When you invest in mutual funds through a Systematic Investment Plan, each contribution you make – monthly, quarterly, daily, or at any other interval – is invested at different times and with different Net Asset Values. Every installment counts as its own investment, which means that each contribution will experience different market conditions, and holding periods, and generate varying returns.  Using CAGR to evaluate your SIP returns will not provide an accurate picture because CAGR assumes a single investment with constant growth over time. In SIPs, multiple investments happen at different times, and each contribution amount grows at a different…

The RBI’s repo rate cut has made gilt mutual funds look attractive, but blindly investing now can expose you to volatility and unexpected losses. The RBI’s recent repo rate cut has made headlines — and so have gilt mutual funds, which invest exclusively in government securities (80%). With long-term gilt funds showing sharp upward movements, many investors are now tempted to ride the wave. After all, gilt funds are considered safe in terms of credit risk, and with interest rates falling, they seem like a no-brainer. But wait — there’s a lot more beneath the surface. While gilt funds offer…

Image by Pixabay of Pexels Renting a home or apartment comes with a certain kind of freedom. No mortgage, less responsibility for major repairs, and the ability to pack up and move when needed. But sometimes, that freedom can feel limited, especially when you’re living in a space that doesn’t quite reflect your style or comfort level. You might be tempted to treat your rental like your own home and start upgrading things to better suit your tastes. While some small improvements are harmless or even reversible, others can end up costing you money, your security deposit, or even your…