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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Long Duration Debt Funds in India — When Long-Bond Bets Pay Off
Long duration funds carry 7+ year duration. Massive gains in falling rate cycles, equally massive losses in rising. Pure interest rate bet, not for the faint-hearted. Here's the data and the rare cases where they belong.
Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) Explained — Lock-In Yield with MF Tax Wrapper
FMPs are closed-ended debt funds that hold bonds till specific maturity dates. Predictable yield like an FD, mutual fund tax structure, no early exit. Here's why they matter and the trap to avoid.
Corporate Bond Funds in India 2026 — The Sweet Spot Between Safety and Yield
Corporate bond funds invest 80%+ in AA+ and above corporate debt. Higher yield than Banking & PSU, much safer than credit risk funds. Here's how the category fits into a smart debt allocation in 2026.
Dynamic Bond Funds — The Most Misunderstood Debt Category in India
Dynamic bond funds let the fund manager freely change duration based on rate views. Sounds smart. The data says active duration calls have mostly underperformed simple short-duration funds. Here's when they actually work.
Credit Risk Funds in India — The Higher-Yield Trap Most Investors Misunderstand
Credit risk funds invest 65%+ in below-AA-rated debt for higher yield. The history is messy — IL&FS 2018, Franklin Templeton 2020. Here's when the category genuinely earns its place and when retail investors should run.
Gilt Funds in India 2026 — Pure Government Bonds Explained
Gilt funds invest 80%+ in government securities — zero credit risk, but high interest rate sensitivity. Here's why they're used, when they shine, and the trap most retail investors fall into.
Mutual Funds Tax in India 2026 — The Complete Updated Guide
Budget 2024 changed how mutual funds are taxed in India. Equity LTCG is now 12.5%, debt MF gains are taxed at slab rate without indexation. Here is the complete updated guide with examples for FY 2025-26 and beyond.
Pure Metal ETFs: 5 Hidden Risks Most Indian Investors Ignore
Gold and silver ETFs feel safer than equity. They are not. Here are five risks Indian planning blogs gloss over — every one has cost retail investors money over the past decade.
Best Arbitrage Funds in India 2026 — Low-Volatility Equity Taxation at 6-7% Returns
Arbitrage funds are the tax-efficient cousin of liquid funds. Equity-linked taxation, near-zero volatility, and 6–7% returns make them ideal for short-term parking by high-tax-bracket investors. Here are the top picks for 2026.
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.