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New Year Resolution? Avoid these 5 mutual fund investment mistakes in 2024

January 23, 2024

We are now into the new year 2024. With newer hopes and aspirations, everyone has celebrated the new year in their own way. But one thing that we all agree on is not repeating our mistakes from last year. Smart people always keep learning, as Da Vinci famously said, “Learning never exhausts the mind.”

As we are putting our steps into 2024, what mutual fund solution mistakes do you need to avoid? In this blog, we’ll discuss the same.

Avoid 5 mutual fund solutions mistakes while investing

Making mistakes is natural but learning from mistakes and not repeating them is wisdom. Knowing the following will make you wiser:

  1. Don’t chase the performance of a particular fund –  Leave the chase to the authorities or films. It is always tempting when you witness a fund giving you huge returns and you feel all your dreams are about to come true. But, unfortunately, it doesn’t happen with most funds because top-performing funds change every year.
  2. Don’t compare apples with oranges –  You cannot compare a movie with a sitcom. The same goes for mutual fund solutions. While you invest in mutual funds, you cannot compare a small-cap fund with a large-cap fund, as both funds have a different approach to the market. The comparison should be done based on the right peers, categories, and benchmarks.
  3. Don’t invest without a goal – You make new-year resolutions to achieve them. Similarly, you cannot invest in a mutual fund without a goal. You can look for mutual fund solutions to have clarity on how to achieve your financial goals this new year.
  4. Don’t invest without a financial advisor – While welcoming this new year, it is advisable to seek professional help while investing in mutual funds. Many reputed firms and financial advisors provide expertise in mutual fund solutions.
  5. Don’t set your expectations too high – Whether in life or mutual fund investments, you cannot set expectations that are beyond the realm of reality. You can achieve your financial goals, but they need to be realistic and well-planned.

Things you need to consider while investing in mutual fund solutions:

We have mentioned a few pointers that you need to avoid while investing. Here are a few things you can apply this year during the new year.

  • Financial goals – This new year, keep your financial goals in mind and stay focused while you invest.
  • Balance your portfolio – Things change with time. You need to review your portfolio and change it if necessary.
  • Investment horizon – Remember your investment horizon, don’t deviate from your goals.
  • Diversification – If you haven’t diversified your asset allocation in the past year or have created a diversified portfolio, then you need to view it and diversify accordingly.
  • Avoid behavioral investing – Emotions are good to have, but it will be great if you keep them out of your investment strategy. Try to avoid them while investing.

 If you are wondering what the traits of equity and debt funds are, you can read our blog by clicking here.

Conclusion

You have 366 opportunities in 2024, so take full advantage of them and avoid mistakes while investing in mutual fund solutions. 2023 is a story of the past; you need to look forward with a more positive frame of mind.

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Empowering Education Beyond Classrooms: KFintech’s CSR Activity at CSIR-IICT Hyderabad

January 19, 2024

Businesses have the power to lead and create impactful change, contributing to a world where they thrive and grow but also uplift communities.

In this spirit, KFintech’s recent CSR initiative brought together 83 students and 3 lecturers from Telangana Tribal Welfare Residential Degree College (TTWRDC) Women College Mahabubabad for an insightful visit to CSIR-IICT Hyderabad. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, with the opportunity to witness cutting-edge research and development.

Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi. In India, it is one of the oldest National Laboratories and a reliable destination for chemical and biotech industries.

Exploring Bio-Hydrogen Reactors and Environmental Conservation

One of the key highlights of the visit was the exploration of bio-hydrogen reactors, where the students learned about their processes and their significance in creating a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Pheromones and Innovative Pest Control Strategies

Dr. Kariyanna B, scientist in the Fluoro-Agrochemicals Division at IICT, explained to the students about pheromones and their application in monitoring target pests, shedding light on innovative approaches to pest control.

Atmospheric Water Generator: A Solution to Water Scarcity

The demonstration of an atmospheric water generator added a practical dimension to the visit. In a world with water scarcity, students witnessed firsthand a technology designed to extract water from the atmosphere.

Biogas Production from Organic Waste

The students also learned about the process of generating biogas (CH4) using rotten vegetables and fruits, helping them understand waste management and renewable energy sources.

Gratitude & Testimonials from TTWRDC Women’s College Mahabubabad

The gratitude expressed by the students and staff of TTWRDC Women’s College Mahabubabad echoed the success of this initiative. Testimonials highlighted the invaluable knowledge gained during the visit.

T Hampi (BSc, 2nd Year ) – “We were happy to see the KFintech team as sponsors and I think we are the luckiest people. I never expected such a wonderful opportunity. We are blessed. When I was on my way to the visit I did not know anything, but on my return, I gained a lot of knowledge. I shared my experience with my friends and family members.”

T Prayusha (Food and Nutrition Course, 2nd Year) – “The trainer explained all concepts very well. Thanks to KFintech for providing us with food and cold drinks along with this wonderful opportunity.”

B Divya (MPC Student, 3rd Year) – “Experiments shown to us were very interesting. The concept of ‘Gobar Gas’ was very interesting. We enjoyed the trip a lot and thanks to KFintech for sponsoring such a wonderful trip.”

Conclusion

The visit to CSIR-IICT Hyderabad not only provided an understanding of scientific principles but also transformed the way education is perceived among the students of TTWRDC Women’s College Mahabubabad. The collaborative efforts of CSIR-IICT, KFintech CSR volunteers, and the participating students exemplify the power of such initiatives in shaping the future of education and student development.

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Things You Need to Consider to Choose a Wealth Manager

January 2, 2024

Are you interested in any kind of sports? Let’s assume you like Cricket then you must have heard the term ‘Player of the Series”. How a team of experts chooses a player out of 22 to give him/her the best player of the matches. There must be some criteria, the past performance, current performance, decision-making ability, and performance all through the tournament.

Now, if you are being asked how to select a fund manager for your wealth management, how do you identify the best of the best? If this question bothers you then don’t worry, in this blog, you will get to know about the qualities of a wealth manager to give almost perfect wealth management solutions.

Before we delve into the qualities of a fund manager, let’s put light on wealth management services.

What are Wealth Management Services?

Wealth management refers to the process of managing your wealth, sometimes with the help of a wealth manager. It includes, but is not limited to, investing, tax and estate planning, and other financial activities. The aim of private wealth management is for you to be financially secure and to grow and safeguard your wealth. A wealth manager is a licensed professional who offers financial services and advice to clients who require wealth management.

Now, let’s have a look at the factors you need to consider before you finalize a manager for private wealth management.

  1. Experience and Qualifications: If a wealth manager has the right educational and professional background in the field of finance then it will be beneficial for your private wealth management. It is always fruitful to check the necessary standards of a wealth manager before you finalize him/her for private wealth management.
  2. Portfolio Reviews: Wealth management is not a commodity that you buy and sell. It needs the expertise of a wealth manager to review the performance of your portfolio. Do discuss the frequency of portfolio reviews with your wealth manager.
  3. Clients: Ensure that the advisor has experience working with clients under similar circumstances to yours. Private wealth management requires intensive research with a clear and balanced approach to achieve goals. It is important that there is a similarity between your expectations and his/her clients’ objectives.
  4. Investment Approach and Philosophy: The advisor will recommend or select strategies for your investment portfolio, so it is important that they share the same approach. Wealth management is a task for professionals whose philosophy should be in line with their goals. 
  5. Fees and Expenses: Do look for advisory fees before you finalize a wealth manager. Wealth management solutions do have some fees. It is important to understand the fee structure.

Conclusion

Choosing a wealth manager is one of the most significant decisions you will make for your private wealth management. Not only will they act as an asset for your wealth management but their guidance and expertise can help you during tough times. So, it is advisable to choose your wealth manager wisely. 

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Choosing Trustworthy Mutual Fund Services: Your Expedition Guide

December 28, 2023

Have you ever been on an unplanned trip? The whole idea of a trip sounds interesting but when it is unplanned, it becomes even more exciting. But an unplanned trip doesn’t seem to be unplanned. For instance, you will decide your destination, the mode of travel, and or the essentials you want to take. It often feels like sailing into uncharted waters, or unheard destinations/tourist points. But whether it is unplanned or planned, you tend to open maps as your trusty compass.

As maps have a significant impact on destinations similarly investing in mutual funds can also have an impact on your financial goals. Mutual funds solutions provide the advantage of diversification, meaning your money is invested across a broad range of assets, which reduces the risk of losing your entire portfolio if one asset underperforms.

Impact of mutual funds on your portfolio

Mutual funds can make a big difference in your financial portfolio. By investing in mutual funds, you can diversify your money across different asset classes. This means you don’t have to worry about losing your entire money if one asset fails to perform. Mutual funds services provide you access to a variety of asset classes, including stocks, bonds, gold, and other international assets. This allows you to create a diverse portfolio and balance your risk and returns.

The returns of mutual funds depend on the performance of their underlying assets. For example, in the long run, stocks have provided higher returns than other asset classes. Investing in equity-based mutual funds may provide higher returns, but it also comes with higher risk. Besides diversification, mutual funds also offer liquidity. You can buy and sell mutual funds units on the stock exchange and through an online platform. This makes it easy to access funds when you need them.

All in all, mutual funds can help you reach your financial goals.

How to choose mutual fund services to guide you?

While going for a destination, you need to trust the map, since it guides you throughout your journey. But if there are so many options available, how can you choose from them? Similarly, when you are going on an expedition, you need a trustworthy mutual fund solutions provider. But how can you choose it? Let’s have a look.

a) Objectives: Before investing in any mutual fund, it is important to identify your investment objectives and risk tolerance. A mutual fund service provider and your financial goals must be in line to achieve financial success. 

b) Fund’s track record: It is also important to look for a mutual fund’s track record of performance. Past performance does not necessarily guarantee future returns, but it is a good indication of how a mutual fund has performed in the past. Therefore, it is beneficial to find a mutual fund with a track record of good performance. You can also take the help of mutual fund service providers to guide you exclusively on a fund’s performance. 

c) Fund manager’s track record: Lastly, it is also important to check the fund manager’s track record. The fund manager is in charge of the fund and makes investment decisions, so it is important to find a fund manager that has a good track record.

 If you want to read more about mutual fund services, click here.

Conclusion

Mutual funds services provide a dynamic solution to your financial goals in the long term. Mutual funds offer diversification, liquidity, and potential for growth but this also depends on choosing the apt mutual fund services. Choose wisely, trust the map, and embark on a journey towards your financial goals.

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NPS Calculator is Happy to Help You Plan for Your Retirement

December 26, 2023

When you are searching for missing things in your almirah or unopened drawer, you may have found something that you are not looking for but it may have put a smile on your face. Like an old mobile phone with a keypad or a calculator. And if it is in a working condition then? With new-age technology, we tend to forget a few things but one thing is the same, whether it is in an old phone, a new phone, or on the internet – The Calculator.

People who invest or save, calculate their savings and investment amount as well to get the estimated returns. If you are investing in the National Pension System (NPS) for your golden years you can take the help of the NPS calculator.

So, what is the NPS Calculator, and how it can help you, this is what we are going to find out in this blog. 

What is the National Pension System calculator?

An NPS calculator is a tool that allows you to calculate the amount of pension you can expect to receive through the National Pension System (NPS) once you retire. It helps you plan for your retirement by giving you an idea of the benefits you can expect to get under the NPS.

The National Pension System calculator can help to get the estimated pension amount and your retirement corpus. It is an easy online tool that can help you to decide the investment amount for your retirement. Looking for a step-by-step guide for the National Pension System Calculator? Click here.

Now, you understand the NPS calculator. Let’s have a look at how it can help you in your investment and decision-making.

How can the NPS calculator help you?

  • Estimate the retirement benefits: You can estimate your potential retirement benefits based on your current age, your contribution amount, your expected return, and other factors.
  • Assess your retirement needs: With the NPS calculator, you can determine if your projected retirement benefits will be enough to cover your retirement needs and help you plan for a comfortable retirement.
  • Compare your future with the NPS calculator: You can use the NPS calculator to compare your future with different scenarios by changing variables. It will help you to see how these changes will affect your retirement benefits and you can adjust them accordingly.

To calculate your retirement corpus, click here.

Conclusion

People plan for retirement to know the pension amount, annuity corpus, investment horizon, expected rate of returns, etc. NPS calculator can be a useful tool if you are looking to get the answers about your retirement. If you’re unsure of how to plan for retirement, the National Pension System calculator can help you make an informed decision. 

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Investing Beyond the Norm: A Simple Guide to Alternative Investment Funds in India

December 20, 2023

Alternative Investment Funds have come out to be a compelling option for high-net-worth investors looking beyond traditional investment avenues. These funds are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and offer a diverse range of investment opportunities that have the potential to yield attractive returns.

What Are Alternative Investment Funds ?

Alternative Investment Funds in India represent a unique investment category that varies significantly from traditional mutual funds. These funds pool capital from investors and deploy it across various asset classes, including private equity, hedge funds, real estate, and more. Generally, these investment destinations are not what you might find easily in the capital markets.

Key Insights You Should Consider

  1. Regulatory Framework – SEBI plays a crucial role in regulating alternative investment funds in India. It’s important for you to be well-equipped with the regulatory guidelines to make informed decisions.
  2. Diverse Investment Strategies – AIFs come in various categories, each with its distinct investment strategy. Whether it’s venture capital, real estate, or private equity, first understand the fund’s focus and then accordingly align your investment goals with the fund’s strategy. 
  3. Competent Alternative Investment Managers – The success of an AIF is often based on the competence of its managers. Research the track record and experience of the alternate investment managers in India as their expertise and past performance can provide valuable insights into the fund’s potential.
  4. Understand the Risk – Alternative investments inherently carry a different set of risks compared to traditional assets. Factors such as market volatility, liquidity, and economic downturns can heavily impact AIFs. Diversification, due diligence, and risk management strategies are important to mitigate these risks.
  5. Return Expectations – While AIFs have the potential for higher returns than traditional investments, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations as well. You need to align your risk tolerance with the anticipated returns of the fund.
  6. Background Check – Before committing your capital to alternate investment funds, conduct a comprehensive background check on the alternate investment funds company managing the fund. Research their reputation, financial stability, and adherence to regulatory norms. This will give you confidence while investing in AIFs.
  7. Transparency and Reporting – Keep a note to choose AIFs that prioritize transparency and provide regular, detailed reports on fund performance. This will definitely boost your AIF portfolio.

Conclusion

Alternative Investment Funds can present a compelling way to diversify portfolios and to get potentially attractive returns. However, you need to remember that the key to successful AIF investments lies in thorough knowledge, due diligence, and a long-term perspective.

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Alternative Investment Funds & Tax – Get to Know about Their Sweet & Sour Relationship

December 11, 2023

While purchasing jeans or a t-shirt, you should have checked the price tag, but most of us ignore the tax bifurcation. But when it comes to buying something big like a house or a car, most of us analyse the tax bracket before purchasing. What about when you are looking to invest in Alternative Investment Funds largely known as AIFs?  

When we invest in an Alternative Fund, we are supposed to know the tax implications that come with it. In this blog, we will discover the tax criteria of alternative investment funds. But first, let’s briefly understand the alternative investment funds.

What are Alternative Investment Funds?

An alternative investment fund is different from traditional investment options. It invests in a variety of investments, such as private equity funds, hedge funds, venture capital funds, and a few more. It allows investors to invest in a dynamic range of investments and is usually managed by professional fund managers. 

AIFs can be a great tool used by HNIs to diversify their portfolios. It has the potential to generate returns that may be more than what we see in a conventional equity market. But as an investor, you must understand the tax implications associated with it. This plays a vital role in choosing the right AIF category to invest in.

Now, let’s understand the tax implications of different alternative investment funds’ categories.

Category I and II AIFs:

The Finance Act of 2015 announced a taxation rule for Category I and II AIFs. These investments have been granted a pass-through, which means the money generated by the fund is taxed at the investor’s level, not at the fund’s level. The investor is responsible for paying the tax on the income he has generated. 

The fund is not subject to any tax on the income generated from the investment. But, if the funds’ income is measured as business income, then the same amount is taxed on the fund.

Let’s understand different scenarios, like long-term capital gains, short-term capital gains, dividends, and income.

  • Long-term capital gains – If an investment has been held for more than a year in Category I and II, it is termed as Long-term Capital Gains (LTCG). These investments are taxed at the rate that applies to long-run capital gains. Usually, long-term capital gains are taxed at 10% and are listed on stocks, and unlisted stocks are taxed at 20%.
  • Short-Term Capital Gains – Investors who invest while aiming at short-term capital gains under Alternative Investment Funds Category I and II are subjected to a 15% tax, but it also depends on their tax bracket.
  • Dividend Income – Dividend income under AIFs is taxable as per the investor’s individual tax-rate.
  • Interest Income – Any interest income gained through Category I and II is also taxable as per the tax slab of an investor.

Category III AIFs:

 In this category, AIFs are subject to taxation for all income, whether it is investment income, capital gain, or business income. The pass-through system has not been implemented in category III alternative investment funds. All four types of income are taxable but at different rates.

You can read in detail about AIFs categories, here.

Conclusion

Alternative Investment Funds have become quite popular in the current Indian landscape as they offer diversification and have the potential to generate higher returns. But, it is important for any investor to be informed about the tax implications associated with AIFs. It helps the investor make better and informed decisions while they are aware of the tax implications.