Latest Information on Investment

  The Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) is a crucial savings tool for employees, providing a secure way to build a retirement corpus through regular contributions. To manage and monitor your EPF account effectively, knowing how to check your EPF balance is essential. The "EPF balance check number" is a key tool in this process. To check your EPF balance, you need your Universal Account Number (UAN), which is a unique identifier provided to each EPF member. The EPF balance check number, often referred to as the EPF account number or UAN, allows you to access your account information online or through various other methods. You can check your EPF balance through the EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organization) member portal, where you can log in using your UAN and password. Additionally, the EPFO provides a mobile app called “UMANG” and an SMS service for checking your balance. By sending an SMS with your EPF account details to the designated number, you can receive your...

  A Provident Fund (PF) is a vital savings mechanism designed to ensure financial stability and security for employees, especially post-retirement. One of the key aspects of managing a PF account is understanding the "PF withdrawal" rules, which govern how and when you can access your accumulated funds. PF withdrawal can be done under various circumstances, such as retirement, unemployment, medical emergencies, or major life events like marriage or education. Typically, employees can withdraw their entire PF balance upon retirement or after a certain period of unemployment. For partial withdrawals, specific conditions apply based on the purpose of the withdrawal and the duration of service. For instance, employees can withdraw a portion of their PF balance for medical emergencies or higher education needs, provided they meet certain criteria. Withdrawals are also permitted for purchasing a home or making significant repairs, but these require a minimum service period and adh...

  The General Provident Fund (GPF) is a robust savings scheme designed primarily for government employees in India, providing a structured approach to building a retirement corpus. The GPF investment allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary towards a savings fund that grows with a fixed interest rate, ensuring financial stability for the future. Under the General Provident Fund scheme, employees make regular contributions, which are matched by the government, leading to a substantial accumulation of funds over the years. The interest rates offered on GPF investments are generally competitive, reflecting government policy adjustments to keep pace with economic conditions. These rates are compounded annually, which helps in maximizing the growth of the invested amount. The GPF offers several benefits, including tax exemptions on contributions and interest earned, which further enhances its appeal as a retirement savings tool. Employees can access their GPF balance up...

When investing in mutual funds, understanding the different types of returns is crucial for evaluating performance. Two commonly discussed types of returns are absolute return vs annualised return . Absolute return refers to the total increase or decrease in the value of an investment over a specific period, expressed as a percentage. It measures the actual gain or loss without considering the time frame. For example, if you invest $1,000 in a mutual fund and it grows to $1,200 after two years, the absolute return is 20%. This metric is straightforward but doesn't account for the investment period, making it less useful for comparing investments held for different durations. In contrast, annualised return provides a more nuanced view by standardizing the return over a one-year period. It expresses the average annual return an investment has generated over a specific timeframe, making it easier to compare different investments. Using the previous example, the 20% absolute return o...

  Choosing the best SIP plan requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision. First, identify your financial goals. Whether you are saving for retirement, a child's education, or buying a home, knowing your objectives will help narrow down suitable SIP plans. Next, assess your risk tolerance. SIP plans come in various forms, including equity, debt, and hybrid funds. Equity funds are suitable for long-term goals but come with higher risk, while debt funds are less risky and ideal for short-term goals. Hybrid funds offer a balanced approach. Research the performance of mutual funds. Look for funds with a consistent track record over different market cycles. Evaluate factors such as the fund’s historical returns, expense ratio, and the fund manager’s experience. Websites and financial advisors can provide valuable insights into these metrics. Consider the fund’s in...