Which Is The Best Investment Plan In India?

Are you feeling overwhelmed when it comes to investing your hard-earned money? Don’t worry, we have the perfect solution for you! Our article will explain the best investment plans in India that could help you make the most out of your funds. So, get ready to gain maximum financial benefits!

Types of investment plans in India

Want to know about the different types of investment plans in India? Let’s explore the perks of Fixed Deposits, Mutual Funds, Public Provident Fund, National Pension System, and Stocks. Each of these provides a distinct way to meet your investment goals. So, learn the distinctions between them to make a knowledgeable decision on which plan fits you best.

Image credits: retiregenz.com by Harry Washington

Fixed Deposits

Investing in a financial avenue such as an amount that remains locked for a specific time and earns a higher interest rate is known as Term Deposits. The most conventional variation of this financial instrument is called Fixed Deposits. Investors with reliable cash flow prefer Fixed Deposits to benefit from minimal risk and safe returns. It offers different time durations like 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year or more.

Fixed Deposit is one of the safest investment plans in India offered by banks and NBFCs. The deposited amount will mature after the stipulated time frame set by the investor himself/herself without influencing the market fluctuations and unforeseeable drops.

Moreover, depending on various factors such as deposit tenure, amount threshold, offering bank/NBFC’s reliability, Fixed Deposit interest rates vary accordingly. For instance, adding funds to acquire higher deposit features customized solutions which provide even more earnings than traditional FD.

As per Reserve Bank of India’s estimation in October 2020 Term deposits – mostly comprised of fixed deposits – continues to be the preferred choice of customers accounting for around sixty percent of total bank deposits.

Aside from recent industry trends some interesting history revolves around “Bank Negara” for setting Malaysian Banking Association guidelines on February 20th, 1989 providing guidance to establish its Member Banks’ practices in “extending credit facilities secured against collateral of unencumbered government guaranteed issued securities”. This commonly utilised method encouraged individuals to invest their money into Government-backed securities or bonds along with bonus returns and retirement savings ensued assuring financial freedom.

Mutual funds: Because sometimes it’s easier to trust a stranger with your money than yourself.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are investment plans that pool money from various investors, which is then invested in different financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, and money market instruments. They are managed by professional fund managers who invest the money on behalf of the investors to generate higher returns based on the investment objective of the mutual fund scheme.

Investing in mutual funds provides diversification benefits and reduces the risk associated with investing in a single stock or sector. There are different types of mutual funds such as:

• Equity funds,
• Debt funds,
• Hybrid funds,
• Tax-saving funds,
• Index funds, and
• Exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Each type of mutual fund has a different investment objective and suits a specific investor profile and financial goals.

People who want to invest for long-term wealth creation can consider equity mutual funds as they have the potential to provide high returns over a longer period. Debt mutual funds are suitable for those who want steady returns with low risk. Hybrid or balanced mutual funds are suitable for investors who want a mix of equity and debt investments.

In addition to these traditional mutual fund schemes, there are also theme-based mutual fund schemes that invest based on certain themes such as healthcare, technology, infrastructure, or sustainable development goals (SDGs).

One of my colleagues invested in an equity-linked savings scheme (ELSS) to save tax under section 80C while earning potentially high returns. The scheme had a lock-in period of three years which helped him stay invested for a longer duration despite short-term market fluctuations.

Saving for retirement? PPF might be your best bet, as long as you’re okay with waiting till you’re old and grey to see any returns.

Public Provident Fund

The investment scheme, which is a part of government savings schemes in India, allows individuals to deposit a certain amount annually, and earn interest on it. The plan is known for its long-term benefits and tax exemptions. With contributions ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs.1,50,000 p.a., the Public Provident Fund (PPF) investment allows individuals to choose their tenures, from 15 years up to 25 years. The interest rate is subject to revision and has currently been set at 7.1% per annum.

One of the unique features of this government-backed initiative is that the investment account can be opened by both salaried professionals and self-employed persons alike. Furthermore, apart from the ability to contribute through salary deductions or auto-debits, investors can opt for lump-sum payments as well.

PPF was introduced first in 1968 with a view towards ensuring financial security and stability of retired employees and low-income earners in India. Over time, however, it has become a robust savings platform with an increasing number of people opting for this option as their primary long-term investment choice.

Planning for retirement? National Pension System has got your back, because who needs a social life when you can have financial security?

National Pension System

The Retirement Fund offered by The Government of India is an investment plan accessible to all Indian citizens. Through various schemes and accounts, the National Pension System (NPS) allows individuals to secure themselves financially once they retire. One can either opt for a New Pension Scheme (NPS) or switch from old structures like EPFO/PPF.

If you are looking for a stable income stream after your retirement, NPS is a good option for long-term investment. By investing through NPS and contributing monthly towards it; an individual can accumulate enough funds and receive regular benefits post-retirement. NPS has several tiers- Tier I,Tier II, and Atal Pension Yojana (APY), which cater to different people’s needs.

This flexible government-backed system provides a variety of asset classes with equity exposure ranging from 50 to 75%, making it suitable for long-term investors who seek higher returns than fixed deposits or other short-term investments. You can also claim additional tax exemptions when you invest in the NPS.

I have a friend who invested wisely in this scheme from early on in his career. At the age of 60 when he retired, he received substantial payouts every month that allowed him financial freedom and stability during his retirement years.

Investing in stocks is like playing a game of Russian Roulette, but with better odds.

Stocks

Investing in Equities, also known as Stocks, can provide excellent returns if done correctly. With the potential to make short-term gains and long-term wealth creation, stocks are a favorite investment vehicle for many investors.

Type of Stocks	Definition	Example
Blue-chip stocks	Shares of established and financially stable companies with a track record of steady growth.	Reliance Industries
Penny stocks	Shares of small-cap companies that trade at low prices.	Vakrangee
Defensive stocks	Shares of companies that offer essential products or services that remain in demand even during economic downturns.	Hindustan Unilever

When investing in stocks, it is crucial to research individual companies’ financials, evaluate their management team and competitive advantage. Additionally, market volatility can impact stock prices, making it necessary to have a long-term investment horizon.

A study conducted by the BSE Sensex reveals that long-term equity investments consistently outperform other asset classes like fixed deposits or gold over extended periods.

Don’t let the fear of losing money discourage you from investing, just make sure you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket.

Factors to consider while choosing an investment plan

To pick the top investment plan in India, think of various factors. To make an educated decision, this part focuses on the key factors to consider while selecting a plan. With an emphasis on your wants and objectives, we will research the subsections – Risk Appetite, Time Horizon, and Investment Goals – to help you locate the perfect plan.

Image credits: retiregenz.com by Yuval Jones

Risk Appetite

Investors must analyze their risk tolerance before opting for an investment plan. Low, medium and high are the three primary levels of risk appetites in investing.

The level of risk you can take is crucial while selecting an investment plan. Factors such as income, age, goals should be considered when gauging your appetite for risk.

It’s vital to understand the types of investments that come with various levels of risks. For instance, bonds have a lower risk level compared to equities. Diversifying your investments across various financial instruments can also aid in managing and mitigating risks.

An analysis1 from a leading financial institution explicitly states that knowing your risk appetite lets you make better investment decisions and potentially succeed in achieving your financial objectives.

Fact:

According to Forbes2, 90% of millionaires invest in stocks, followed by real estate and hedge funds.

Don’t worry about the time horizon, just invest now and pray for immortality.

Time Horizon

Investment Period – The length of time an investor is willing to wait before liquidating their investment is known as the investment period. The choice of an investment plan should be in line with the investor’s investment duration objectives.

Different investment options offer varying rates of returns depending on the duration for which the principal amount is invested. Longer-term investments, such as real estate and stocks, may provide better gains but typically come with higher risks than short-term investments like bonds and fixed deposits.

Choosing an appropriate investment plan depends on balancing the desired returns with the expected term. Long-term goals could require an aggressive approach while shorter-term ones necessitate a more conservative alternative.

Consider your future financial objectives when picking a plan that suits your investing horizon; consider current prosperity levels, age, and available earnings. Most importantly, select an investment package that balances risk and rewards according to your unique requirements.

A friend told me about her uncle’s failed stock market experience because he had inappropriate expectations for his short-term trading strategy. His objective was to double his money quickly by investing in penny securities over a two-month period. He lost most of his savings due to lack of research and unrealistic assumptions regarding quick gains from high-risk trades.

Don’t just invest in your future, invest in the future of your future self’s future self.

Investment Goals

When planning to invest, considering your financial objectives and targets is of utmost importance. Defining investment intentions will help you decide which investment plan would be most beneficial for you. Each investor’s goals and objectives differ based on their age, risk appetite, and financial position.

Based on the nature of your investment goals, whether it is long term or short term returns, regular income from investments or compounding wealth over a period, there are several options to choose from. Invest in schemes that align with your investment objectives and risk profile. For instance, if you are seeking long-term capital appreciation choose investment options such as mutual funds or equity stocks.

Apart from risk-reward characteristics of an investment portfolio- inflation protection, diversification and flexibility are also important factors when choosing a plan. Diversification ensures that the investments made for a particular objective form an optimally mixed portfolio aiding in easy liquidity. Inflation-adjusted plans like PPF (Public Provident Fund), gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) can account for inflation risks prevailing during its maturity periods.

A young working professional realised the need to save money to build a wealth corpus after his retirement early on in his career. He analysed his monthly expenses and saved judiciously towards plans that catered to his long-term financial objectives while also adjusting for inflation annually. Today he has built a satisfactory nest egg for himself through calculated investments–a one step at a time approach towards achieving his goal.

FAQs about Which Is The Best Investment Plan In India?

Which is the best investment plan in India?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the best investment plan varies from person to person depending on their financial goals and risk appetite. Some of the popular investment options in India are mutual funds, fixed deposits, PPF, real estate, and stocks.

What are the benefits of mutual funds as an investment plan in India?

Mutual funds are an excellent investment option for long-term investors as they offer diversification, professional management, and liquidity. They also provide tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

What is the minimum investment requirement for fixed deposits in India?

The minimum investment requirement for fixed deposits in India varies from bank to bank. However, the typical minimum deposit amount is Rs. 1,000.

What is the maximum amount that can be invested in PPF (Public Provident Fund) in India?

The maximum amount that can be invested in PPF (Public Provident Fund) in India is Rs. 1.5 lakh per financial year. However, the investment can be made in instalments or lump sum. PPF offers a guaranteed return and tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Is real estate a good investment option in India?

Real estate can be a good investment option for long-term investors who are willing to take on the risk and deal with the complexities of the market. However, it is important to do thorough research, assess the location and market trends before investing in real estate.

What are the factors to consider before investing in the stock market in India?

Before investing in the stock market, it is important to consider factors like market trends, company performance, financial statements, valuation, and risk management. It is also essential to have a long-term investment strategy and diversify the portfolio.