FinPlann Blog — Personal Finance for Indians
Guides & insights for everyday investors
Practical articles on mutual funds, tax planning, retirement, insurance, and the money decisions that shape middle-class Indian life.
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PPF vs Fixed Deposit: Which Is Better for Safe, Long-Term Returns?
PPF and Fixed Deposits are India's most-trusted safe investments. They look similar but differ dramatically in tax treatment, liquidity, and long-term wealth creation. Here's the full comparison.
NPS vs EPF: Which Retirement Tool Should You Prioritise?
EPF is mandatory for most salaried employees, but NPS offers tax benefits and market-linked returns. Understanding both helps you build a more complete retirement plan.
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule: How to Apply It on an Indian Salary
The 50/30/20 rule is the simplest framework for managing money — 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings. But adapting it to Indian income levels, EMIs, and family obligations requires some smart adjustments.
Physical Gold vs Sovereign Gold Bonds vs Gold ETFs: The Complete Comparison
Gold is central to Indian family finance — but the way you hold it matters enormously. Physical jewellery, SGBs, and Gold ETFs have very different cost structures, returns, and tax treatments.
Home Loan Prepayment vs SIP: Where Should Your Extra Money Go?
Got a year-end bonus or extra savings? Should you prepay your home loan EMI or invest it in SIPs? The answer is not as obvious as it seems — and depends on your interest rate, tax bracket, and risk appetite.
Buy vs Rent: The Most Important Financial Decision for Urban Indians
Everyone says buying a house is the ultimate goal. But for many urban Indians, renting and investing the difference can build significantly more wealth. The answer depends on your city, income, and goals.
Emergency Fund: How Much Do You Really Need and Where Should You Keep It?
An emergency fund is the single most important financial safety net. But most Indians either have too little, too much sitting idle, or keep it in the wrong place. Here is the complete guide.
New Tax Regime vs Old Tax Regime: Which Should You Choose in FY 2025-26?
The government made the new tax regime the default in 2023. With revised slabs, a higher rebate limit, and no deductions, deciding which regime saves you more tax requires a careful calculation.
ELSS vs PPF: Which Is the Best Tax-Saving Investment Under Section 80C?
Both ELSS and PPF save tax under Section 80C — but they work very differently. Here is a head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right one for your situation.
Topics We Cover
Six areas, all India-first
Every article is written for Indian investors. We explain the maths, cite the rules, and give you action steps — not generic advice.
Mutual Fund Investing
SIP sizing, step-up strategies, lump sum vs SIP, fund category guides, and portfolio reviews.
Tax Planning & Saving
New vs old regime, ELSS vs PPF under 80C, HRA, F&O — updated for the current financial year.
Retirement & FIRE
The 4% rule adapted for Indian inflation, NPS vs EPF, planning timelines by age.
Loans, Debt & Credit
Prepay vs invest, personal loan payoff strategies, CIBIL improvement, rent vs buy.
Insurance & Emergency
Term vs ULIP, health cover sizing against medical inflation, and emergency fund maths.
Budgeting & Savings
50/30/20 adapted for Indian salaries, SSY vs MF, gold strategies, LRS for investing abroad.