management with a focus on trust and client-centricity.

Accelerated Trends of Women Investing in India

It is truly inspiring to see a significant increase in women's participation in the wealth creation process. As India transforms as a nation with more equitable opportunities for everyone, women are taking the pole position in many spheres of life.

Person checking their credit score of 751 on a laptop, with a credit health dashboard highlighting payment history, amounts owed, and credit history—reinforcing the importance of responsible financial behavior and informed investment decisions.

Ways of Improving Your Credit Score

When you apply for a loan/credit card, the bank considers various factors. Based on these factors, the bank decides whether to accept or reject the application, the loan amount/credit limit, the interest rate, and other factors. Some of these factors include your age, income, credit score, profession, repayment capacity, city of residence, etc. The credit score is an important factor, and having a good score is the key to getting the loan/credit card approved. In this article, we will understand some ways on how to increase credit score.