Riya: Hey Shyam, I keep hearing about the “Rule of 72” when it comes to investing. What exactly is it?
Shyam: Great question, Riya! The Rule of 72 is a simple way to estimate how long it will take for your investment to double, based on a fixed annual rate of return.
Riya: Oh! How does it work?
Shyam: You just divide 72 by the annual return percentage. The result gives you the approximate number of years for your money to double.
Riya: Sounds interesting! Can you give me an example?
Shyam: Sure! Let’s say you invest in a mutual fund that gives you an annual return of 8%. Using the Rule of 72: 72 ÷ 8 = 9 years So, your money will roughly double in 9 years.
Riya: That’s pretty cool! But what if I want to triple my money instead of just doubling it?
Shyam: Good thinking! For that, we use the Rule of 115.
Riya: Oh! How is it different from the Rule of 72?
Shyam: It works the same way but helps you estimate how long it will take for your money to triple. Instead of dividing by 72, you divide 115 by the annual return rate.
Riya: Got it! Can you show me an example?
Shyam: Of course! If your investment earns an 8% return annually: 115 ÷ 8 = 14.4 years So, your money will roughly triple in about 14.4 years.
Riya: Wow! This makes it so easy to estimate growth. But does this work for all returns?
Shyam: It works best for returns between 6% and 12%. For very high or low returns, the estimates may not be as accurate, but it still gives you a quick way to gauge growth.
Riya: That’s super helpful, Shyam! Now, I can easily assess how long my investments might take to grow.
Shyam: Exactly! These rules help you make informed financial decisions without complex calculations.
Riya: Thanks, Shyam! Next time, I’ll impress my friends with these rules.
Amit: Hey Riya, I was reading about the debate on whether tax incentives are necessary for savings. Some say they help build habits, while others feel they’re just a way for the government to manipulate financial choices. What do you think?
Riya: Great question! Let me put it this way—have you ever used Google Maps while driving?
Amit: Of course! It helps me avoid wrong turns and gets me to my destination efficiently.
Riya: Exactly! Think of tax-saving investments as a GPS for your finances. When you start earning, there are so many tempting “wrong turns”—gadgets, vacations, luxury expenses. Without a guiding system, many people would just spend, thinking they’ll save “someday.”
Amit: That makes sense. So, tax-saving schemes like ELSS or PPF act as the GPS that nudges people in the right direction?
Riya: Yes! In the beginning, people invest in tax-saving instruments just for the short-term benefit—like following a GPS only because they don’t know the route. But over time, they realize the real power of these investments, just like how regular drivers eventually memorize the best routes.
Amit: But what about people who already know how to save? Do they really need tax benefits?
Riya: That’s like saying experienced drivers don’t need road signs. Sure, they might not rely on them as much, but signs still help guide traffic, maintain discipline, and prevent chaos. Similarly, tax incentives help a huge middle group—the “fence-sitters”—who might otherwise delay or avoid saving.
Amit: I get it now! And the lock-in period in tax-saving investments is like being forced to take a slightly longer but safer road, ensuring you don’t take an impulsive shortcut.
Riya: Exactly! You stay invested long enough to see the magic of compounding, get comfortable with market ups and downs, and develop long-term investing habits. What started as a tax-saving move turns into a habit—just like how using a GPS initially leads you to discover better routes, even without guidance later on.
Amit: That’s a great way to look at it! But with the new tax regime, where incentives are being reduced, won’t this GPS be taken away?
Riya: That’s the challenge. While a simplified tax system is good, we need to find new ways to nudge people towards saving. Maybe we need a different kind of “financial GPS” that works without tax benefits but still encourages good habits.
Amit: Makes sense! Just like how cars now have built-in navigation systems, maybe financial planning should become second nature without needing tax incentives.
Riya: Exactly! The goal isn’t to force people to save, but to make it easier for them to take the right path. A little guidance at the start can lead to a lifetime of good financial decisions.
Amit: Got it! From now on, I’ll think of tax-saving investments as my financial GPS—helping me stay on track towards long-term wealth.
Amit: Hey Riya, I keep hearing about mutual funds, but there are so many types! Can you simplify them for me?
Riya: Sure! Think of mutual funds like different types of shopping malls—each designed for different needs. Let me break it down with examples you’ll relate to.
Amit: That sounds helpful!
Riya: Let’s start with the three main categories:
1. Equity Funds – Like a Shopping Mall
Just like how different stores in a mall cater to different shoppers, equity funds invests similarly in different types of companies:
Large-Cap Funds: Like big anchor stores—stable and reliable. You shop at these big brands because you trust their quality.
Mid-Cap Funds: Like growing retail chains that are becoming popular (think about any successful regional brands that come to your mind). Just as these stores might become the next big thing, mid-cap companies have the same sort of growth potential.
Small-Cap Funds: Like promising local boutiques or startups. These carry a higher risk since they might either succeed big or fail, but they could offer great returns—like discovering the next Big Coffee brand when it was just a single coffee shop!
Amit: Oh, so it’s like choosing between shopping at a big mall versus exploring local markets?
Riya: Exactly! Now, let’s move on to the next category.
2. Debt Funds – Like Different Bank Accounts
These are similar to different ways to save your money:
Liquid Funds: Like keeping money in a digital wallet for quick shopping—it’s easily accessible and safer than cash.
Short-Term Funds: It is similar to a recurring deposit account where you park money for your upcoming vacation in six months.
Corporate Bond Funds: Like lending money to your reliable cousin’s successful business—they’ll pay you back with interest.
Gilt Funds: Like keeping money in a government bank—super safe, but returns might be lower.
Overnight Fund: One of the best options if you are thinking about keeping money for a week to a fortnight
Amit: That makes sense! And what about the third category?
3. Hybrid Funds – Like a Balanced Diet
Just as we balance healthy and tasty food:
Aggressive Hybrid Funds: Like a diet with 70% protein (eggs, meat) and 30% carbs (rice, bread)—more growth-focused but they are still balanced.
Conservative Hybrid Funds: Like a diet with 25% protein and 75% carbs—safer but with some growth potential.
Balanced Advantage Funds: Like adjusting your diet based on your activity level—more carbs on workout days, more protein on rest days.
Special Categories:
Index Funds: Like buying everything on a shopping list without making changes—you get exactly what’s on the list (market index).
Fund of Funds: Like a food subscription box that contains different meal kits—you get variety managed by experts.
Amit: These examples really help! So, if I’m saving for my daughter’s education in 15 years, I should probably look at equity funds?
Riya: Exactly! Just like you’d plan a big purchase well in advance. For long-term goals like education:
Consider Large-Cap Funds as your main course (70%).
Add some Mid-Cap Funds for extra growth (20%).
Maybe a small portion in Small-Cap Funds for potentially higher returns (10%).
But if you’re saving for next year’s car down payment, you’d want Debt Funds—just like you wouldn’t risk your car money in a new startup!
Amit: This makes so much more sense now. One last question—what about tax-saving funds?
Riya: Ah, ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) funds! Think of them like a combo deal—you get tax benefits under Section 80C, plus the potential for good returns. It’s like getting a discount while shopping, but you need to hold onto your shopping bags for three years from the date of investment before using them!
Amit: Perfect! Now, I can actually relate mutual funds to things I understand. Thanks, Riya!
Riya: Happy to help! Just remember, just like you don’t buy all your clothes from one store, it’s good to diversify your investments based on your needs and goals.
Madhuri (Investor):looking concerned Prayag, I’ve been reading a lot about retirement planning lately. I’ve had my EPF for years, but everyone keeps talking about NPS. Am I missing out on something better?
Prayag (Financial Planner):pulls out a calculator Let me show you something interesting, Madhuri. Let’s look at real numbers. Imagine you started investing ₹5,000 monthly in 2009. With EPF, you’d have about ₹17.5 lakh today.
Madhuri: Okay, that sounds decent…
Prayag: But here’s where it gets interesting. The same amount in NPS could have grown to ₹20.2 lakh with a conservative 25% equity allocation, or even ₹25.6 lakh if you’d opted for 75% equity exposure.
Madhuri:eyes widening Wait—you’re telling me I could have had nearly ₹8 lakh more? That’s almost 50% extra! Why such a big difference?
Prayag:nodding It’s all about investment flexibility. Think of EPF as a bus that takes the safest route—it moves steadily, but it won’t go faster even if the roads are clear. Now, NPS is like a car—you can choose the lane you want. If you’re comfortable with a little speed, you can take the express lane (higher equity exposure) and reach your destination faster.
Madhuri: But I’ve always heard EPF is more tax-efficient. Isn’t that true?
Prayag:smiling That’s a common misconception. Here’s something most people don’t realize—NPS actually gives you an extra tax break. Beyond the standard ₹1.5 lakh deduction under 80C that both EPF and NPS offer, you get an additional ₹50,000 deduction under 80CCD(1B). That’s like getting a “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” offer on tax savings!
Madhuri:leaning forward Tell me more about this flexibility you mentioned earlier.
Prayag: With EPF, you’re locked into contributing 12% of your basic salary, like it or not. NPS, on the other hand, is like a buffet—you can start with as little as ₹1,000 per year, pick your fund manager, and even decide how much risk you want to take with different asset allocations. You have full control!
Madhuri:thoughtfully This sounds great for new investors, but what about someone like me who already has significant EPF savings?
Prayag: You have two paths forward. The practical approach is to keep your EPF running and start an NPS account alongside. Think of it like having both a savings account and an investment portfolio—you get the best of both worlds.
Madhuri: You mentioned two paths—what’s the other one?
Prayag:adjusting glasses Technically, you can transfer your EPF balance to NPS—PFRDA approved this in 2017. But grimaces the process is still stuck in bureaucratic red tape. So for now, running both accounts is like keeping both a pension plan and a mutual fund—it’s a smart move until the transfer process becomes smooth.
Madhuri: What would you advise someone just starting their career?
Prayag:enthusiastically If their monthly basic salary exceeds ₹15,000, they actually have a choice. They can opt out of EPF and go all-in with NPS. But here’s the catch—many companies make EPF mandatory. In such cases, I recommend a hybrid approach: contribute the minimum ₹1,800 monthly to EPF and direct additional savings to NPS. It’s like ordering a thali—you get a little bit of everything, but you can choose to have extra servings of what benefits you more (NPS).
Madhuri: So basically, NPS offers triple benefits—potentially higher returns, extra tax savings, and more control over my investments?
Prayag:nodding approvingly Exactly! Think of EPF as a fixed-deposit account—safe but slow-growing. And NPS as a mutual fund SIP—it gives you the opportunity to build wealth faster while still being structured for retirement security.
Madhuri:standing up with determination Thanks, Prayag! You’ve convinced me. I’m going to start my NPS account this week itself.
Prayag:smiling That’s great! Remember, when it comes to retirement planning, it’s not just about saving money—it’s about making your money work smarter. And NPS helps you do just that!
Seetal (Investor): Aakash, I’ve been getting bombarded with investment advice lately – new mutual fund launches, market predictions, hot sectors. It’s overwhelming! How do I cut through all this noise?
Aakash (Financial Advisor):chuckles I completely understand, Seetal. Instead of chasing every new trend, let’s focus on fundamental resolutions that can transform your investment journey. Think of them as your financial compass.
Seetal: Hmmmm!! I am listening.
Aakash: First and foremost – try to know your portfolio like the back of your hand. You’d be surprised how many investors can’t tell me what they own beyond ” the names of some mutual funds companies.”
Seetal:looking slightly embarrassed Guilty as charged. I mean, I get my statements, but I usually just check if the total value has gone up.
Aakash: That’s more common than you think! Start simple – Start categorizing your funds into buckets: equity, debt, and hybrid. Then understand their roles. Are your equity funds focusing on large companies or small ones? Are your debt funds short-term or long-term in nature? It’s like organizing your wardrobe – you need to know what you have before deciding what to buy next.
Seetal: That makes sense. And the other resolution?
Aakash: Regular portfolio check-ups – but here’s the key – with a disciplined schedule. Think of it like your annual health check-up. You wouldn’t skip it, right?
Seetal: True, but I’ve heard people say you should track your investments daily. Isn’t that better?
Aakash:shaking head That’s like weighing yourself five times a day while on a diet – it’ll drive you crazy! I recommend half yearly reviews to stay informed, but make major changes only after 18 months or so. Unless there’s a significant event, like a fund manager change or a major strategy shift.
Seetal: Oh! That’s actually a relief. And what’s the last one?
Aakash: This is crucial – SIP discipline. Think of SIPs as your financial fitness routine. Just like you wouldn’t expect six-pack abs from random gym visits, wealth building needs consistency.
Seetal: But what about when markets crash? Last time that happened, I got scared and stopped my SIPs.
Aakash: That’s exactly when SIPs are most powerful! It’s like getting a discount on your favorite brands. When markets are down, your same SIP amount buys more units. Remember, you’re not just investing in funds – you’re investing in India’s growth story.
Seetal:nodding thoughtfully And I suppose I should increase my SIP amounts when my income grows?
Aakash: Absolutely! Most people remember to upgrade their lifestyle when they get a raise but forget to upgrade their investments. I suggest the 50-50 rule – allocate at least 50% of any raise to increasing your SIPs.
Seetal: These actually sound doable. But how do I stay motivated to stick to them?
Aakash: Here’s how I explain it to my clients – think of your investment journey like driving a car. Your SIPs are the accelerator, pushing you toward your goals. Your half yearly reviews are the brakes and steering, keeping you safely on track. And just like driving, once you develop good habits, they become second nature.
Seetal:smiling That’s brilliant! No more getting distracted by every new fund launch or market prediction.
Aakash: Exactly! Focus on these three resolutions – know your portfolio, review with discipline, and maintain SIP consistency. Master these basics, and you’ll be surprised how much clarity and confidence they bring to your investment journey.
Seetal: Thanks, Aakash! These are definitely going to be my financial resolutions this year. Simple but powerful!
Scene: A cozy coffee shop where Rita and Krishna meet to discuss the recent market downturn.
Disclaimer: All characters in this article are fictitious and do not bear any resemblance to any person, living or dead.
Rita: Krishna, the stock market has been on a rollercoaster ride lately. From an all-time high of 85,478 in September 2024, it’s now down to 76,190—that’s over an 10.8% drop! I’m worried. Should I exit my mutual fund investments?
Krishna: Rita, I understand your concern. Market fluctuations can be unsettling, but it’s important to remember that equities are inherently volatile in the short term. Selling now might not be the best move.
Rita: But what if the market falls further? I don’t want to see my investments shrink any more.
Krishna: That fear is natural, but exiting during a downturn could lock in losses. History shows that markets recover over time, and staying invested allows you to benefit from that recovery.
Rita: So you’re saying I should hold on? But what about my SIPs? Should I pause them until things stabilize?
Krishna: No, Rita! Your SIPs are actually working in your favor right now. When the market is down, you buy more units at lower prices. This helps reduce your average cost and positions you for better long-term returns.
Rita: Hmm, that makes sense. But I’m still unsure about where to invest in this volatile market. Any suggestions?
Krishna: It all depends on your goals and risk tolerance. Let me break it down for you:
Short-term goals (1-3 years): Stick to fixed-income investments like short-duration debt funds / ultra-short bond funds to ensure stability and capital preservation.
Medium-term goals (3-5 years): A small equity exposure can help boost returns. Consider equity savings funds for a balanced approach or a conservative hybrid fund.
Long-term goals (5+ years): Focus on an equity-heavy portfolio. If you’re conservative or worried about volatility, aggressive hybrid funds are a great option. For experienced investors, flexi-cap funds offer good diversification, while small-cap and mid-cap funds can add higher returns, albeit with greater risk.
Rita: Okay, that gives me some clarity. I think I should review my portfolio and align it with my goals.
Krishna: Absolutely! And diversification is key. A well-balanced portfolio across market caps can help manage risks effectively.
Rita: Got it. But what about timing the market? Should I wait for a better entry point?
Krishna: Trying to time the market is a risky game. It’s nearly impossible to predict the bottom. Instead, stay focused on your long-term goals and maintain a disciplined approach.
Rita: I see what you mean. So, the moral of the story is to stay invested and stay disciplined?
Krishna: Exactly! Market downturns are temporary. By sticking to a consistent investment framework based on your time horizon, risk appetite, and asset allocation, you can build lasting wealth.
Rita: Thanks, Krishna. I feel much more confident now. I’ll stay the course and continue with my investments.
Krishna: That’s the spirit, Rita! Remember, patience is the key to financial success.
Seema: Hi Kapil, I’ve been investing in mutual funds for a while now, and with all these new campaigns, I feel like I should add more funds to my portfolio. What do you think?
Kapil: Hi Seema! It’s great that you’re interested in mutual funds, but adding more funds isn’t always the best approach. Let me ask you: How many funds do you have in your portfolio right now?
Seema: Hmm, I think I have about 14. Is that too many?
Kapil: Well, it depends on your experience and portfolio size, but 14 sounds like it might be too many. Think of your portfolio like a cricket team. Imagine having 11 Best players on the field—brilliant right? Naaaah……… You will lack the balance and coordination. Similarly, having too many mutual funds can dilute your returns and make tracking your portfolio more difficult.
Seema: Oh, that’s an interesting analogy. So how many funds should I ideally have?
Kapil: For someone new to investing—lets say less than five years of experience—four to five funds are usually enough. For seasoned investors with more than five years of experience, around 8 funds is reasonable. And for those with portfolios in crores, they might need more than 10, but only if each fund offers meaningful diversification.
Seema: I see. So, how do I decide which funds to keep and which to let go?
Kapil: Start by evaluating each fund’s role in your portfolio. Here’s a simple checklist:
Give equity funds time: Hold them for at least three years before judging their performance.
Avoid sectoral and thematic funds: These are risky and often cyclical. Most investors jump in after the best phase has passed.They can be used as a satellite fund to your portfolio provided you understand that sector well
Focus on high-quality funds: Look for funds with not much expenses and consistent performance over more than 5 plus years
Eliminate insignificant funds: If a fund contributes less than 5% to your portfolio, it’s probably not making a meaningful impact.
Seema: That makes sense. So, it’s better to have fewer but high-quality funds that align with my goals?
Kapil: Exactly! A lean, purposeful portfolio is like a well-balanced cricket team—each player or fund has a role to play, ensuring maximum efficiency and peace of mind.
Seema: Thanks, Kapil! I’ll review my portfolio with this approach and start decluttering.
Kapil: Great! Let me know if you need help with the process. Investing is never about the quantity of financial products you own but the quality and alignment it serves with your own goals. Remember keeping it simple always works.
This is a real case study of one of my clients when we first met in 2013. I received his call last week and he was quite happy of achieving his gaols. So, thought of penning down my ideas. The names here have been changed to protect ones identity.
Ravi: Mohan, I’m really worried about how I’ll manage to fund my 2-year-old son’s education. With so many financial products in the market, I feel lost. Can you guide me?
Mohan: Of course, Ravi. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed with so many options out there. Let’s simplify this. First, let’s estimate the future cost of your child’s education based on some basic calculations. What kind of career do you envision for him?
Ravi: Well, I’d like to keep options open, but let’s assume he wants to pursue MBBS.
Mohan: Good choice. The current cost for an MBBS program, including the internship, is around ₹30 lakhs for 4.5 years. If he plans to do an MD afterward, that might cost around ₹45 lakhs in today’s terms. These numbers are ballpark figures, of course, but we can use them to plan better.
Ravi: ₹30 lakhs for MBBS and ₹45 lakhs for MD? That’s ₹75 lakhs already. How much will it cost by the time he’s ready?
Mohan: Considering an 8% annual inflation rate, the costs will be much higher in the future. By 2034, when he might pursue his MD, we estimate the total cost of MBBS to rise to about ₹1.027 crores and MD to around ₹2.26 crores.
Ravi: Wow! That’s ₹3.28 crores! How will I save that kind of money?
Mohan: Don’t worry; with the right plan, it’s achievable. To meet these goals, you’ll need to invest systematically. To fund the MBBS cost of ₹1.027 crores by 2029, you’ll need to invest around ₹19,767 per month. For MD, you’d need to invest ₹23,151 per month to accumulate ₹2.26 crores by 2034. Together, this would require a monthly SIP of ₹42,918.
Ravi: That’s quite a big commitment. What if I start and lose motivation along the way?
Mohan: That’s where discipline and the power of compounding come in. Let me share an example of another client I worked with in 2013. He had similar concerns, and I suggested a mix of four funds for his goals.
Ravi: What happened with him?
Mohan: He started investing the following amounts:
₹6,500 in a Small Cap Fund
₹11,000 in a Tax Saver Fund
₹13,000 in a Large & Mid Cap Fund
₹12,500 in a Flexicap Fund
Together, his monthly investment was ₹42,918, just like yours would be.
Ravi: And how did it go?
Mohan: Amazingly well. Today, those investments have grown significantly:
Small Cap Fund: ₹39.95 lakhs
Tax Saver Fund: ₹44.79 lakhs
Large & Mid Cap Fund: ₹65.98 lakhs
Flexicap Fund: ₹55.88 lakhs
In total, he has already accumulated ₹2.06 crores, and he still has 5 years left to meet the MBBS goal and 10 years for MD. He’s comfortably on track to achieve both.
Ravi: That’s incredible. So the key is to stay invested long-term and stick to the plan?
Mohan: Exactly, Ravi. The simpler and more consistent your investments, the better your chances of success. Make your investments as “boring” as possible—no constant tinkering or chasing trends. Let time and discipline do their magic.
Ravi: This sounds reassuring. Let’s create a plan for my son’s education.
Mohan: Great decision! Let’s get started and ensure your son’s dreams are well-supported financially.
Scene: Inside Jatin’s office. Ashwini, looking both excited and worried, has come for financial advice regarding his newborn’s future.
Ashwini: Thank you for meeting me, Jatin. My wife and I just had our first child, and I’m already worried about their future education.
Jatin: Congratulations! That’s wonderful news. It’s great that you’re thinking about this so early. What’s your primary concern?
Ashwini: Well, these days children choose their careers. My parents decided that I would be an engineer when I was born, but times have changed. How do I plan financially when I don’t know what path my child will take?
Jatin: (smiling) That’s a very valid concern. Let me share something interesting – engineering might cost around ₹79.3 lakhs after 15 years, and medicine could go up to ₹1.2 crores, assuming 8% annual inflation.
Ashwini: (shocked) What? That’s… that’s astronomical! My neighbour just suggested me a money-back insurance policy…
Jatin: (interrupting gently) I’m going to stop you right there. While many Indian parents opt for money-back policies, they’re not the best solution. Instead, let me show you a more effective approach.
Ashwini: I’m all ears.
Jatin: Start with monthly SIPs in mutual funds. Look at these numbers – if you start now, you’ll need to invest about ₹10,996 monthly to accumulate ₹50 lakhs in 15 years, assuming 11% annual returns. But if you wait just five years, that monthly requirement jumps to ₹23,041.
Ashwini: That’s a huge difference! But isn’t the stock market risky?
Jatin: That’s why we’ll use a balanced approach. Think of it like a three-course meal. Your main course would be diversified equity mutual funds, especially flexi-cap funds. They help beat inflation over the long term.
Ashwini: And the other courses?
Jatin: (chuckling) For your appetizer and dessert – safer options like PPFs and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. They’re government-backed and tax-free instruments. But remember, don’t make these your main course – fixed returns might not keep up with the education costs. Stick to regular diversified funds. Also, avoid ULIPs – they’re expensive and inflexible.
Ashwini: But what if my child’s interests change? What if they want to study abroad?
Jatin: That’s the beauty of this plan – it’s flexible. As your child grows and their interests become clear, we can adjust the target amount and investment strategy. And here’s a pro tip – about 2-3 years before you need the money, we’ll gradually move it to safer options through an STP.
Ashwini: And if we still fall short?
Jatin: A small education loan can bridge the gap. It might even help teach your child financial responsibility and he will start paying off the loans. The key is starting early and staying flexible.
Ashwini: (looking relieved) This makes so much sense. When can we start?
Jatin: How about now? Let’s work out the exact numbers based on your current finances and comfort level.
Ashwini: Perfect! You know, I feel much better knowing there’s a clear plan. It’s like you said – start early, stay flexible, and keep reviewing the plan.
Jatin: Exactly! Remember, we’re not just planning for education; we’re planning for your child’s future, whatever they may be.
Ashwini: Thank you, Jatin. I am much relieved now.
Rita: Hi Mohan, I need some advice. Every month, my salary gets credited in the last week, and within hours, most of it disappears into EMIs. I feel like I’m stuck in this vicious circle. With the festive season approaching, the offers are so tempting, but I’m worried I might overborrow again.
Mohan: I hear you, Rita. This time of the year is designed to make spending irresistible. The EMI culture makes it even easier to fall into the trap. Have you thought about how these EMIs are affecting your financial health?
Rita: I know the interest rates are high—somewhere around 12-20%. But when I see those “pay just Rs. 3,000 a month” deals, they seem manageable. It’s only later that I realize how much extra I end up paying.
Mohan: That’s exactly how they get you in the debt trap. Most people focus on the affordability of the monthly payment, not the total cost. But what if I told you there’s a way to avoid this EMI trap altogether? There’s a way out
Rita: Avoid EMIs? How? I thought they’re the only way to afford big-ticket purchases.
Mohan: Not at all! You can create a ‘Corpus’ fund. It’s simple—you set up an SIP in a short-term mutual fund with the same amount you’d typically pay as an EMI. Let that fund grow, and when you’ve saved enough, use that money to make your purchase outrightly. Don’t wait for the festival times.
Rita: Hmm, that sounds interesting. But how is it better than just buying on EMI?
Mohan: Think of it this way: With an EMI, you’re paying an interest rangig from say 12-20%, which means your purchase costs significantly more over time. With a Corpus build up, instead of paying interest, you earn returns—in the range of 6-8% since you are investing with debt funds for a period ranging from 6 months to 18 months max.
Rita: That’s a good point. But what if I want something immediately? Waiting for my fund to grow might not be feasible.
Mohan: Fair concern, but this approach will gradually teach you to keep your patience and financial discipline. If you really can’t wait, you can use part of your savings as a buffer. Over time, the habit will pay off. Also, if you save consistently, you’ll eventually have money ready for future purchases.
Rita: I like this idea. It’s like paying myself instead of the lender. But how do I start?
Mohan: Pick a short-term mutual fund suitable for your needs. Start an SIP with the same amount as your typical EMI. Think of this fund as your expenditure fund, not savings. Use it only when the balance is enough for your desired purchase.
Rita: Makes sense. I can also show this concept to my kids—it’s a great way to teach them financial responsibility. Maybe I’ll even use it to buy them something better in the future.
Mohan: That’s an excellent idea, Rita! It’s a practical demonstration of how patience and time can help you grow your money. Once you see the results, I’m sure you’ll never want to go back to the traditional EMI culture.
Rita: Thanks, Mohan. I feel like this is the mindset shift I needed.
Mohan: Great decision, Rita! Your future self will thank you. And who knows, maybe by next festival times, your fund will be ready for something bigger and better.
Simplified Money Talks 