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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Why NPS Hasn't Become as Popular as Expected — The Exit-Anxiety Problem
NPS has among the lowest costs, solid returns, and extra ₹50,000 tax deduction. Yet retail adoption is underwhelming. The real reason: investors hate the 40% mandatory annuity. Here's the problem and the recent reforms fixing it.
XIRR vs CAGR — Why Your SIP Returns Look Misleading for Years
A SIP XIRR of 4% after three years doesn't mean the fund is broken. It reflects how XIRR mathematically amplifies recent market moves in young portfolios. Here's the difference between XIRR and CAGR, and how to read your real returns.
The Crossover Point — When Your SIP Actually Starts Compounding for You
Your SIP XIRR is volatile for years. Returns look disappointing. Then something shifts: accumulated gains exceed total contributions, and compounding genuinely takes over. Here's the math behind the "crossover point" — and why patience pays.
Liquid Funds vs Savings Account vs FD: The Math for ₹1 Lakh Parked
₹1 lakh in a savings account earns about 2.5%. The same ₹1 lakh in a liquid fund earns 6.5%. Over 5 years that is ₹20,000 lost to choosing the wrong instrument. Here is when each makes sense.
Why Are Silver ETFs Falling in 2026? The Three Real Reasons
Silver ETFs are down meaningfully in 2026 after the 2024-25 rally. Three forces are driving this — only one is silver-specific. Here is what matters for Indian investors and how not to overreact.
SIF vs PMS vs Mutual Fund — Where Should You Invest ₹10+ Lakh?
With ₹10–50 lakh to invest, you now have three regulated options: Mutual Funds, SIFs, and PMS. Here's a side-by-side comparison and a decision framework to pick the right one for your goals.
SIF (Specialized Investment Fund) — SEBI's New Category Between Mutual Funds and PMS
SIF is SEBI's newest investment vehicle — more flexible than mutual funds, cheaper than PMS, and with a ₹10 lakh minimum. Here's what retail investors need to know about long-short, derivatives-enabled SIF strategies.
Banking & PSU Debt Funds in India 2026 — The Safest Slice of Debt MFs
Banking & PSU debt funds invest 80% in bonds of banks and government undertakings — the lowest credit risk you can get in debt mutual funds short of gilt. Here's what they are, when to use them, and how they're taxed in 2026.
Aggressive Hybrid Funds — The First-Time Equity Investor's Compromise
Aggressive hybrid funds hold 65-80% equity and 20-35% debt — equity exposure with built-in shock absorber. Here's why they're often the right first equity investment for cautious Indians and when to graduate beyond.
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.