HOW CAN YOU ABOID BEING SCAMMED

How can you

avoid being scammed

Consulting is a minefield for small investors. However, these simple steps you can avoid being taken for a ride:

Keep track of your history

Before entrusting your money to a money manager to know how good it is. Research the history of the funds he advised 2-3 years ago. Consult an expert to determine the suitability of the products they recommend now to judge.

Put it in writing

Let us go through the sounds. According to the rules, mutual funds do not assure profitability and insurance companies may take only 6% or 10% yield. If asset managers expect about 20-25% of capital investment, which must give written.

Take notes

Write down what it says. It will record not only what he said, but the impression that you give serious.

Looking for a second opinion

Do not feel the asset manager, as if you are on your own. tell him you will discuss the agreement with an expert (a financial advisor or accountant) before boarding.

Do not rush things

Haste makes waste. Do not close the deal in just 1-2 sessions. Take time to understand the plan and arrangement.

Do your own research

Read plans and proposed investments by fund managers. Behold, how good that fit their financial goals.

The Ground rules of Mutual Fund Investing

The world of investments too has several ground rules meant for investors who are novices in their own right and wish to enter the myriad world of investments. These come in handy for there is every possibility of losing what one has if due care is not taken.
Assess yourself: Self-assessment of one’s needs; expectations and risk profile is of prime importance failing which, one will make more mistakes in putting money in right places than otherwise. One should identify the degree of risk bearing capacity one has and also clearly state the expectations from the investments. Irrational expectations will only bring pain.
Try to understand where the money is going: It is important to identify the nature of investment and to know if one is compatible with the investment. One can lose substantially if one picks the wrong kind of mutual fund. In order to avoid any confusion it is better to go through the literature such as offer document and fact sheets that mutual fund companies provide on their funds.
Don't rush in picking funds, think first: one first has to decide what he wants the money for and it is this investment goal that should be the guiding light for all investments done. It is thus important to know the risks associated with the fund and align it with the quantum of risk one is willing to take. One should take a look at the portfolio of the funds for the purpose. Excessive exposure to any specific sector should be avoided, as it will only add to the risk of the entire portfolio. Mutual funds invest with a certain ideology such as the "Value Principle" or "Growth Philosophy". Both have their share of critics but both philosophies work for investors of different kinds. Identifying the proposed investment philosophy of the fund will give an insight into the kind of risks that it shall be taking in future.
Invest. Don’t speculate: A common investor is limited in the degree of risk that he is willing to take. It is thus of key importance that there is thought given to the process of investment and to the time horizon of the intended investment. One should abstain from speculating which in other words would mean getting out of one fund and investing in another with the intention of making quick money. One would do well to remember that nobody can perfectly time the market so staying invested is the best option unless there are compelling reasons to exit.
Don’t put all the eggs in one basket: This old age adage is of utmost importance. No matter what the risk profile of a person is, it is always advisable to diversify the risks associated. So putting one’s money in different asset classes is generally the best option as it averages the risks in each category. Thus, even investors of equity should be judicious and invest some portion of the investment in debt. Diversification even in any particular asset class (such as equity, debt) is good. Not all fund managers have the same acumen of fund management and with identification of the best man being a tough task, it is good to place money in the hands of several fund managers. This might reduce the maximum return possible, but will also reduce the risks.

Be regular: Investing should be a habit and not an exercise undertaken at one’s wishes, if one has to really benefit from them. As we said earlier, since it is extremely difficult to know when to enter or exit the market, it is important to beat the market by being systematic. The basic philosophy of Rupee cost averaging would suggest that if one invests regularly through the ups and downs of the market, he would stand a better chance of generating more returns than the market for the entire duration. The SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) offered by all funds helps in being systematic. All that one needs to do is to give post-dated cheques to the fund and thereafter one will not be harried later. The Automatic investment Plans offered by some funds goes a step further, as the amount can be directly/electronically transferred from the account of the investor.
Do your homework:
It is important for all investors to research the avenues available to them irrespective of the investor category they belong to. This is important because an informed investor is in a better decision to make right decisions. Having identified the risks associated with the investment is important and so one should try to know all aspects associated with it. Asking the intermediaries is one of the ways to take care of the problem.
Find the right funds
Finding funds that do not charge much fees is of importance, as the fee charged ultimately goes from the pocket of the investor. This is even more important for debt funds as the returns from these funds are not much. Funds that charge more will reduce the yield to the investor. Finding the right funds is important and one should also use these funds for tax efficiency. Investors of equity should keep in mind that all dividends are currently tax-free in India and so their tax liabilities can be reduced if the dividend payout option is used. Investors of debt will be charged a tax on dividend distribution and so can easily avoid the payout options.
Keep track of your investments
Finding the right fund is important but even more important is to keep track of the way they are performing in the market. If the market is beginning to enter a bearish phase, then investors of equity too will benefit by switching to debt funds as the losses can be minimized. One can always switch back to equity if the equity market starts to show some buoyancy.
Know when to sell your mutual funds: Knowing when to exit a fund too is of utmost importance. One should book profits immediately when enough has been earned i.e. the initial expectation from the fund has been met with. Other factors like non-performance, hike in fee charged and change in any basic attribute of the fund etc. are some of the reasons for to exit. For more on it, read "When to say goodbye to your mutual fund."
Investments in mutual funds too are not risk-free and so investments warrant some caution and careful attention of the investor. Investing in mutual funds can be a dicey business for people who do not remember to follow these rules diligently, as people are likely to commit mistakes by being ignorant or adventurous enough to take risks more than what they can absorb. This is the reason why people would do well to remember these rules before they set out to invest their hard-earned money.

Mutual Funds: Universal appeal

Savings form an important part of the economy of any nation. With savings invested in various options available to the people, the money acts as the driver for growth of the country. Indian financial scene too presents multiple avenues to the investors. Though certainly not the best or deepest of markets in the world, it has ignited the growth rate in mutual fund industry to provide reasonable options for an ordinary man to invest his savings.

Investment goals vary from person to person. While somebody wants security, others might give more weightage to returns alone. Somebody else might want to plan for his child’s education while somebody might be saving for the proverbial rainy day or even life after retirement. With objectives defying any range, it is obvious that the products required will vary as well.

Though still at a nascent stage, Indian MF industry offers a plethora of schemes and serves broadly all type of investors. The range of products includes equity funds, debt, liquid, gilt and balanced funds. There are also funds meant exclusively for young and old, small and large investors. Moreover, the setup of a legal structure, which has enough teeth to safeguard investors’ interest, ensures that the investors are not cheated out of their hard-earned money. All in all, benefits provided by them cut across the boundaries of investor category and thus create for them, a universal appeal.

Investors of all categories could choose to invest on their own in multiple options but opt for mutual funds for the sole reason that all benefits come in a package.

Let us see how.

An investor normally prioritizes his investment needs before undertaking an investment. So different goals will be allocated different proportions of the total disposable amount. Investments for specific goals normally find their way into the debt market as risk reduction is of prime importance. This is the area for the risk-averse investors and here, mutual funds are generally the best option. The reasons are not difficult to see.

One can avail of the benefits of better returns with added benefits of anytime liquidity by investing in open-ended debt funds at lower risk. Many people have burnt their fingers by investing in fixed deposits of companies who were assuring high returns but have gone bust in course of time leading to distraught investors as well as pending cases in the Company Law Board.

This risk of default by any company that one has chosen to invest in, can be minimized by investing in mutual funds as the fund managers analyze the companies’ financials more minutely than an individual can do as they have the expertise to do so. They can manage the maturity of their portfolio by investing in instruments of varied maturity profiles. Since there is no penalty on pre-mature withdrawal, as in the cases of fixed deposits, debt funds provide enough liquidity. Moreover, mutual funds are better placed to absorb the fluctuations in the prices of the securities as a result of interest rate variation and one can benefits from any such price movement.

Apart from liquidity, these funds have also provided very good post-tax returns on year to year basis. Even historically, we find that some of the debt funds have generated superior returns at relatively low level of risks. On an average debt funds have posted returns over 10 percent over one-year horizon. The best performing funds have given returns of around 14 percent in the last one-year period. In nutshell we can say that these funds have delivered more than what one expects of debt avenues such as post office schemes or bank fixed deposits. Though they are charged with a dividend distribution tax on dividend payout at 10 percent (plus a surcharge of 10 percent), the net income received is still tax free in the hands of investor and is generally much more than all other avenues, on a post tax basis.

Moving up in the risk spectrum, we have people who would like to take some risk and invest in equity funds/capital market. However, since their appetite for risk is also limited, they would rather have some exposure to debt as well. For these investors, balanced funds provide an easy route of investment. Armed with the expertise of investment techniques, they can invest in equity as well as good quality debt thereby reducing risks and providing the investor with better returns than he could otherwise manage. Since they can reshuffle their portfolio as per market conditions, they are likely to generate moderate returns even in pessimistic market conditions.

Next come the risk takers. Risk takers by their very nature, would not be averse to investing in high-risk avenues. Capital markets find their fancy more often than not, because they have historically generated better returns than any other avenue, provided, the money was judiciously invested. Though the risk associated is generally on the higher side of the spectrum, the return-potential compensates for the risk attached.

Capital markets interest people, albeit not all for there are several problems associated. First issue is that of expertise. While investing directly into capital market one has to be analytical enough to judge the valuation of the stock and understand the complex undertones of the stock. One needs to judge the right valuation for exiting the stock too. It is very difficult for a small investor to keep track of the movements of the market. Entrusting the job to experts, who watch the trends of the market and analyze the valuations of the stocks will solve this problem for an investor. Mutual funds specialize in identification of stocks through dedicated experts in the field and this enables them to pick stocks at the right moment. Sector funds provide an edge and generate good returns if the particular sector is doing well.


Next problem is that of funds/money. A single person can’t invest in multiple high-priced stocks for the sole reason that his pockets are not likely to be deep enough. This limits him from diversifying his portfolio as well as benefiting from multiple investments. Here again, investing through MF route enables an investor to invest in many good stocks and reap benefits even through a small investment. This not only diversifies the portfolio and helps in generating returns from a number of sectors but reduces the risk as well. Though identification of the right fund might not be an easy task, availability of good investment consultants and counselors will help investors take informed decision.

Their appeal is not just limited to these categories of investors. Specific goals like career planning for children and retirement plans are also catered to by mutual funds. Children funds have found their way in a big way with many of the fund houses already having launched a children fund. Essentially debt oriented, these schemes invite investments, which are locked till the child attains majority and requires money for higher education. You can invest today and assure financial support to your child when he/she requires them. The schemes have given very good returns of around 14 percent in the last one-year period. These schemes are also designed to provide tax efficiency. The returns generated by these funds come under capital gains and attract tax at concessional rates.

Besides this, if the objective was to save taxes, the industry offers equity linked savings schemes as well. Equity-based funds, they can take long-term call on stocks and market conditions without having to worry about redemption pressure as the money is locked in for three years and provide good returns. Some of the ELSS have been exceptional performers in past and cater to equity investor with good performances. The industry offered tax benefits under various sections of the IT Act. For e.g. dividend income is free in the hands of the investor while capital gains are taxed after providing for cost inflation indexation. Hitherto, the benefits under section 54 EA/EB were available to take benefits of the tax provisions for capital gains but have now been removed.

The benefits listed so far have essentially been for the small retail investor but the industry can attract investments from institutional and big investors as well. Liquid funds offer liquidity as well as better returns than banks and so attract investors. Many funds provide anytime withdrawal enabling a big investor to take maximum benefits.

Like we said earlier, the appeal of mutual funds cuts across investor classes.

In other developed countries, mutual funds attract much more investments as compared to the banking sector but in India the case is reverse. We lack awareness about the benefits that are offered by these schemes. It is time that investors irrespective of their risk capacities, made intelligent decisions to generate better returns and mutual funds are definitely one of the ways to go about.

Insurance Plans -Child Future Plan

Introduction:This plan is specially designed to meet the increasing educational, marriage and other needs of growing children. It provides the risk cover on the life of child not only during the policy term but also during the extended term (i.e. 7 years after the expiry of policy term). A number of Survival benefits are payable on surviving by the life assured to the end of the specified durations.Options:You may choose Sum Assured (S.A.), Maturity Age, Policy Term, Mode of Premium payment and Premium Waiver Benefit.Payment of Premiums:You may pay the premiums regularly at yearly, half-yearly, quarterly or through Salary deductions over the term of policy. Premiums may be paid either for 6 years or upto 5 years before the policy term.Sample Premium Rates:Following are some of the sample premium rates per Rs. 1000/- S.A.:

Insurance Plans - Jeevan Chhaya

Product summary:This is an Endowment Assurance plan that provides financial protection against death throughout the term of the plan. Besides payment of Sum Assured immediately on death, one-fourth of Sum Assured is payable at the end of each of last four years of policy term whether the life assured dies or survives the term of the policy.Premiums:Premiums are payable yearly, half-yearly, quarterly, monthly or through salary deductions as opted by you throughout the term of the policy or till the earlier death.Bonuses:This is a with-profits plan and participates in the profits of the Corporation’s life insurance business. It gets a share of profits in the form of bonuses. Simple Reversionary Bonuses are declared per thousand Sum Assured annually at the end of each financial year. Once declared, they form part of the guaranteed benefits of the plan. Bonuses for full term on the full Sum assured are paid at the end of the term even if death occurs during policy term. Final (Additional) Bonus may also be payable provided policy has run for certain minimum period.

Insurance Plans - Marriage Endowment Or Educational Annuity Plan

Product summary:This is an Endowment Assurance plan that provides for benefits on or from the selected maturity date to meet the Marriage/Educational expenses of the named child.Premiums:Premiums are payable yearly, half-yearly, quarterly, monthly or through Salary deductions, as opted by you, throughout the term of the policy or earlier death.Bonuses:This is a with-profit plan and participates in the profits of the Corporation’s life insurance business. It gets a share of the profits in the form of bonuses. Simple Reversionary Bonuses are declared per thousand Sum Assured annually at the end of each financial year. Once declared, they form part of the guaranteed benefits of the plan. Such bonuses are to be added till maturity even if the life assured dies before the maturity date. Final (Additional) Bonus may also be payable provided a policy is of a certain minimum term.

Insurance Plans - Komal Jeevan

Product summary:This is a Children's Money Back Plan that provides financial protection against death during the term of plan with periodic payments on survival at specified durations. This plan can be purchased by any of the parent or grand parent for a child aged 0 to 10 years.Commencement of risk cover:The risk commences either after 2 years from the date of commencement of policy or from the policy anniversary immediately following the completion of 7 years of age of child, whichever is later.Premiums:Premiums are payable yearly, half-yearly, quarterly, monthly or through Salary deductions, as opted by you, up to the policy anniversary immediately after the life assured (child) attains 18 years of age or till the earlier death of the life assured. Alternatively, the premium may be paid in one lump sum (Single premium).Guaranteed Additions:The policy provides for theGuaranteed Additions at the rate of Rs.75 per thousand Sum Assured for each completed year. The Guaranteed Additions are payable at the end of the term of the policy or earlier death of the Life Assured.Loyalty Additions:This is a with-profit plan and participates in the profits of the Corporation’s life insurance business. It gets a share of the profits in the form of loyalty additions which are terminal bonuses payable along with death or maturity benefit. Loyalty addition may be payable depending on the experience of the Corporation.