1.Savings Bank Account
Use only for short-term (less than 30 days) surpluses
Often the first banking product people use, savings accounts offer low interest (3.5% p.a.),
2. Money Market Funds (also known as liquid funds)
Offer better returns than savings account without compromising liquidity
Money market funds are a specialized form of mutual funds that invest in extremely short-term fixed income instruments. Unlike most mutual funds, money market funds are primarily oriented towards protecting your capital and then, aim to maximise returns.
Money market funds usually yield better returns than savings accounts, but lower than bank fixed deposits. With the flexibility to issue cheques from a money market fund account now available, explore this option before putting your money in a savings account.
3. Bank Fixed Deposit (Bank FDs)
For investors with low risk appetite, best for 6-12 months investment period
Also referred to as term deposits, this product would be offered by all banks. Minimum investment period for bank FDs is 15 days.
The ideal investment time for bank FDs is 6 to 12 months as normally interest on less than 6 months bank FDs is likely to be lower than money market fund returns.
It is important to plan your investment time frame while investing in this instrument because early withdrawals typically carry a penalty.
Mutual Fund's debt funds, capital protection funds offer better post-tax return than FDs
4. Post Office Savings Schemes (POSS)
POSS are popular because they typically yield a higher return than bank FDs, besides the low (Government) risk . The monthly income plan could suit you if you are a retired individual or have regular income needs.
The Post Office offers various schemes that include National Savings Certificates (NSC), National Savings Scheme (NSS), Kisan Vikas Patra, Monthly Income Scheme and Recurring Deposit Scheme.
Mutual Fund's Monthly Income Plan offer better post-tax return than post office MIS
5. Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Best fixed-income investment for high tax payers
PPF is a very attractive fixed income investment option for small investors primarily because of -
1. 8% interest per annum
2. A tax-rebate - subject to a maximum Rs.70,000 per year
3. Low risk - risk attached is Government risk
So, what's the catch? Lack of liquidity is a big negative. You can withdraw your investment after 15 years (although there are some loan options & partial withdrawl available).
If you are willing to live with poor liquidity, you should invest as much as you can in this scheme before looking for other fixed income investment options.
Mutual Fund's ELSS offer tax-rebate, liquidity as well as better return than PPF
6. Company Fixed Deposits (FDs)
Option to maximise returns within a fixed-income portfolio
FDs are instruments used by companies to borrow from small investors. Typically FDs are open throughout the year. Invest in FDs only if you have surplus funds for more than 12 months. Select your investment period carefully as most FDs are not encashable prior to their maturity.
Just as in any other instrument, risk is an embedded feature of FDs, more so because it is not mandatory for non-finance companies to get a credit rating for this instrument.
Investors should consciously (either though a credit rating or through an expert) select the companies they invest in.
7. Bonds and Debentures
Option for large investments or to avail of some capital gains tax rebates
Besides company FDs, bonds and debentures are the other fixed-income instruments issued by companies.
8. Mutual Funds
Have you ever made an investment in partnership with someone else? Well, mutual funds work on more or less the same principles. Investors pool together their money to buy stocks, bonds, or any other investments.
Investing through mutual funds allows an investor to -
1. Avail the services of a professional money manager (who manages the mutual fund)
2. Access a diversified portfolio despite making a limited investment
9. Life Insurance Policies
Don't buy life insurance solely as an investment
Life insurance premiums, depending upon the policy selected, include the costs of -
1) death-benefit coverage
2) built-in investment returns (average 6.0% to 8.5% post-tax)
3) significant overheads, including commissions.
This implies that if you buy insurance solely as an investment, you are incurring costs that you would not incur in alternate investment options.
It is, however, important to insure your life if your financial needs and profile so require.
10. Equity Shares
Maximum returns over the long-term, invest funds you do not need for at least five years
There are two ways in which you can invest in equities-
1. through the secondary market (by buying shares that are listed on the stock exchanges)
2. through the primary market (by applying for shares that are offered to the public)
Over the long term, equity shares have offered the maximum return to investors. As an investment option, investing in equity shares is also perceived to carry a high level of risk.
No comments:
Post a Comment