Budget and taxes: A balancing act between short-term challenges and long-term growth

Budget and taxes: A balancing act between short-term challenges and long-term growth

The Union budget for 2024-25 has proposed several changes in the capital gains tax structure, some of which are surprising moves that the mutual fund industry and the wider market community were not prepared for. One of the most significant was the hike in long-term capital gains tax from 10% to 12.5%. The budget’s proposal … Read more

Is relying solely on Sukanya Samriddhi enough, or should you invest in equity funds too?

Is relying solely on Sukanya Samriddhi enough, or should you invest in equity funds too?

Recently, I was talking to a relative who has a 3-year-old daughter. Being an investment advisor, many of the general conversations with extended families tend to steer towards investments. This relative of mine told me that he is investing ₹1.5 lakh yearly in the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account for his daughter’s future. I asked him … Read more

What is the definition of ‘long term’ while investing in equities? MintGenie explores

What is the definition of ‘long term’ while investing in equities? MintGenie explores

Investing, a crucial aspect of financial planning, requires a strategic approach that aligns with individual goals and time frames. Whether it’s equities, debt funds, or other asset classes, having a clear investment horizon is imperative for optimising returns and managing risk effectively. Investing with a time frame: Importance across asset classes When it comes to … Read more

Retirement Planning: How can you begin your journey towards retirement savings? Here are 5 key steps

Retirement Planning: How can you begin your journey towards retirement savings? Here are 5 key steps

Famed English actor Michael Caine once said, “Save your money. You are going to need twice as much money in your old age as you think.” Given that the thespian is now 91 years old, he likely has valuable insights into retirement and old age. Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial … Read more

72% of women making final decisions on their investments, survey reveals

72% of women making final decisions on their investments, survey reveals

A recent survey conducted by Axis Mutual Fund nationwide showed an increasing number of women assuming control of their financial futures. This shift is significant because historically, investment decisions were predominantly male-dominated. The survey’s findings indicate a rising trend towards greater financial independence among women. The survey also highlights that women prefer mutual funds, which … Read more

How you can blend investment styles with mutual funds

How you can blend investment styles with mutual funds

You often hear that it is essential to diversify mutual fund investments across asset classes and categories. However, it’s equally crucial to vary investment styles within a category. You can pick a fund following growth investing style and a value style that tend to do well during different cycles of the economy. Growth style typically … Read more

Which is better for SIPs: UPI AutoPay or eNACH?

Which is better for SIPs: UPI AutoPay or eNACH?

What’s the best way to pay for your SIPs – UPI Autopay or eNACH? Your choice matters as the two methods have different functionality and register your SIPs in different ways.  A UPI AutoPay mandate can be initiated on any UPI AutoPay-enabled platform by entering the PIN of your UPI account. An eNACH mandate on … Read more

What mutual fund executives want to see in upcoming Union Budget

What mutual fund executives want to see in upcoming Union Budget

MUMBAI : With the Union Budget expected in the second half of July, mutual fund executives are hoping for measures in four key areas that can boost their sector and invigorate the economy. Debt taxation From 1 April 2023, debt mutual funds have not got the benefit of indexation on long-term capital gains. Such gains … Read more

Here’s how to accurately declare assets in Schedule AL of your ITR

Here's how to accurately declare assets in Schedule AL of your ITR

Schedule AL was introduced in 2016 after the discontinuation of the wealth tax. Prakash Hegde, chartered accountant at Acer Tax & Corporate Services LLP, explains, “The government wanted a monitoring system to check if the value of a taxpayer’s assets corresponds to the income earned by them. Thus, Schedule AL was introduced.” To help taxpayers … Read more