Mohit's Lady Luck Saved Him From Losing Lakhs In Pension

One fine Sunday morning, Mohit was enjoying his leisurely routine: newspaper in one hand and a steaming cup of chai in the other. Life was good — until an ad jumped out at him like a hyperactive salesperson.

"Retire Rich!" it blared, practically leaping off the page, promising:
"Invest Rs.20 lakhs annually for 6 years only, then take a 4-year vacation from payments. From 11th year onward enjoy a GUARANTEED pension of Rs.10 lakhs every year... for your entire life!
And, there's more.
Your nominee gets back the entire Rs.1.20 crores you invested after you kick the bucket!"

Mohit's eyes widened. This is it! My golden ticket to retired royalty! Visions of luxury cruises, premium golf memberships, and smugly telling his friends, "Oh, I'm retired, but busier than ever," filled his head.

"Ramya, come here! Look at this once-in-a-lifetime deal!" he shouted to his wife, grinning like a kid in a candy store.

Now, Ramya is a born skeptic and a woman who can sniff out bad deals (and apples) faster than you could say "Eureka". So, her sixth sense kicked in before Mohit could even finish his sentence.

"This sounds too good to be true," she said, narrowing her eyes. Mohit shrugged off her skepticism. Ramya, however, wasn't about to let him leap into a shark tank without a life jacket. She whipped out her phone and fired off an SOS message to me, their unofficial financial guru.

By evening, I was at their place, to save my dear friend and his family from sure-shot financial disaster. Armed with facts and logic, I had the look of someone about to burst Mohit's shiny retirement bubble.

"Why the long face?" Mohit asked, clearly unimpressed. "This is the deal of the century!"

"Alright, sit down. Let's do some quick and very simple math, which you also are well aware of.” I said, cracking my knuckles like a mathematician about to solve the world’s toughest problem.

"Take that Rs.20 lakhs you want to invest this year. Instead of giving it to this Pension Plan, let’s say you put it in a 10-year bank cumulative fixed deposit at 6.5% interest. How much do you think it’ll grow to?"

Mohit pulled out his banking calculator with the enthusiasm of a man about to prove me wrong. "Rs.37.54 lakhs!" he announced triumphantly.

"Great!" I said. “Now, what if you did the same thing for the next five years — Rs.20 lakhs annually, each FD for one year less?"

Mohit's confidence began to wobble a bit. He started wondering what this was all about. Still, going along with my game, he calculated the amounts: Rs.35.25 lakhs, Rs.33.10 lakhs, Rs.31.08 lakhs, Rs.29.18 lakhs, and Rs.27.40 lakhs.

"Now add them all up," I said with a grin.

Mohit did the math, and his jaw dropped. “Oh, it works out to Rs.1.94 crores?! That's way more than Rs.1.20 crores!"

"Exactly!" I exclaimed. "That's YOUR money growing steadily in FDs like a mango tree in full bloom.

And guess what? If you reinvest that Rs.1.94 crores in an FD with an annual payout, you'd get around Rs.12.5 lakhs a year as against 'Rs.10 lakhs' promised by the Pension Plan. Would you be happy losing Rs.2.50 lakhs annually... and that too year after year for the next around 20-30 years?"

"But the ad says 8.33% annuity rate!" Mohit protested weakly, holding up the newspaper like a defense attorney clutching their last piece of evidence.

"Ah, the good old jargon trap," I replied. "They’re calling it an 'annuity rate', not your actual return on investment. It's a marketing trick designed to confuse people like you!" I was feeling sorry for all those who had fallen for this trap.

By now, Mohit was looking like a man who’d just realized his dream vacation was actually a day dream.

"And let’s not forget your nominee," I added. "The Pension Plan gives your daughter Rs.1.20 crores after you, uh, exit the stage. But with the FD route, she'd inherit Rs.1.94 crores. That's another Rs.74 lakhs gone if you take the Pension Plan route. You'd be robbing your own child, Mohit!"

The final blow had landed. Mohit sat there, defeated, clutching his calculator like a lifeline.

"By the way, don’t get me started on the lock-in aspect." I continued. "Once you hand over your Rs.1.2 crore, that money is as good as gone until you meet your maker. Want to withdraw funds in an emergency? Too bad. Fancy buying a holiday home in Goa? Not happening. Your financial flexibility is permanently tied up with them, all for the privilege of getting less than what you deserve.

Ramya, meanwhile, was smirking in triumph. "I told you so," her expression said without uttering a word.

Mohit muttered a grudging "thank you" to his lady luck, who simply smiled and got up to set the table for a delicious dinner.

Moral of the story? If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Always do the math, or better yet, have a “Lady Luck” by your side to save you from financial folly. A Pension Plan may sound like the golden goose of retirement, but if you do the math, you might find that the goose is laying eggs of mediocrity. IT'S ALL GLITTER AND NO GOLD.

As for Mohit, he still hopes for a dream retirement — but now it involves right guidance, solid investments and a smart wife, not some glizty ads about Pension Plans, Cryptos, Futures & Options, and what not.

7 Key Tips For A Day Trader

Disclaimer: Day trading is highly injurious to your financial health. This blog, therefore, strongly advocates AGAINST day trading. However, if someone simply can't resist the temptation, s/he must follow some important rules to minimze the damage.


Day trading is a thrilling yet challenging endeavor that requires a unique set of skills, discipline, and strategies. It involves buying and selling shares within the same trading day, aiming to profit from short-term price fluctuations.

While the allure of quick profits can be enticing, day trading can also be risky and demanding.

To navigate this fast-paced world successfully, day traders need a solid foundation of knowledge and a well-defined approach.

In this article, we will discuss seven key tips that can help day traders succeed in the dynamic world of day trading.

1. Education and Research
The first and most crucial step for any aspiring day trader is to invest in education and thorough research. Day trading is not a get-rich-quick scheme; it's a skill that must be honed over time. Start by understanding the basics of the financial markets, including stocks, forex, and commodities. Learn about trading strategies, technical analysis, and fundamental analysis.

Additionally, consider enrolling in trading courses or seminars led by experienced professionals. Many reputable online platforms offer comprehensive day trading courses that cover everything from market mechanics to risk management. Stay updated with financial news and market trends, as this knowledge will be instrumental in making informed trading decisions.

2. Develop a Trading Plan
Successful day traders do not approach the markets haphazardly; they have a well-thought-out trading plan. Your trading plan should outline your goals, risk tolerance, and strategies. It should also specify your entry and exit criteria, as well as the amount of capital you're willing to risk on each trade.

Establishing a trading plan helps you stay disciplined and avoid impulsive decisions, which can lead to significant losses. It's essential to stick to your plan, even in the face of emotional turbulence that often accompanies trading.

3. Risk Management
Day trading involves inherent risks, and protecting your capital should be a top priority. Risk management is the key to longevity in day trading. One commonly recommended rule is the "1% rule," which advises risking no more than 1% of your trading capital on a single trade. This rule helps protect your capital from substantial losses and ensures you have enough funds to continue trading.

Another aspect of risk management is setting stop-loss orders. These are predetermined points at which you will sell a position if the trade goes against you. Stop-loss orders are crucial for limiting potential losses and preventing a small setback from turning into a disaster.

4. Choose the Right Broker
Selecting the right brokerage platform is vital for day traders. Look for a broker that offers competitive commissions, a reliable trading platform, and excellent customer support. The trading platform should be user-friendly and equipped with essential tools like real-time market data, technical analysis charts, and order execution capabilities.

Additionally, consider the broker's access to various financial markets, as day traders often diversify their portfolios across different assets to spread risk. Ensure that the broker you choose aligns with your trading goals and strategies.

5. Practice with a Demo Account
Before risking real capital, practice your day trading strategies with a demo account. Most reputable brokers offer demo accounts that allow you to trade with virtual money, simulating real market conditions. This practice helps you familiarize yourself with the trading platform and test your strategies without incurring losses.

Start with a demo account to gain confidence and fine-tune your trading techniques. Keep in mind that success in a demo environment doesn't guarantee success in the live market, but it's a crucial step in your preparation.

6. Embrace Continuous Learning
The financial markets are dynamic, and what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. Therefore, successful day traders must embrace continuous learning and adaptation. Stay open to new strategies and technologies that can improve your trading performance.

Attend webinars, read books, and follow experienced traders on social media or trading forums to stay informed about the latest developments in day trading. Consider keeping a trading journal to record your trades and analyze your performance regularly. This practice can help you identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses in your strategy.

7. Manage Emotions
Emotions can be the downfall of many day traders. The volatility and pressure of day trading can lead to impulsive decisions driven by fear or greed. To be a successful day trader, you must learn to manage your emotions effectively.

One way to do this is by setting clear trading rules and sticking to them. Avoid chasing the market or trying to make up for losses with larger bets. Instead, take breaks when needed and practice relaxation techniques to stay focused and calm during trading hours.

Conclusion
Day trading offers the potential for significant financial rewards, but it comes with substantial risks. To succeed in this demanding field, day traders must prioritize education, discipline, and risk management. By developing a solid trading plan, continuously improving your skills, and staying emotionally resilient, you can increase your chances of thriving as a day trader.

Remember that success in day trading takes time, dedication, and a commitment to learning from both successes and failures.

How Many Funds Make an Ideal Portfolio?

 

Introduction
Building a well-diversified investment portfolio is crucial for long-term financial success.

One common question that investors often ask is how many funds they should include in their portfolio.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, this article aims to explore the factors to consider when determining the ideal number of funds for an investment portfolio.

Understanding Diversification
Diversification is a risk management strategy that involves spreading investments across different asset classes, sectors, and geographical regions. The primary goal is to reduce exposure to any single investment and minimize the potential impact of market volatility.

When constructing a diversified portfolio, investors should typically select funds that offer exposure to different types of assets, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities.

Factors to Consider
1. Investment Goals: The number of funds in a portfolio should align with your investment goals. For example, a long-term investor focused on wealth accumulation may choose a larger number of funds to capture diverse growth opportunities. On the other hand, a conservative investor with capital preservation as the main objective might opt for a smaller number of funds with lower risk profiles.

2. Risk Tolerance: Your tolerance for risk plays a significant role in determining the number of funds in your portfolio. Aggressive investors willing to take on higher risk may have a larger number of funds, including those with exposure to emerging markets or small-cap stocks. Conversely, conservative investors may prefer a more limited number of funds, with a focus on stable and established companies.

3. Time and Effort: Managing a portfolio can require time and effort. Consider how much time you can dedicate to researching, monitoring, and rebalancing your investments. If you have limited time or lack the necessary expertise, a smaller number of funds or index/exchange-traded funds (ETF) might be more suitable.

4. Fund Overlap: It is essential to evaluate the overlap between funds in your portfolio. Investing in multiple funds that hold similar securities may lead to overexposure and defeat the purpose of diversification. Analyze the underlying holdings and asset allocations of each fund to ensure they complement one another.

5. Cost Considerations: Each fund comes with expenses, including management fees and other administrative costs. As the number of funds increases, so does the overall cost of managing the portfolio. It is important to weigh the benefits of diversification against the associated expenses to ensure they align with your investment strategy.

Finding the Balance
Achieving the right balance in portfolio diversification is key. It is often recommended to strike a balance between the benefits of diversification and the complexity of managing multiple funds. Here are some approaches to consider:

a. Core-Satellite Approach: This strategy involves a core portfolio of broad-based funds that provide exposure to major asset classes, complemented by satellite funds that focus on specific sectors or investment themes. The core funds provide stability and long-term growth potential, while satellite funds offer additional diversification and the potential for higher returns.

b. Passive Funds: Investing in index funds and/or ETFs can simplify the process. These funds pool money from multiple investors and invest so as to mimic the underlying index e.g. Nifty 50, Sensex 30, Nifty Next 50 etc. Since they track the index they don't need active fund management, thereby saving you the time and effort of selecting and monitoring actively-managed funds.

c. Hybrid Funds: Another option is investing in asset allocation funds, also known as hybrid funds. These funds invest in a given mix of equity, debt and gold and automatically adjust their asset allocation from time to time based market performance. They provide a one-stop solution for diversification, as they invest in a mix of different asset classes.

Conclusion
While, there is no definitive answer to how many funds make an ideal portfolio, following the aforesaid approach, you can create an portfolio that is 'ideal' for you that can help you comfortably achieve your financial goals.

A Short n Quick Guide on Withdrawal of Rs.2000 Banknotes

In a surprising move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently announced the withdrawal of Rs.2000 banknotes from circulation.

This has left many people wondering about the appropriate course of action, if they possess these currency notes.

So here's a short and quick guide on what you should do if you currently hold Rs.2000 banknotes, to ensure a smooth transition and minimal inconvenience.

1. The banknotes of Rs.2000 denomination continue to be legal tender. So you can still use them for day-to-day transactions.

2. RBI has stipulated September 30, 2023 as the deadline, by which date you must deposit / exchange these banknotes. So there's no need urgency and hence you need not panic.

3. You can either deposit the Rs.2000 banknotes into your bank accounts and/or exchange them for banknotes of other denominations.

4. The process of deposit / exchange begins from May 23, 2023.

5. The facility to exchange is available at any bank branch, even if you don't have your account in that particular branch.

6. There is no limit on the amount of Rs.2000 banknotes that you can deposit in your account (in complaince with the KYC norms and other statutory requirements, if any).

7. However, if you wish to exchange them for other denominations, there is a limit of Rs.20,000 i.e. 10 notes at a time. But you can rejoin the queue, if have more than 10 notes to exchange. (For exchange through Banking Correspondents, the limit is 2 notes i.e. Rs.4000 per day.)

8. The exchange is free of cost and no fee is payable by you.

9. Nor do you have to fill up any slip, or provide any identification like Aadhaar etc. for exchanging the Rs.2000 banknotes.

10. The fate of undeposited or unexchanged Rs.2000 banknotes after Sept 30th is not yet known. So far RBI has not clarified this point.

7 Must-Read Books on Personal Finance and Investments

Personal finance and investments are universal topics that affect individuals worldwide, regardless of their geographical location.

By combining insights from different perspectives, we can gain a well-rounded understanding of managing our finances in an increasingly globalized world.

So, let's embark on this enlightening journey and discover valuable wisdom from both sides of the globe!

1. "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham
No list on personal finance and investments would be complete without Benjamin Graham's timeless classic, "The Intelligent Investor." This book, revered by investors worldwide, emphasizes the importance of value investing and understanding market behavior. Graham's insights on stock selection, risk management, and the concept of a margin of safety remain as relevant today as they were when the book was first published in 1949.

2. "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Robert T. Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad" has captivated readers globally with its unique approach to financial education. Drawing from his own experiences, Kiyosaki shares valuable lessons about financial independence and building wealth. By highlighting the difference between his "rich dad" and "poor dad's" mindsets, Kiyosaki challenges conventional notions of money and encourages readers to embrace entrepreneurship and investment as paths to financial success.

3. "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel
Moving beyond the technical aspects of finance, "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel delves into the behavioral and psychological aspects that influence our financial decisions. With engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking insights, Housel explores the role of human emotions, biases, and social pressures in our relationship with money. This book offers a refreshing perspective on personal finance and helps readers develop a healthier mindset towards wealth and investments.

4. "The Little Book of Common Sense Investing" by John C. Bogle
John C. Bogle, the founder of Vanguard Group, presents a compelling case for passive investing in "The Little Book of Common Sense Investing." Bogle advocates for low-cost index funds as a reliable investment strategy for long-term wealth accumulation. By focusing on the simplicity of index investing and avoiding the pitfalls of active management, Bogle empowers readers to make informed decisions and achieve steady returns over time.

5. "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
"The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko challenges preconceived notions of wealth and reveals surprising insights about self-made millionaires. The authors conducted extensive research to uncover common traits and habits among affluent individuals who quietly amassed wealth over time. This eye-opening book encourages readers to adopt a frugal lifestyle, prioritize savings, and make conscious decisions to build long-lasting financial security.

6. "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill
Originally published in 1937, "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill remains a classic in the realm of personal development and wealth creation. Hill interviewed numerous successful individuals of his time, including Andrew Carnegie and Thomas Edison, to distill their wisdom into a practical guide for achieving financial abundance. By emphasizing the power of positive thinking, goal setting, and persistence, Hill inspires readers to unleash their potential and attract prosperity.

7. "The Richest Engineer" by Abhishek Kumar
Bringing an Indian perspective to personal finance, "The Richest Engineer" by Abhishek Kumar provides valuable insights for individuals looking to optimize their financial journey. Kumar, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, shares practical strategies and principles to create a robust financial foundation.

As Benjamin Franklin once quoted, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

So, before you invest your hard-money in buying assets, spend a fraction of your money in buying the time-tested knowledge and wisdom.

With almost an infinte 'return on investment', it would be the best investment you would ever make.

Do Debt MFs Still Score Over Bank FDs? Check out.

Interest on Bank Fixed Deposits is taxable as per one's income tax slab rate.

Vis-a-vis this, till Mar 31, 2023 the long term capital gains (holding period more than 3 years) on Debt Mutual Funds was taxed @20% with indexation benefit.

[Note: Like Banks FDs, the short term capital gains (holding period upto 3 years) on Debt MFs was taxable as per one's income tax slab rate.]

Therefore, there was massive tax advantage when a person in the higher tax brackets invested in Debt MFs as compared to the Bank FDs, and held it for more than 3 years.

Sadly, w.e.f. April 1, 2023, this huge tax benefit on Debt MFs is gone. Now, like Banks FDs, the capital gains (irrespective of the holding period) would be taxed as per one's income tax slab rate.

This is a big blow for the Debt Funds.

However, even if Bank FDs and Debt MFs are now at par as far as the taxation is concerned, Debt MFs continue to score over Banks FDs on many other counts.

Therefore, it would still be advantageous to invest in Debt MFs as compared to the Bank FDs.

Let's explore:

1. Deferred Tax Liability
In case of Bank FDs, the tax is payable every year on the interest accrued. So, assuming you do a 5-year fixed deposit with cumulative option, you will have to pay tax on the interest earned every year; even though you will get the interest only after 5 years at the time of maturity.

However, in case of Debt Funds, you have to pay tax only when you redeem your investment. So, assuming you opt for the Growth Option and don't make any withdrawals for say 10 years, you have to pay no tax for these 10 years; even though the value of your investment is going up every year.

2. No loss on early encashment
Suppose you do a 5-year FD. But for some reason you have to withdraw the money after only say 6 months. Then, your interest income will be calculated on the 6-monthly rate of interest and not the contracted 5-year rate of interest. Since short-tenure rates are typically 1-3% lower than long-tenure rates, you will end up earning much lower income on premature encashment of a Bank FD.

With Debt Funds, this is not the case. Whatever increase has happened in the NAV, you will get the same WITHOUT ANY REDUCTION. So, with Debt Funds, you have the flexibility to withdraw your money any time, without worrying about any loss in your interest earnings.

3. No penalty on early encashment
Normally, banks levy a 0.5-1% penalty — over and above the reduction in the applicable rate of interest discussed in point 2 above — in case you encash your Bank FD before maturity.

Most Debt Funds do not charge any such penalty (known as exit load in MF terminology) on early encashment. Some Debt Funds do have an exit load. But this too is applicable for a limited period only (ranging from 1 week to 6 months/1 year). So, typically, if you have chosen your funds judiciously, you can withdraw your money WITHOUT ANY DEDUCTION.

4. Ease of partial withdrawal
Bank FDs generally do not have the option of part withdrawal. So even if your requirement is less, you have break the entire FD. Consquently, you lose a lot with a Bank FD.

There is no such problem with the Debt MFs. You can redeem part no. of units (without any loss of interest or penalty) and the balance units continue to remain invested (and keep growing).

5. Opportunity to claim set-off
Interest earned on Bank FDs is treated as Income from Other Sources. It gets added to your total income and taxed accordingly.

Income from Debt MFs is treated as capital gains. This gives you an opportunity to claim a set-off in case you have made a capital loss elsewhere say in some equity share. Thus, with Debt MFs, you have the the option to bring down your tax liability to the extent you have any loss to set-off.


In short, despite the setback of losing the indexation benefit, many other advantages of investing in Debt MFs continue to give them an edge over the Bank FDs.

PO Small Savings Schemes Apr-Jun'23 Interest Rates

The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance has announced the revised interest rates on the Post Office Small Savings Schemes for the first quarter of the Financial Year 2023-24.

Thankfully, there is a sharp increase in the rates of most the schemes. The only disappointment is the PPF — a very popular investment among Indians — where the rate remains unchanged.

This will definitely bring smiles to the investors in Small Savings Schemes, They have been suffering a steep increase in their monthly household budgets on account of inflation; besides the massive jump in the home loan EMIs due to rising interest rates on loans.

The decision to raise the interest rates was notified vide Office Memorandum F.No.1/4/2019-NS dated March 31, 2023 on the subject 'Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes'.

(By now you would surely be aware that, as per the present policy, interest rates on Small Savings Schemes are reset periodically on a quarterly basis.)

Accordingly, the interest rates on various Post Office Small Savings Schemes for the first quarter of the Financial Year 2023-24 — i.e. Apr 1st to Jun 30th, 2023 — are detailed below:

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Unchanged at 7.1% p.a. [compounded annually]

5-year National Saving Certificate (NSC): Up from 7.0% to 7.7% p.a. [compounded annually]

Monthly Income Scheme: Up from 7.1% to 7.4% p.a. [monthly compounding and paid out]

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme: Up from 8.0% to 8.2% p.a. [quarterly compounding and paid out]

Time Deposits
1-year Deposit: Up from 6.6% p.a. to 6.8% p.a.
2-year Deposit: Up from 6.8% p.a. to 6.9% p.a.
3-year Deposit: Up from 6.9% p.a. to 7.0% p.a.
5-year Deposit: Up from 7.0% p.a. to 7.5% p.a.
(All on quarterly compounding basis)

5-year Recurring Deposit: Up from 5.8% p.a. to 6.2% [compounded quarterly]

Kisan Vikas Patra: Up from 7.2% p.a. to 7.5% p.a. [compounded annually]
(The scheme will now double your money in 9 years 7 months, as against 10 years earlier)

Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme: Up from 7.6% p.a. to 8.0% [compounded annually]

Savings Deposit: No change at 4% p.a. [compounded annually]


Note:
1. The revised interest rates apply only to the "new accounts" opened during the respective period (except PPF and Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme, where the new rate is applied on the outstanding account balance).

2. For the existing accounts under all other schemes, the contracted interest rate remains unchanged until maturity.