Investing Insights

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?

Goal-Based Investing - What if Investments are not Linked with Financial Goals?

Investing using a goal based SIP calculator is an approach to investing that aligns the investor’s financial goals with their investments. The idea is that an investor’s investments should be tailored to their individual life goals, such as retirement, college savings, or buying a home. The goal-based investing approach encourages investors to analyze their financial goals and create a portfolio that is tailored to meeting those goals.

Rising stacks of coins on year blocks with an hourglass, representing improving finances and long-term planning.

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.

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.

Visual representing mutual fund tax changes after Budget 2024, including capital gains and taxation impact.

Mutual Fund Taxation: Changes After Budget 2024

During Budget 2024, the Finance Minister rationalised and simplified long-term capital gain (LTCG) taxation across asset classes. Two major announcements were made for the same.

A person using a stylus to point at a rising arrow and percentage symbols on a digital screen beside a yellow piggy bank, representing how interest rates and market movements impact debt mutual fund returns.

Three Things That Could Surprisingly Affect Your Debt Mutual Fund Returns

The 95 Lakh Crore Fixed-Deposit base in India is witnessing an exodus these days. With key FD rates falling to near 6 per cent levels, more investors are turning to debt mutual fund investments to park their low risk funds.

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?

upward gold arrow showing the record high silver prices, with silver bars in the foreground

Silver Prices Are at a Record High: Should You Invest?

In April 2024, the silver prices made headlines by crossing all-time highs to touch Rs. 85,000 per kg. Silver has the dual benefit of being a precious metal and industrial metal. High inflation and geopolitical uncertainty have boosted the demand for precious metals.

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.

Hands holding a notepad reading “Follow the Guidelines,” symbolising IRDAI’s policyholder-friendly initiatives and regulatory measures designed to protect insurance customers.

IRDAI Has Announced Policyholder-Friendly Initiatives: How Will They Benefit You?

In the last few years, the awareness about the importance of health insurance has increased a lot. Many people who earlier did not have health insurance or were dependent only on employer's group cover or other group health insurance schemes have taken individual/family floater health insurance plans.