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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Thematic Funds — ESG, Manufacturing, EV — Tested Against the Hype
Thematic funds chase trends — ESG, manufacturing, EV, defence. They sound smart in fund prospectuses. The data on whether they actually outperform is more sobering. Here's what the numbers show.
Sector Funds in India — When to Use Them and When to Run
Sector funds bet on a single industry — banking, IT, pharma, FMCG, infrastructure. Returns can be spectacular in sector cycles, brutal outside them. Here's the framework for whether they belong in your portfolio at all.
Multi Cap vs Flexi Cap — Which One and Why It Matters
Multi cap and flexi cap funds sound similar but have a critical difference: SEBI mandates 25% each in large/mid/small cap for multi cap, while flexi cap can go anywhere. Here's how to choose the right one for your portfolio.
Money Market Funds in India 2026 — The 6-Month Parking Solution
Money market funds invest in instruments under 1-year maturity — T-bills, certificates of deposit, commercial paper. Higher yield than savings, lower volatility than short-duration funds. Here's the use case in 2026.
Short Duration vs Ultra Short Duration Funds — Which for 1-3 Year Goals
Short duration and ultra-short duration debt funds look similar but serve different time horizons. Here's the math, the duration ranges, and how to pick the right one for your specific 1-3 year goal.
NRI Mutual Fund Investments in India 2026 — The Complete Guide
NRIs can invest in Indian mutual funds — but with different KYC, currency conversion, repatriation rules, and tax implications. Here is the complete 2026 guide for NRIs in Singapore, USA, UAE, UK, and other major markets.
Fixed-Income Lumpsum Has Matured — Liquid Fund, Hybrid, or Continue PPF?
Your FD, KVP, NSC, or bond has matured and you have a lumpsum in hand. The wrong parking choice can cost 2–4% in annualised returns. Here's the framework to pick between liquid, hybrid, and PPF based on your horizon.
What to Do When Your PPF Matures — A ₹50 Lakh Deployment Roadmap
Your PPF matured at ₹50 lakh and now you face a choice: extend for another 5 years, withdraw and redeploy, or a mix. Here's a three-bucket allocation framework that balances liquidity, stability, and growth.
Equity Savings Funds — 50/50 Equity-Debt with Equity Tax Treatment
Equity savings funds combine equity (35%+), arbitrage, and debt to qualify for equity tax treatment despite low net equity. Here's the math, the use case, and the misunderstanding most investors have.
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.