Why You Should Avoid Investing in Mutual Funds Solely Based on Ratings

 

Introduction:

Investing in mutual funds can be an excellent way to grow your wealth and achieve your financial goals. However, it’s important to be cautious when considering mutual funds with high ratings. Here are some dangers associated with investing in mutual funds solely based on their ratings:

1.     Potential for Misleading Ratings:

Mutual fund ratings are typically assigned by rating agencies or research firms based on various factors such as historical performance, risk-adjusted returns, and fund manager expertise. However, these ratings can be subjective and based on past performance, which may not necessarily indicate future success. There have been instances where highly rated funds have underperformed or experienced significant losses in subsequent periods.

2.     Herd Mentality and Overcrowding:

When mutual funds receive high ratings, it often attracts a large influx of investors seeking to benefit from the perceived success. This influx can result in overcrowding, as more money flows into the fund. Overcrowding can lead to challenges for the fund manager in deploying the increased capital effectively and may impact the fund’s performance negatively. Additionally, if a highly rated fund faces a significant redemption pressure due to market downturns or changes in investor sentiment, it may struggle to meet redemption requests, potentially affecting investors’ liquidity.

3.     Limited Diversification:

Some highly rated mutual funds may focus on specific sectors, regions, or investment styles. While these concentrated approaches may yield impressive returns during favorable market conditions, they also expose investors to higher risks. Lack of diversification can make the fund vulnerable to sector-specific or regional market fluctuations, which can result in significant losses if the market conditions turn unfavorable.

4.     Inadequate Due Diligence:

Relying solely on ratings without conducting thorough due diligence can be risky. Ratings are based on historical data and general market trends but may not consider individual investors’ unique financial goals, risk tolerance, or investment horizon. It is essential to assess factors such as the fund’s investment strategy, expense ratios, turnover ratios, fund manager’s experience, and the fund’s alignment with your investment objectives.

5.     Changing Market Dynamics:

Mutual funds, regardless of their ratings, are subject to market risks and economic fluctuations. A highly rated fund may not be immune to changes in market dynamics, such as economic recessions, geopolitical events, or shifts in investor sentiment. It is crucial to understand the fund’s investment approach and how it may perform in different market conditions, rather than solely relying on its rating.

Conclusion:

While mutual fund ratings can serve as a starting point for evaluating investment options, they should not be the sole determinant of your investment decision. It is essential to conduct thorough research, consider your individual financial goals and risk tolerance, and evaluate the fund’s investment strategy, performance consistency, and suitability for your portfolio. Diversification across various asset classes and regular review of your investment choices are key to mitigating risks and achieving long-term investment success.

How CIBIL Score impacts your loan application

 

When it comes to applying for a personal loan, your financial history is under scrutiny, and one key player in this assessment is your CIBIL Score. The Credit Information Bureau of India (CIBIL) assigns a score ranging from 300 to 900, reflecting your creditworthiness. This score holds significant sway over your loan application process.

Understanding CIBIL Score Dynamics:

·        >  Default Consequences: Defaulting on loan payments negatively impacts your CIBIL Score, potentially leading to rejection of your loan application.

·         > Score Range Significance: A lower score, such as 300, might result in rejection, while a higher score, say 750 or above, expedites processing and often comes with perks like lower interest rates.

·         > Improvement Strategies: Timely repayment of loan EMIs and ensuring minimum payments on your credit card are effective ways to improve your credit score.

Clarifying FAQs About Personal Loans:

1.     End Use Flexibility: Personal loans offer unparalleled flexibility; there are no restrictions on fund utilization, whether it’s for purchasing a new TV or a special diamond ring.

2.     Application Process: Start by exploring different banks for the best offers, interest rates, and EMI schemes. Be aware of eligibility criteria and required documents before applying.

3.     Loan Tenure: Personal loans typically have a short tenure, ranging from 1 to 5 years, allowing for quick repayment.

4.     Loan Amount: Your eligibility depends on factors like repayment ability. Banks prefer monthly installments not exceeding 30-40% of your net salary or 50% of your income as per tax returns.

5.     Fees and Charges: Besides interest rates, banks levy fees, notably processing fees (1-2% of the loan amount) and prepayment penalties (2-5% at closure). Negotiating these fees is possible.

6.     Interest Rates: Interest rates vary among banks, usually falling between 10% and 24%, contingent on your profile and chosen policies/schemes.

7.     Loan Disbursement: Banks typically disburse loans within seven working days. Having all documents, especially post-dated cheques (PDC), in order is crucial to avoid delays.

8.     Repayment Methods: At the loan application stage, banks may request post-dated cheques or sign-up for ECS (Electronic Clearing System) for monthly installments. Confirmation on the presentation date is advisable.

Understanding the intricacies of CIBIL Scores and the nuances of personal loans empowers individuals to navigate the borrowing landscape with confidence. Whether fortifying your creditworthiness or making informed decisions about loan terms, this knowledge ensures a smoother financial journey.

HUMAN LIFE VALUE - WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU PURCHASE LIFE INSURANCE

There are a few typical mistakes that people make while buying life insurance. People can make better decisions and steer clear of potential pitfalls by being aware of these serious mistakes. When buying life insurance, neglecting to calculate the human life value (HLV) might be a serious error. HLV calculation assists people in figuring out how much life insurance to buy in order to safeguard the financial security of their dependents in the case of their passing away.

 Human life value can be calculated using the human life value (HLV) technique, which takes into account their income, expenses, and future commitments. It is essential in figuring out how much life insurance is necessary to safeguard the dependents' financial security in the case of the policyholder's passing. In insurance, your age, income, future demands for money, and liabilities are all taken into account when calculating your Human Life Value. For example if you intend to work for an additional 20 years and earn Rs.5,00,000 per year, for instance, your Human Life Value may be Rs.1,00,00,000 (20 years x 5,00,000).

 Here's why ignoring HLV calculation can be a costly mistake:

 Inadequate Coverage: One of the primary purposes of life insurance is to replace the income of the insured individual in the event of their death. HLV calculation helps determine the amount of coverage needed to replace the income that the individual would have earned over their working years. In the absence of an HLV calculation, people can understate the amount of coverage they actually require, leaving their dependents insufficiently protected. Their loved ones can become financially vulnerable as a result and be unable to cover ongoing needs like a mortgage, schooling, and daily living expenses.

 Overpaying for Coverage: On the other hand, if people decide to buy more insurance than they really need, they will end up paying more than is necessary. Paying too much for insurance can put a strain on your finances and take money away from other financial objectives like investments and savings. Based on the HLV computation, one must accept the insurance coverage they genuinely need.

 Covering Debts and Expenses: Life insurance policies can also be used to pay off debts that have not been paid off, including credit card obligations, mortgages, loans, and burial costs. These monetary commitments are taken into consideration during the HLV calculation to make sure there is adequate coverage to settle them without placing a financial strain on the remaining family members.

 Future Financial requirements and Goals: The HLV computation takes into account future financial requirements and goals, such as keeping up the family's standard of living, saving for retirement, and paying for children's education. The right level of life insurance coverage can be chosen by projecting these future costs, ensuring that these objectives can still be met even in the event that the insured person's income is lost.

Inflation and projected Investment Returns: To guarantee that the life insurance coverage amount stays adequate over time, the HLV calculation takes into consideration variables like inflation and projected investment returns. The coverage amount can be modified to retain its purchasing power and keep up with the growing cost of living by accounting for these factors.

 Providing Financial Security: The dependents of the insured individual receive financial security and peace of mind from life insurance coverage based on the HLV calculation. It guarantees them sufficient protection and the ability to continue living at their current level even in the event of the insured person's passing.

 How to calculate human life value manually : Calculating human life value manually involves estimating the economic value of an individual's life based on various factors such as their age, income, future earning potential, expenses, and other financial considerations. Here's a simplified approach to calculating human life value: --

Determine the individual's current annual income. This can include salary, bonuses, investment income, etc., in addition estimate the individual's potential future income growth based on factors like career progression, inflation, and market trends. Estimate the number of years the individual is expected to work until retirement. Multiply their annual income by the number of working years to calculate the total income over their career. From the arrived amount deduct taxes and living expenses from the total income to account for what the individual would actually retain. Consider additional financial factors such as debts, savings, investments, and future financial obligations like education expenses for children or retirement savings. Since future income is worth less in today's terms due to inflation and the time value of money, discount the future earnings to present value using an appropriate discount rate. Sum up the present value of future earnings, adjusted for taxes, expenses, and other financial considerations. This represents the estimated economic value of the individual's life.

It is important to remember that determining the value of a human life is a complex process that requires many assumptions and approximations. Depending on the unique circumstances, inclinations, and preferences of individuals or financial professionals, many approaches and considerations may be applied. In the context of insurance planning, human life value computations are also frequently utilized to establish the right coverage amounts for life insurance plans.

 

Dr. Sanjay Mittal

PhD (Business Administration)

Senior Banker

 8146624667

Shsanjay.mittal@gmail.com

 

 

 

  

PENSION SCHEMES UNDERSTANDING PENSION SCHEMES: A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

 Pension schemes play a crucial role in securing financial stability and peace of mind for individuals after their employment years. Let's delve into the intricate details of pension schemes, their various benefits, and how they function.

Pension Schemes: An Introduction

A pension scheme is a structured financial plan that ensures regular income to individuals after their retirement. It serves as a financial cushion, maintaining their quality of life during non-earning years. Two main types of pension schemes are prevalent: employer-sponsored schemes and government-funded schemes.

Types of Pension

Member's Pension: Once an individual reaches the retirement age and has completed a certain number of years in service, they become eligible for a regular pension.

Family Pension (on Member's Death): If a member passes away, the pension is extended to their spouse and dependent children below 25 years of age.

Leaving Service Before Eligibility:

If an individual leaves employment before being eligible for a monthly member's pension (usually based on a minimum service period and age), they can either receive a withdrawal benefit or opt for a scheme certificate.

 Scheme Certificate:

Issued if the member leaves before 58 and applies for it.

The certificate carries service and family details.

It can be surrendered when joining a new establishment to consolidate service.

After 50, members can apply for pension by surrendering this certificate.

Withdrawal Benefit:

If not eligible for pension, the member can withdraw the accumulated amount in their pension account.

Calculated based on average salary and service period.

Employers and the government contribute to the pension fund.

EPFO guarantees pension to members, even if the employer hasn't contributed.

 Pension Benefits on Death:

Death When Not in Service:

Valid scheme certificate holder not yet 58 years old.

For unmarried members, 10 years of service required for nominee/dependent parent pension.

Death After Commencement of Pension:

If a member dies after pension payments start, the pension may continue for the spouse or nominee.

Death While in Service:

Minimum one month's service required.

Pension to unmarried members' nominee/dependent parent without conditions.

 Family Pension:

A. For a Member With Family:

Pension payable to the spouse.

If the member has dependent children below 25 years of age, they receive pension.

Disabled children can receive pension for life.

Only two children can receive pension simultaneously.

B. For a Member Without Family:

Pension to a single nominated person.

If no nomination, first to the father, then the mother.

Family pension until widow or widower remarries or for life.

If no widow pension, orphan pension can be paid.

Government Employees Pension:

Calculated using specific formulas.

Commutation option allows lump-sum payment.

Tax treatment depends on the nature of pension (periodical or commuted).

Contributions and Responsibilities:

Employers maintain contribution cards for pension fund members.

Employers send details of eligible employees to the Commissioner.

Employers prepare returns for employees joining or leaving service.

Central Board may issue directions to employers for scheme implementation.

Tax Implications:

Tax treatment varies based on periodic (fully taxable) or commuted (partly taxable) pension.

Exemptions are available for government employees, statutory corporations, and local authorities.

Family pension is taxable with a standard deduction.

Conclusion:

Understanding pension schemes is vital for securing financial stability during retirement. It's advisable to carefully consider options like scheme certificates, withdrawal benefits, and commutation, keeping in mind taxation and other implications. By planning strategically, individuals can ensure a comfortable post-retirement life.