One big advantage that ULIPs have over equity mutual funds is that the maturity proceeds from ULIPs are exempt from tax. On the other hand, the long-term capital gains on the sale of equity mutual funds are taxed at 10%. LTCG on sale of debt mutual funds is taxed at 20% after indexation. In an earlier post, I highlighted why I still prefer mutual funds over ULIPs. I don’t deny … [Read more...] about If you are old, avoid ULIPs
Mutual funds
Why NAV of Direct Plans is higher than Regular Plans of MF schemes
In one of my earlier posts, I discussed how you can avoid distribution costs by investing in direct plans of mutual fund schemes. I also established the quantum of long-term savings you stood to make by investing in direct plans of MF schemes. To find out more about direct plans, read my article in Business Standard about direct plans of mutual funds here. In this post, I will … [Read more...] about Why NAV of Direct Plans is higher than Regular Plans of MF schemes
How can NRIs invest in mutual funds in India?
As a non-resident, you may want to take exposure to Indian equity markets. Picking up stocks on their own is not everybody’s cup of team. Such non-resident investors may take exposure to equity markets through equity mutual funds. In this post, I will discuss answer basic queries that an NRI investor may have about mutual fund investments in India. I will also discuss the … [Read more...] about How can NRIs invest in mutual funds in India?
Performance Comparison: Direct plans vs. Regular plans of Mutual Funds
Mutual Fund Direct plans have been around for over 5 years now. Under direct plans of mutual fund schemes, you invest directly with the mutual fund house. There is no intermediary or distributor involved. Hence, you save on intermediary costs. This reflects in better returns as compared to regular plans of MF schemes. Under regular (or distributor) plans, you invest through a … [Read more...] about Performance Comparison: Direct plans vs. Regular plans of Mutual Funds
Best Mutual Fund Direct Plan Platforms in India (How to invest in Direct Mutual Funds online?)
The awareness about direct mutual funds (or direct plans of mutual fund schemes) is increasing. And why not? You stand to earn higher returns for no additional risk. It is foolish to invest in regular plans if you are a do-it-yourself investor. You are compromising on returns for no hint of advice. Even for those who need assistance, it may be a good choice to work with a … [Read more...] about Best Mutual Fund Direct Plan Platforms in India (How to invest in Direct Mutual Funds online?)
Should you invest in Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs)?
Every few months, we see Non-convertible debenture (NCD) issues from various companies. As on date (September 7, 2019), the NCD issues from Tata Housing, Aadhar Housing Finance and IndiaBulls Commercial Credit are live. Should you invest in such NCDs? Well, in this post, I will not review any particular issue of NCD. I will focus the benefits and risks involved in investing … [Read more...] about Should you invest in Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs)?
How Tax loss Harvesting can help you save Capital Gains Tax?
Introduction on tax on the long-term capital gain (LTCG) on the sale of equity funds/shares is a clear pain point for the equity investors. If you rebalance your portfolio at regular intervals (which you should) or have been planning to switch your regular plan investments to direct plan, you will have to incur some cost now. Earlier (before the introduction of the tax on … [Read more...] about How Tax loss Harvesting can help you save Capital Gains Tax?
How (not) to invest for Children’s education?
Whenever I deride an insurance and investment combo plan, I get many queries about how to invest for your kids’ education. When you are planning for kids’ education, your biggest concerns are: Where to invest i.e. choosing the right product to accumulate funds for their education If something happens to you, your planned savings for the kid’s education must not … [Read more...] about How (not) to invest for Children’s education?
How a low growth in CII can affect your post-tax returns and investment choices?
Long Term Capital gains on sale on debt mutual fund units are taxed at 20% after indexation. That is primarily the reason why many investors choose to invest money in debt mutual funds if the investment horizon is more than 3 years. I am talking about money that you don’t want to invest in volatile assets such as equity. While this is mostly correct, this may not always hold … [Read more...] about How a low growth in CII can affect your post-tax returns and investment choices?
How to calculate capital gains and returns? (After MF scheme mergers due to SEBI Categorization)
SEBI mandated rationalization and categorization of mutual fund schemes in October 2017. With this rule, all the existing mutual fund schemes had to fit in one of the categories specified by SEBI. There was an additional rule of only one fund per category per AMC. This resulted in many existing MF schemes getting merged in a new scheme. From an investor’s perspective, this is … [Read more...] about How to calculate capital gains and returns? (After MF scheme mergers due to SEBI Categorization)
