The ABCs of Mutual Fund Investing

Investing in mutual funds has become one of the most popular ways for Indians to grow their money. With a variety of options available in the market, choosing the right type of mutual fund can be overwhelming—especially if you’re just starting out. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of mutual funds available in India, explain how they work, and help you understand which one may suit your needs best in 2025. What Are Mutual Funds? A mutual fund is a pool of money collected from various investors, which is then invested in financial instruments like stocks, bonds, or a mix of both. These funds are managed by professional fund managers from Asset Management Companies (AMCs), and they’re regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), ensuring transparency and safety. You can start investing with as little as ₹100 through platforms like Groww, Zerodha Coin, Paytm Money, and others, making mutual funds accessible to almost everyone. Classification of Mu...

  Have you ever looked at the historical returns of a mutual fund and wondered why your own returns don’t match up? You are not alone. There is a well-documented phenomenon in personal finance known as the behavioural gap . This gap refers to the difference between the returns a fund or investment generates and the returns investors actually earn from it. The behavioural gap exists not because of the market or the economy but due to how investors behave. Emotions, market noise, and reactive decisions often prevent investors from capturing the full benefits of their investments. In this article, we explore what causes the behavioural gap, how it impacts long-term wealth, and what investors can do to bridge it. What Is the Behavioural Gap? The behavioural gap is the difference between an investment's performance and the actual returns an investor earns from it. This happens because most investors buy and sell at the wrong times. For example, they may invest in a mutual fund after ...

Becoming a mutual fund distributor is one of the lesser-known but highly rewarding career options in the Indian financial services industry. With low entry barriers and the ability to build a scalable, recurring income stream, it's a great choice for people who enjoy helping others with money management. But the big question on everyone’s mind is: How much can you actually earn as a mutual fund distributor in India ? Let’s dive into this in a simple, straightforward way. What Does a Mutual Fund Distributor Do? Before we talk about money, let’s quickly understand what a mutual fund distributor does. A mutual fund distributor is someone who helps people invest in mutual fund schemes. They guide clients on which funds to choose based on their goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon. They don’t manage the fund itself (that’s the job of the Asset Management Company), but they do help clients make the right choices and process their investments. To become a distributor, you ne...

Investing in mutual funds is a smart way to build wealth in India. But investing once and forgetting about it may not take you far. Just like a regular health check-up keeps you in good shape, a portfolio review ensures your investments are aligned with your financial needs. Here are 10 strong reasons why reviewing your mutual fund portfolio is important for every investor. Aligns Your Investments with Your Needs Over time, your life needs may change. You might start planning for your child’s education, a new home, or your retirement. A portfolio review helps you adjust your mutual fund investments according to your current needs and life stage. If your financial priorities have shifted, your portfolio must reflect that change. This keeps your investments need-focused and relevant. Checks Fund Performance Not all mutual funds perform well all the time. Some schemes may start well but underperform in the long run. By reviewing your portfolio regularly, you can compare each fund’s...

In today’s evolving financial landscape, the mutual fund distribution business has emerged as a promising career path for individuals who are passionate about finance and investment advisory. Whether you’re a finance professional looking to diversify your income streams or a newcomer seeking a profitable venture, becoming a mutual fund distributor can be a lucrative and rewarding choice. Let’s explore the top 5 benefits of venturing into this business: Regular Income through Commissions: Mutual fund distributors earn income through commissions on the investments made by their clients. These commissions can be of two types: Upfront Commission: Earned when a client makes an initial investment in a mutual fund. Trail Commission: A recurring commission received as long as the investment remains active. This creates a steady income stream, making the distribution business financially sustainable in the long run. Additionally, as you grow your client base and en...

When it comes to growing your wealth and securing your financial future, mutual funds have become one of the most popular investment options in India. Yet, many people hesitate to invest in mutual funds due to misconceptions and half-truths they have heard over time. These myths often hold back individuals from making smart and rewarding financial decisions. In this article, we will bust five of the most common mutual fund myths and help you understand the reality behind them, so you can invest with clarity and confidence. Myth 1: Mutual Funds Are Only for Experts Reality: Many people believe that mutual funds are meant only for those who are financially knowledgeable or experienced in the stock market. The truth is, mutual funds are designed for everyone, whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out. Mutual funds are professionally managed by experienced fund managers who take care of where and how to invest your money. With options like SIPs (Systematic Investment...