The Universe of Investments

Welcome to The Universe of Investments, where we’ll explore the diverse realm of financial opportunities. In this series, we’ll take you through the building blocks of investing, highlighting the key differences between saving and investing. We’ll also showcase the immense potential of compound growth over time.

We’ll look into popular investment avenues such as mutual funds, fixed deposits, and the National Pension Scheme. You’ll learn how to make the most of small budgets, set achievable financial goals, and strike the right balance between short-term and long-term investments.

Furthermore, we’ll discover the importance of diversification and how tools like SIP and FD calculators might help streamline your financial planning. Whether you’re new to investing or looking to expand your portfolio, The Universe of Investments could help you manoeuvre through the ever-evolving financial landscape.

Season
share icon

About Investments

Welcome to About Investments, where we’ll traverse through the vast world of investment opportunities. In this season we’ll take you through a detailed exploration of India’s diverse investment options. This could offer a solid foundation if you’re looking to build wealth. We’ll delve into the psychology of investing, shedding light on how emotions influence financial decisions. You’ll learn how to set and achieve financial goals and understand the importance of crafting a diversified portfolio. Whether you’re debating between long-term and short-term investments or seeking tips for small-budget investing, this season has something for everyone. We’ll also explore critical concepts like SIPs, retirement planning, and the difference between saving and investing. You’ll discover how starting early could make all the difference in growing your wealth. With valuable tips and actionable steps, About Investments could empower you to make better decisions on your path to financial security.

Start Watching

episode thumbnail
play icon
E01: Unlocking the Treasure Trove of Investment Options in India
05 mins
Investing could open a variety of opportunities, each with distinct risks and rewards. In this video, we’ll explore some of the top investment options. From secure choices like fixed deposits and public provident funds to dynamic investments in mutual funds, stocks, and real estate. Each option serves a different purpose and understanding these choices could help you make decisions aligned with your financial goals. We’ll also discuss essential strategies for successful investing, including the importance of diversification, maintaining an emergency fund, and assessing your risk tolerance. For tax-saving options, we’ll explore government-backed investments like the National Pension Scheme (NPS) and Public Provident Fund (PPF). Such investments could help reduce tax liability while helping you build wealth. Additionally, this video covers practical tips for effective portfolio management, including regularly reviewing your investments and seeking professional advice when needed. Whether you’re exploring traditional or high-growth investments, learning about India’s financial landscape could empower you to build a tailored investment strategy.
episode thumbnail
play icon
E02: Investing 101: A Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth
04 mins
Building wealth might feel like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and mindset, it could be within reach. In this video, we’ll go through foundational steps for wealth-building, whether you're starting in India or anywhere else. From setting clear financial goals to creating a budget, saving consistently, and investing wisely, you’ll learn how to make informed decisions for financial security. We’ll cover practical tips, such as maintaining an emergency fund that could protect your investments during unexpected times and reducing high-interest debt. We’ll also talk about taking advantage of tax benefits through investment options like PPF and EPF. Understanding and adjusting your budget, as well as planning for retirement, could help keep you on track. Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of staying informed, managing impulse spending, and making calculated decisions. Building wealth is a gradual process that requires discipline, patience, and commitment. With a focus on your financial objectives and a willingness to adapt over time, these steps could help you steadily grow your wealth.
Season
share icon

Fixed Deposits

Welcome to Fixed Deposits, where security meets financial growth. In this season, we’ll unpack the timeless appeal of FDs, from understanding the basics to implementing advanced strategies like FD laddering. This could offer greater flexibility and optimised returns. We’ll explore various types of FDs, including cumulative, non-cumulative, and tax-saving options, while highlighting their role in achieving your financial goals. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls, make informed investment decisions, and use tools like FD calculators for better financial planning. We’ll also unravel the power of compound interest in growing your savings and the tax implications of FDs. You’ll understand how to leverage options like overdrafts and credit cards against your deposits. Whether you’re looking for steady returns or ways to achieve your financial milestones, this season could help you harness the power of FDs to pave the way.

Start Watching

episode thumbnail
play icon
E01: Fixed Deposits Explained: An Age-old Investment Option
03 mins
Fixed deposits are one of the most time-tested investment options that could offer a safe place to grow your money. In this video, we’ll explore how FDs could be a reliable choice for both short-term and long-term goals. We’ll start by explaining the basics of FDs. How they allow you to invest a fixed amount for a set period in return for guaranteed interest. Fixed Deposits could offer a higher interest rate than regular savings accounts. They could also provide options for cumulative or non-cumulative interest pay-outs that might provide flexibility to suit different financial needs. They could be considered if you’re seeking low-risk, steady returns. We’ll also cover the range of FD tenures, from a few months to several years. We’ll talk you through how to select one based on your financial goals. Additionally, we’ll discuss tax-saving FDs, which may offer deductions on your principal investment. This might add a tax-efficient edge to your portfolio. By the end of this video, you might be able to understand why FDs remain a classic choice for growing wealth. Whether you’re saving for a rainy day or looking for a reliable way to earn interest, fixed deposits could be a rewarding option.
episode thumbnail
play icon
E02: Types of Fixed Deposit
03 mins
Fixed Deposits come in a variety of types, each designed to meet different financial needs and preferences. In this video, we’ll dive into the different types of Fixed Deposits, helping you understand how each type works. From Standard Fixed Deposits to specialised options, FDs offer diverse choices based on individual needs. We’ll start with the Standard FD, which allows you to invest a lump sum for a set tenure at a fixed interest rate. Tax-saving FDs, on the other hand, come with a five-year lock-in period and may allow for deductions under Section 80C under the IT Act. For senior citizens, higher interest rates and TDS benefits may make Senior Citizen FDs a popular choice. We’ll also cover options for NRIs, including NRE and NRO FDs, which cater to differing tax and currency needs. Recurring FDs could provide a way to save monthly, while Flexi FDs link to savings accounts for liquidity. Corporate and Special FDs might offer higher returns with varying risk levels, while Floating FDs adjust rates with the market. Gaining insights into how each FD type could support different financial priorities might help you find the right FD for your investment strategy.
Season
share icon

The National Pension Scheme Chronicles

Welcome to The National Pension Scheme Chronicles, where we’ll break down the essentials of investment strategies for a secure financial future. In this season, we’ll explore the National Pension Scheme or NPS and its potential as a dependable long-term investment. We’ll dive into the key features of Tier 1 accounts, tailored for retirement savings, and Tier 2 accounts, offering flexible investment options. We’ll also simplify the process of opening an NPS account, making retirement planning straightforward. Additionally, you’ll discover how the NPS calculator might help you estimate returns and optimise your contributions. Finally, we’ll shed light on withdrawal strategies, that might help you understand how to unlock your NPS savings when the time comes. Whether you’re starting your investment journey or fine-tuning your retirement plans, The National Pension Scheme Chronicles could equip you with valuable information to make well-informed monetary decisions.

Start Watching

episode thumbnail
play icon
E01: National Pension Scheme A Deep Dive into Investing in Tomorrow
03 mins
The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is a government-backed retirement savings initiative aimed at helping you secure your financial future. It is a voluntary, defined contribution scheme designed to provide regular income post-retirement. In this video, we’ll dive into the workings of NPS. NPS is a scheme that is open to all Indian citizens, including NRIs, aged between 18 and 60 years. Contributions made to these accounts are invested in various asset classes like equities, corporate bonds, and government securities. They’re managed by professional fund managers appointed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). We’ll also explore the scheme's tax benefits. Under Section 80C, contributions of up to Rs. 1.5 Lakhs are eligible for deductions. Additionally, an extra deduction of Rs. 50,000 can be claimed under Section 80CCD (1B). This could make NPS a tax-efficient savings option. NPS might offer flexibility in choosing investment options and fund managers, along with low fund management fees. With strict regulatory oversight from PFRDA, the scheme could ensure transparency and investor protection. By building a retirement corpus, NPS could help provide financial security and peace of mind in your post-retirement years.
episode thumbnail
play icon
E02: NPS Simplified Understanding Tier 1 and Tier 2 Accounts
03 mins
The National Pension Scheme or NPS offers two account types- Tier 1 and Tier 2, designed for retirement savings and flexible investments. In this video, we’ll explore the features of both accounts. The Tier 1 account acts as your primary pension savings vehicle, requiring regular contributions with limited withdrawal options. It offers tax benefits under Sections 80C and 80CCD(1B). This could make it a tax-efficient way to build a retirement corpus. On the other hand, the Tier 2 account provides voluntary savings flexibility and might allow you to make withdrawals without restrictions. However, it offers no tax benefits unless you’re a Central Government employee. We’ll also discuss the investment options available in NPS, including active and auto choices. Active choice might let you allocate funds across asset classes such as equity, corporate debt, government securities, and alternative investments. Auto choice could automatically manage your portfolio based on your age and risk profile. Finally, we’ll walk you through how to open these accounts. Be it through the official NPS website, PoP service providers, or the e-NPS platform. Investing in NPS could help you plan effectively for a secure retirement.
Season
share icon

Mutual Funds 101

Mutual funds offer an accessible and diversified way for beginners to invest and grow their wealth. Understanding their basics is crucial for making informed investment decisions. Investors should try to align investments with their risk appetite and financial goals. Hence, it's vital to know about the different types of funds. Some of the most prominent types include equity, debt, and hybrid funds. The process of investing involves several steps. Decoding the various terms, fees, charges, and tax implications could make investing smoother. Investors must choose a fund and how they want to invest in it. They can make lump sum contributions or through systematic investment plans (SIPs). One must also be familiar with the key rules and regulations of mutual funds. In India, these are set by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). These ensure that both investors and asset management companies follow fair investment practices. Plus, investors should avoid common mistakes and plan using the SIP calculator and lumpsum calculator. In this way, beginners can optimise their investments and build a diversified portfolio.

Start Watching

episode thumbnail
play icon
E01: Understanding Mutual Funds
05 mins
Mutual funds could help you grow your money without needing to know much about the stock market. They gather money from various investors to create a diversified portfolio of assets like stocks, bonds, and government securities. Managed by Asset Management Companies (AMCs), these funds employ professional fund managers. These managers analyse market trends and adjust investments to optimise returns and manage risks. In India, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates these funds. To invest, you buy 'units' of a mutual fund, each with a value known as the Net Asset Value (NAV). NAV could be subject to changes based on the market fluctuations. You could invest in these funds through a lump sum amount or an SIP, where you invest small amounts regularly. You could review the fund you’re investing in using the Fund Fact Sheet. This document contains details on the fund’s objectives, portfolio, performance, and other key metrics that might be of use. You could check out ELSS for income tax deductions of up to Rs. 1.5 Lakhs under Section 80C of the IT Act. Whether you’re saving for retirement, education, or other goals, mutual funds could help you achieve your financial goals.
episode thumbnail
play icon
E02: Do You Know About the Different Types of Mutual Funds
04 mins
Mutual funds offer diverse investment options categorised into three main types. These are equity, debt, and hybrid funds. Equity funds invest in the stock market, carrying higher risk with a potential for greater returns. They include ELSS, large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap funds, sectoral and thematic funds, etc. Debt funds focus on fixed-income assets like corporate debentures and government securities. They provide relatively stable returns with lower risk. Hybrid funds combine equity and debt investments to balance risk and returns. Asset management companies (AMCs) offer various mutual fund options. They can be classified based on market capitalization, investment duration, and so on. Multi-cap funds invest across company sizes and sectors. Sectoral funds focus on particular industries. Investors can use an SIP calculator to plan regular investments in these funds. Conversely, they could use a lump sum calculator to determine returns for one-time investments. Understanding the different types of mutual funds could help you align your financial goals and risk tolerance. For example, ELSS funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Debt funds include overnight funds, liquid funds, money market funds, etc. Hybrid funds offer sub-types like aggressive and conservative options. Investors could also explore other types to best match their investment horizon.
Seasons
Frequently Asked Questions
All
Long-term investments generally focus on wealth accumulation over several years, leveraging compounding. Short-term investments, on the other hand, target faster returns, typically within a year, but could come with higher liquidity and volatility. Each of these types serve different financial goals based on risk tolerance and investment timelines.
Fixed deposits require you to deposit a lump sum for a predetermined tenure, earning fixed interest rates. They are usually considered low-risk and could provide guaranteed returns. Fixed deposits might be suitable if you’re seeking stable, predictable earnings without exposure to market fluctuations.
Short-term investments could be prone to market volatility, with rapid price changes potentially affecting returns. Their high liquidity and quick turnaround might be appealing. However, the risk of sudden losses could make them less predictable compared to long-term strategies that often smooth out market fluctuations.
Key factors could include your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. It might also be essential to diversify your portfolio across asset classes, monitor market conditions, and align investments with long-term objectives. This could ensure consistent growth while minimising potential risks over time.
Inflation could diminish the purchasing power of fixed deposit returns. To offset this, you could consider inflation-linked bonds, diversify into equity or mutual funds, and periodically reassess your investment mix. These strategies might help maintain or increase the real value of your wealth over time.
FAQ Avatar