There are limits to human memory and attention and it is not difficult to miss basic steps in a task. Therefore, a checklist can be extremely useful. A checklist breaks down a complex task into a series of steps. You can follow the steps as mentioned in the checklist (READ-DO checklist) or you can confirm that the steps mentioned in the checklist have been followed … [Read more...] about The Financial Checklist
financial planning
5 Financial Habits that can ruin your Financial Life
Avoiding bad financial decisions is as important as making good ones, but what influences you to make such good or bad financial decisions? Your decisions are a reflection of your financial habits i.e. a reflection of who you are as an investor and as a person. In this post, we will look at 5 financial habits that you can affect your financial lives adversely. #1 Think more and … [Read more...] about 5 Financial Habits that can ruin your Financial Life
Planning to Retire early? A few things to keep in mind
Who does not want to retire early? No bosses to report to. No need to slog or worry about Monday blues. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? By the way, an early retirement does not mean that you will simply sit around and do nothing. It is about the freedom to do what you want to do without affecting the lifestyle you desire. That may mean no work or engaging in something … [Read more...] about Planning to Retire early? A few things to keep in mind
What is Portfolio Rebalancing? How it helps?
You start with a certain asset allocation mix. At regular intervals, you bring your portfolio to original asset allocation mix. Let’s say you have Rs 20 lacs to invest. You have two asset classes Equity and Debt. You invest Rs 10 lacs in Equity and Rs 10 lacs in Debt. Asset allocation of 50:50. During the next 1 year, Equity gives 20% returns while Debt gives 5% … [Read more...] about What is Portfolio Rebalancing? How it helps?
Financial Planning and Investing more
For many of us, when we think about investments, the focus is mostly on returns. Not unfair. Everybody wants adequate reward for the risk taken. However, when you think in terms of financial goals or financial planning, return is not the only part of the equation. Let’s look at the equation for compounding. A = P * (1+r)^n Where P is the amount invested, r is return … [Read more...] about Financial Planning and Investing more
How to invest if you have low risk appetite?
Investors have different levels of risk tolerance. Some don’t bat an eyelid even if their portfolio nosedives by 25-30% while others worry even if their portfolio is down half a percent. The first category of investors are likely experienced investors while the second category have a low level of risk tolerance. How should such investors with low risk appetite or tolerance … [Read more...] about How to invest if you have low risk appetite?
What is better for you: A Fee-only Financial planner or a Fee-based planner?
Are you looking for a financial planner or financial adviser? Who would you go to? There is no dearth of choices. Let’s look at some of the common financial advisers/ planners/agents you may encounter: Mutual Funds Distributors (MFDs) or Independent Financial Advisors (IFA) Insurance Agents Bank branches/ relationship managers SEBI Registered Investment … [Read more...] about What is better for you: A Fee-only Financial planner or a Fee-based planner?
The Problem lies not with the Investment but with Investor Expectations
One of the few things that I remember from induction training on the first day of my professional career many years back is a quote from a presenter that Expectation reduces Joy. From the perspective of a large software company, it was important to have employees with not too high expectations. However, even as an employee, it made a lot of sense. Your expectations about … [Read more...] about The Problem lies not with the Investment but with Investor Expectations
A Visit to the Park or Snakes & Ladders?
Every profession requires you to have persuasive skills. You have to persuade your boss to grant you a leave. You have to persuade our team member to agree to your line of thinking. Your boss has to persuade you to work over the weekend. You may say your boss hasn’t really persuaded you to stay work over weekend. But he used his Authority to make you work. You could have … [Read more...] about A Visit to the Park or Snakes & Ladders?
PPF rates cut again and the Equity brigade will rejoice
PPF interest rate has been cut from 8% p.a. to 7.9% p.a. for the April-June quarter. This is the first time PPF interest rate has fallen below 8% p.a. By the way, PPF is NOT the only investment product for which the interest rates have been cut. Interest rates for other small savings schemes (Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme) have also been cut by … [Read more...] about PPF rates cut again and the Equity brigade will rejoice
